For centuries, people have gathered in large spaces to watch entertainment, a concept that led to the development of theaters. Early versions of these venues were known as "amusement halls" and penny arcades. Despite their long history, theaters are now experiencing a rapid decline in popularity.

The invention of moving pictures led to the rise of theaters and public screenings. Initially, there were no projectors or screens. Instead, Thomas Edison and his assistant William Dickson created the Kinetoscope, a coin-operated device for viewing short films. These early films included 20-second loops featuring Eugene Sandow flexing, a cockfight, and Annie Oakley shooting her rifle.

William Paul, founding director of film and media studies at Washington University in St. Louis, described early

See Full Page