Sayre Theatre History

(Formerly the Sayre Opera House-1913, Sayre PA)

In the fall of 1995, the Arts Council initiated a $400,000 construction phase at the Sayre Theatre, which created a renovated lobby, an art gallery, two new cinemas and a more intimate performance center at the Valley theatre.  Three years later, the Final Phase of the construction was completed with the dedication of the largest of the three cinemas, the Guthrie Performing Arts Center.  All live performances are presented in this space as well as premiere movies.

This project was made possible through generous volunteer efforts, material and financial donations and a plan that was realistic in its expectations.  Visitors and area residents are all amazed at the changes that have transformed the old Sayre Opera House, established in 1913, into a modern, comfortable and friendly arts center.

With the help of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts on Tour, Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, regional sponsors and the United Way, live events are presented, ranging from the Nightlife on the Susquehanna series to the School Time Youth series.  The Missoula Children’s Theatre residency also takes place at the Sayre Theatre.  This year’s Nightlife series will bring puppetteer Hua Hua Zhang, singer Christine Lavin and the Winding River Players to the Sayre Theatre.

For 12 years Margie Ross has been a fixture at the Sayre Theatre.  As Manager she has been selected Business Person of the Year in the Valley and led a group of staff and volunteers to work for community projects.  Numerous community funraisers have been based at the Theatre ranging from this year’s $2,400 Donuts for Mason fundraiser to the partnership with Guthrie fundraisers that raised over $25,000 for the Tsunami Relief Fund of UNICEF and a similar amount for the Hurricane Relief Fund of the Red Cross.

Theatre Manager Marjorie Ross has as her 2007 staff:  David Bernett, John Bernett, Gloria Ciavardini, Shane Donnelly, Frank Galizia, Karen Lantz, Adam Murtland, Nancy Pack, Timothy P. Waite II, Clint Wandell, Abby Wells and Erica Williams.  Many volunteers help including Mike Ross and Ginny Buchmann.