The Avenue Theatre in downtown West Plains has been host to many strange events. Built in 1950 as a movie theater, it has a balcony section that was originally segregated. On quiet nights, a baby’s cry can be heard near where the old projection booth was located. Objects sometimes go missing and reappear in different places. The stage curtains occasionally move as if someone walks backstage, despite there being no air conditioning. The theater gives off an unsettling feeling of being watched, especially when alone at night.