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Charlie Chaplin at the Lyric?

You can help our dream come true

Bring Up the Curtain

Please help bring up the curtain! We are engaged in a funding campaign to raise the money to complete the renovation. Contractor estimates are about 18 months of construction once funds are received and work begun.

Donate at a level that is significant to you!
We seek to raise about $1M more in public and private funding soon so we can open the theatre and continue the economic development of the region.

Some Background

Orpheum Oil City 1906   1926 theatre facade at 216 Seneca Street, Oil City, PA  2024 theatre facade2025 Architect conceptual image

Lyric Theatre History

  • Orpheum Theater opened 1906
  • Princess Theater 1917
  • Cameo Theater
  • Cameo damaged by fire → rebuilt by Holmes Crosby
  • Lyric opened 1927
  • Vaudeville house until 1937
  • Operated as a movie house until 1953
  • Converted to storefronts in 1955
  • 2001: Community Playhouse, Inc. purchased building
  • 2006: Colonel Drake Cultural Alliance assumed management

Short Term Projects

  • Replace auditorium roof (complete)
  • Demo and clear interior (complete)
  • Emergency exit (complete)
  • Removal of floor over raked auditorium (complete)
  • New stage electric panel (complete)
  • Auditorium/Stage work lights (complete)
  • Dressing room hallway lighting (complete)
  • Framing for restrooms (complete)
  • Back stage wall, dressing rooms cleaned and painted (complete)
  • Temporary furnace and gas meter (complete)

Much remains to be done. You can help!Auditorium under renovation  Donate now!!

 Thank you for your consideration!!!

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