The building known as the "Fox Theatre" was built by Albert Barnett and opened its doors January 28, 1927 as the World Theatre. It featured five Vaudeville acts of live entertainment every Sunday. The World Theatres, a Nebraska chain out of Omaha, operated the theatre for several years, then turned their lease over to the Rocky Mountain Theatre Company, who in turn sold their lease to The Fox Theatre Corporation.

In 1974, the theatre was purchased by Bison Enterprises, Inc., that also operated the Bison Drive In Theatre.

In 1978, John and Eileen Hubert bought the building, and several operators leased the theatre until 1987, when the showing of movies ceased. During that time the balcony of the theatre was closed off to create a second theatre and a second projection booth was created at the back of the main floor. In 1988, the Huberts sold the building to the Alliance for the Encouragement of Visual and Performing Arts (AEVPA), a non-profit corporation. The Alliance has made the facility available to Theatre Groups, The McCook Concert Association, Storytelling Festivals, Church services and concerts, School concerts and many other organizations.

In May of 2005, a group of community-minded citizens assumed control of the non-profit corporation with the intent to completely renovate/refurbish the theatre while preserving its historical integrity and making the completed project available to area citizens for various uses.

The Alliance is in the process of completing various projects as funds become available. The goal is to continue to make the community's Fox Theatre the "Showplace" for the Visual and Performing Arts in Southwest Nebraska.