The theater was designed in the Mission Revival style and features a stucco interior, a large arch around the entrance designed to resemble an arcade, and a projecting eave topped with Spanish tiles.

The theater was used for plays and vaudeville entertainment, traveling musicians, and showing films; its predecessor was the first theater in Sesser to be built with a projection room.

The building also hosted local meetings and events as well as entertainment performed by community members.

[2] The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

The Sesser Opera House is one of three Franklin County sites listed on the National Register.