Norva Theatre

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The NorVa

Location	Norfolk, Virginia
Type	Music venue
Opened	1920s (original) 2000 (reopened)
Website	http://www.thenorva.com/

The NorVA is a performing theatre located in Norfolk, Virginia, with a maximum occupancy of 1,500. The NorVA's name consists of an abbreviation relating to its location.

The NorVA was the brainchild of local music venue entrepreneurs Bill Reid and Rick Mersel, who have also developed the Ntelos Pavilion Harbor Center and have ties to the development of the Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater.^[1]

The NorVA, more than 80 years old, was renovated in 1998. The building is often known by its patrons to be charming and aesthetically pleasing due to its rustic and old-style appearance. The NorVA features top-notch acoustics,^[2] acoustics provided by a state-of-the-art V-DOSC soundsystem and engineered acoustical padding throughout the walls. The NorVA's stage area also features extensive utilities and lighting for special effects. Many bands have regarded the NorVA as one of the best venues in the United States, due not only to its high-grade equipment, but also to its many backstage perks, such as a hot tub, rec room, sauna, and indoor basketball court.

The NorVa also has developed ties with Innuendo Entertainment, based in the Norfolk area. The Entertainment group has booked several shows for local bands at the NorVa, including Mile High School, Nancy Jane, Regina George, and Seven Hour Drive.

In 2003 the hard rock band Chevelle released a DVD entitled "Live from the Norva."