The Star Theater was a small town movie house that originally opened in 1949. It was completely renovated into a community theater for live performances by the Russell County Arts Council in the early 1990s with funds raised by grants, and donations from the governments of Russell Springs and the county seat city of Jamestown, as well as private individuals.

Since opening the remodeled Star Theater in July 1994, the Russell County Arts Council has staged over a hundred productions ranging from major plays to dance and musical performances, from performances by the Lake Cumberland Choral Society to gospel singings, to magic shows and even a dulcimer concert. Country music superstar Steve Wariner, who grew up in Russell Springs, has performed to sellout crowds. In addition to providing a "professional" venue for students enrolled in Russell County High School's drama classes, the theater has been used for programs involving the community's School Safety Programs.

An innovative series of plays performed by casts consisting entirely of children in all roles has given local and area youth a significant stage and performing experience. Many of these have gone on to perform with the theater in adult roles, and several have advanced into drama programs at major universities.

Additionally, the Star Theater and its annex building, the Norfleet Gallery, have been used to focus on other artistic endeavors. An annual Arts & Crafts festival is held in November, allowing regional writers, artists and craftspersons opportunities to display and sell their works. The smaller Gallery inside the Star Theater usually features displays of local and regional art, photographs, quilting and more during the performance runs of major productions.

Major musical productions have included several annual performances of The Nutcracker ballet, plus major Broadway shows such as Annie, Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music and others. Dramas and comedic plays featuring casts of up to 60 persons have included classics such as Frankenstein, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, The Odd Couple, Oliver Twist, The Secret Garden, Tom Sawyer and others. Contemporary plays have included Beauty & The Beast, Faith County, Here Come The Brides, Lizzie Borden, Night Mother, Rumors, Steel Magnolias, Ten Little Indians, Twelve Angry People and others. Several original plays have been performed in recent years as well.