No photograph
on file
Theater / Performance Venue

Craighead Company

The Strand/Forum Theatre and Its Enduring Resident Charlie

115 E Monroe Ave, Jonesboro, AR 72401

Wheelchair Accessible Research-Backed · 2 sources

Research updated May 2026

Age

All Ages

Cost

$$

Ticket prices vary by performance; check Foundation of Arts website for schedule

Access

Wheelchair OK

Renovated historic theater in downtown Jonesboro

Equipment

Photos OK

ApparitionsPhantom soundsPoltergeist activityObject movement

Charlie does not confine himself to one location. His appearances have been documented in the attic, on the catwalk above the stage, in the boiler room, in the balcony, and in the projection booth — essentially the full vertical range of the building's backstage infrastructure.

His clothing changes between sightings. This is an unusual detail in apparition lore, where residual figures typically appear in fixed costume. One account describes him in a red shirt and casual pants. Another sighting offers different clothing. The inconsistency has been noted in accounts of the theater's history without resolution.

The eye contact account stands as the most specific. A visitor making his way toward the projection booth rounded a corner in the balcony and found himself within two feet of Charlie — face to face. He initially assumed the figure was a friend. Charlie vanished before he could speak. Another witness reported seeing Charlie seated on a heating duct in the attic while checking a faulty heating unit.

The grand piano incident predates any specific Charlie account and may represent a separate category of phenomenon. Workers delivering a new grand piano to the theater stepped away for a break, leaving the instrument sealed in its packing crate. When they returned, the piano was playing a recognizable tune. The instrument was not a self-playing model.

A name-erasure incident adds a different texture to the history: at some point, posters bearing Charlie's name were painted over. The event was interpreted by theater staff as a harmless prank. This suggests that whoever did it was aware of the name — that Charlie was already a known presence before the vandalism, not after it.

Notable Entities

Charlie

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Sources & Further Reading

Every HauntBound history is researched from documented sources. We clearly separate verified historical fact from paranormal folklore.

  1. 1.foajonesboro.org/about/facilities/the-forum
  2. 2.cinematreasures.org/theaters/8741

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Craighead Company family-friendly?
A fully operational community performing arts venue with a well-developed ghost lore around a named figure. Charlie is described as mischievous rather than threatening. Suitable for all ages. Overall family fit: High.
How much does it cost to visit Craighead Company?
Ticket prices vary by performance; check Foundation of Arts website for schedule
Do I need to book in advance?
No advance booking is required, but checking availability is recommended.
Is Craighead Company wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Craighead Company is wheelchair accessible. Terrain: Renovated historic theater in downtown Jonesboro.