Rialto Square Theatre – Haunted Theatre in Joliet, Illinois

The Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois, is widely regarded as one of the most haunted locations in the state. Known for its stunning 1920s architecture and lavish interior, the theatre has also earned a reputation for ghostly encounters.

Staff members, performers, and visitors alike have reported unexplained occurrences—from cold drafts and disembodied voices to sightings of shadowy figures. With nearly a century of history, it’s no wonder the Rialto’s haunted reputation endures.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1926
• Original Purpose: Vaudeville movie palace and live performance theatre
• Significant Events:
  While no major public tragedies are officially documented, whispers of accidental deaths during the theatre’s construction persist. Over the decades, tales have emerged about performers who passed away backstage and theatergoers who collapsed during shows. Some believe the spirits of these individuals never left.

Paranormal Activity Summary

Guests and employees report an eerie array of supernatural events.

• Cold spots drift through hallways with no natural explanation.
• Phantom footsteps echo from the balcony when no one is there.
• Lights flicker and turn on or off by themselves, especially near the dressing rooms.
• Disembodied whispers are often heard in the upper tiers and stairwells.

One of the most talked-about spirits is the Lady in White, often seen wandering the lobby or peeking from behind curtains on stage. Her presence is almost always accompanied by a sudden drop in temperature.

Ghost Stories & Reports

Many believe the Lady in White is a former performer who died tragically and now haunts the venue she once loved. She’s seen most often before evening shows, sometimes drifting across the stage or appearing in mirrors backstage.

There are also reports of a male spirit—believed to be a former stagehand—who enjoys playing pranks. Staff have found ladders mysteriously moved, props misplaced, and doors that refuse to stay closed.

Locals speak of a shadowy figure that sits silently in one of the balcony seats during rehearsals. When approached, the figure vanishes. It’s become a rite of passage for new performers to look up and spot “the phantom audience member.”

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The main balcony is widely believed to be the most haunted area. People frequently report feeling watched, and many have seen a misty figure seated in the same row, only for it to disappear seconds later.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: Varies depending on the event
• Tour Availability: Ghost tours are occasionally offered during the Halloween season
• Photography Allowed? Yes (outside of performances)
• Visiting Hours: Typically aligned with showtimes; check the official website for special tour hours

Best Time to Visit

The fall and early winter months are known for increased paranormal activity—especially October. Most ghost sightings occur after sunset when the theatre is quiet and dimly lit.

First-Hand Accounts & Eyewitness Reports

Several employees have shared chilling stories of working alone in the theatre after hours and hearing voices whisper their names. In one documented case, a visiting paranormal investigator captured unexplained EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) near the orchestra pit.

A guest attending a wedding at the venue claimed to have seen a woman in a vintage white gown standing by the grand staircase—only to realize moments later that no such woman existed.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

The Rialto Square Theatre has been featured on multiple paranormal shows, including local segments and ghost hunter vlogs. Investigators have recorded electromagnetic spikes, strange audio clips, and unexplainable cold spots, especially near the dressing rooms and backstage corridors.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

There are no legal restrictions during regular operating hours, but unauthorized access after hours is prohibited. Guests are advised not to explore backstage areas alone, as some sections are dimly lit and may pose tripping hazards.