Only a handful of historic theaters remain in Florida. The Milane Amusement Company developed the building, which originally was known as the Milane Theater. Incorporated in 1922, the Company derived its name by combining parts of the names of its president, Frank L. Miller, and Vice-president, Edward F. Lane.
The Theatre is built on the site of the former Star Theatre, which was a failed movie house that had stood abandoned several years, and began making plans for the new entertainment center. Augusta, Georgia Architects Scroggs and Ewing were hired to prepare the plans. The Georgia architects associated with Sanford Architect Elton J. Moughton for the project. Moughton, over the years, prepared plans for many of Sanford's buildings.
When completed in July 1923, Sanford's Milane Theater seated 823 patrons, contained a four-story fly, and included a proscenium arch and orchestra pit. Live dramas and movies were well- attended. The editors of the Sanford Daily Herald proclaimed the building as "a much needed asset in the City Substantial", and boasted that "this city now has a real theater and one of which the City can well feel proud".
During its historic period, 1923-1950, the Theatre building accommodated live stage shows and motion pictures. Early features at the Milane included "Sherlock Holmes" with John Barrymore, "Good-Bye Girls" with William Russell: and "Three Ages" with Buster Keaton. Segments of "Good-Bye Girls" were filmed in Sanford. In 1936, the management inaugurated its "March of Progress" season with hits that later received nominations for Academy Awards-"Tale of Two Cities" and "Trail of the Lonesome Pine".
The Ritz community Theater Projects, Inc., under the leadership of Helen L. Stairs, a local resident and real estate broker, a Not-for-profit Corporation was formed and they began applying for grants to restore the building.
The Board of Directors of the Ritz Community Theater Projects, Inc. renamed the Theatre the Helen Stairs Theatre for the Performing Arts in honor of Helen Stairs who lead the restoration effort. The newly restored Theatre was dedicated to the Community during the grand re-opening gala, May 6, 2000. Congressman John Mica officiated and famed actress/singer Melba Moore performed. The Theatre enjoys recognition in the Congressional Records of the United States and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In July 2001, former President/CEO of the Sanford/Seminole County Chamber of Commerce and Theatre Board member, Ronald E. Rose, was hired as the newly restored Theatre's first full-time employee.
