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1906 OrpheumLyric Theatre Artists Conception 2025

The Orpheum was originally built on this 216 Seneca Street Oil City location!

Vaudeville houses were prevelant in our city during the early 1900's due to the active oil fields in the surrounding hills and valleys. Variety acts of all sorts could be experienced.
For a summary of the Oil City historic theatre district go to ORLA - Hidden Heritage Early Theaters

Keys to Success of the Lyric Theatre Rehabiltation Project:
   *Reclaiming the old store front for a performance space, 214 seat auditorium, and spacious lobby
   * Marketing the services of a performance arts center to patrons enjoying many forms of entertainment
   * Developing a year round event packagefor a variety of patrons from all socio-economic backgounds
Board of Trustees announcing that community support has currently matched our Public and private grant requirements. Let the bidding and construction process begin! Anticipated opening late 2025 if all goes as planned.
Photo by Vicki Clark
 CDCA announces the completion of its construction fund raising efforts with a $40,000 grant from Venango County. This completes the match portion of the State $925,000 RACP grant. The balance of the match funds came from an Appalachian Regional Commission Grant for $500.000, several local foundations, Karma Concerts and the generous donations from local business and individuals. CDCA also received a State Local Share Account Grant of $200,000 not part of match funds.  The construction portion of the 2.3 million dollar project is estimated at approximately 2 million dollars.

Final touches to the building plans are currently being completed for State and Federal inspection prior to going out for bid. Current schedule calls for The Lyric Theatre to open in the fall of 2025.

Donations will continue to be accepted to cover operational costs during construction, the building “fit out” and soft goods not covered by public funds. The Lyric Theatre Rehabilitation, c/o The Colonel Drake Cultural Alliance, Inc.  P.O. Box 1145 Oil City, PA  16301 or on line by using this link to our account with Bridge Builders Community Foundations.

Sponsors for November 2023 Billy's has Karma
Sponsors for December 2023 Billy's has Karma Concerts
Sponsors for January 2024 Billy's has Karma Concerts
Sponsors for February 2024 Billy's has Karma Concerts

A view of the 1927 plasterwork remaining intact in the Lyric Theatre


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