Mishler Theatre – Haunted Historic Theatre in Altoona, Pennsylvania

The Mishler Theatre in Altoona is more than just a stage for live performances. Built in the early 1900s, this grand old venue has a long and eerie history. Many believe it is haunted by spirits that never took their final bow.

Locals and visitors alike have reported strange sightings, ghostly figures, and unexplained sounds echoing through the dark, empty hallways. The theatre’s rich past and tragic events may hold the key to its lingering supernatural guests.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1906
• Original Purpose: Vaudeville Theatre
• Significant Events:
  In 1906, just months after opening, a fire nearly destroyed the entire building. It was rebuilt quickly, but the tragedy left a mark. Some say that the fire claimed lives, though no official records confirm deaths.

In the following decades, many actors and staff worked—and possibly died—within its walls. Rumors suggest a performer took his own life in the dressing room. Another tale speaks of a stagehand who fell from the catwalk.

Paranormal Activity Summary

Cold spots are common, especially backstage. Lights flicker without reason. Visitors often hear footsteps pacing on the stage when no one is there.

Disembodied voices have been picked up on recordings. Objects sometimes move on their own, particularly stage props. The most chilling reports come from staff who have worked alone late at night.

A few say they’ve seen a man in an old-fashioned suit watching from the balcony. Some believe it’s the ghost of Isaac Mishler, the theatre’s founder.

Ghost Stories & Reports

One of the most talked-about ghosts is a woman seen standing near the dressing rooms. She wears a long gown and vanishes into thin air when approached.

Another spirit is said to be that of a former actor, possibly the man who died by suicide. He has been seen pacing nervously backstage, as if preparing for a performance that never comes.

Some believe the fire stirred up restless spirits who still linger. A few theatre-goers have claimed to hear faint music and clapping, even when the auditorium is empty.

Local legend has it that Mishler Theatre is a “portal” of sorts—where the past lingers closer to the present than we think.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The backstage area, especially near the old dressing rooms, is said to be the most active. Some staff refuse to be there alone after dark.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: Varies by performance
• Tour Availability: Occasional haunted tours during October; inquire with theatre staff
• Photography Allowed? Yes, during tours and shows (no flash)
• Visiting Hours? Based on show schedules and event timings

Best Time to Visit

Fall, especially around Halloween, is when ghost sightings are most often reported.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

Several local ghost hunting groups have explored the Mishler. One group claimed to capture a clear EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) of a man saying, “It’s not over.”

Thermal cameras have picked up unexplained heat signatures in empty rooms. Shadows have been recorded moving across the stage when the theatre was locked.

Next time you’re in Altoona, don’t just catch a show—listen closely. The Mishler might be hosting more than just live performances. And if you feel someone sitting beside you in an empty seat… well, you’re not alone.