Guthrie, OK (December 13th, 2021) – Thursday, December 9th, the Pollard Theatre and State Capital Publishing Museum welcomed over one hundred political figures to experience the charm of Guthrie's historic district as a reminder of the city's cultural significance and need for preservation.
In response to the Pollard Theatre's recent application for state ARPA funding, the City of Guthrie has pledged up to $100,000 in matching funds to preserve the historic theatre. The possible grant award would furnish the necessary reserves to restore and preserve the Pollard Theatre, including an essential upgrade to the theatre's current lighting system, ensuring long-term sustainability for generations of patrons.
"We are optimistic our state administrators will recognize the importance of this project and its far-reaching impact in increasing tourism and spurring economic activity in the region by drawing visitors to Guthrie'," says Executive Director Kara Luther-Chapman. "We are honored to have continued support from Senator Hall and Representative Mize and grateful for their continued work in demonstrating our institutions significance."
Visitors were able to experience the highlights of Guthrie, beginning with dinner at the State Capital Publishing Museum then attending a private performance of It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at the Pollard Theatre. The event included exclusive tours of the historic buildings and complimentary festive beverages from Guthrie's only distillery WanderFolk Spirits. The State Capital Publishing Museum was built in 1902, and Pollard Theatre in 1901 from native brick and stone standing today as reminders of Oklahoma's past.
"This area is our history, and the Pollard is the cornerstone of Guthrie's historic district and an essential component to our great state's legacy," says State Representative Garry Mize. "I fondly remember attending A Territorial Christmas Carol as a child and its impact on me as a youth, an experience I hope other children will be able to experience, including my own."
Based on AEP5 reporting during the fiscal year 2015, spending by the City of Guthrie's nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and their audiences totaled $3.9 million, resulting in substantial revenue for the area. In addition, since its premiere in 1987 the Pollard's iconic production A Territorial Christmas Carol has welcomed over 100,000 attendees, slated to return in 2022.
Under the visionary leadership of Artistic Director, Jared Blount the Pollard Theatre Company is a historic resident theatre recognized by patrons, critics, and artists as one of the leading theatrical producers in central Oklahoma. Initially formed as a Resident Theatre Company in 1987, Pollard's sense of "company" now extends to a local pool of talented artists, creators, and collaborators. At its core, the theater is a communal, collective experience. The Pollard is committed to finding ways to strengthen connections and community through live performance.
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play runs until December 23rd, 2021. Tickets are available online at www.thepollard.org. The Pollard Theatre Company produces with additional support from the Oklahoma Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, The Shubert Foundation, Wanderfolk Spirits, and the Kirkpatrick Foundation.