Since reopening in 1993, the Carlisle Theatre has brought entertainment, joy, culture, and a renewed sense of pride to downtown Carlisle. The marquee is lit and provides a beacon of excitement to all who stop in or pass by. The Theatre presents a wide variety of musical and live performances, independent and foreign films, and programming designed to accommodate the interests and tastes of the Carlisle area community we serve.

During the 2003-2004 fiscal year, more than 30,000 individuals attended over 190 events and presentations.

Live performances include "Mainstage" events for adult audiences and "On and Off Stage for Kids" (OOSK) offerings that entertain and challenge young minds. Some of the OOSK performances are scheduled on weekdays during school hours to serve as field trips for area school children. Additionally, some performances enlist local talent - both children and adult.

The Mainstage schedule for spring 2005 includes Judy Collins, Bjorn Again, A Tribute to the Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band and The Synergy Brass Quintet.

The Hollywood on High (HOH) film series brings high-quality films selected by a volunteer-based HOH film committee. The chosen movies are unlikely to be offered by the local commercial theatres.

Educational opportunities include workshops presented by artists appearing on our stage and drama and music classes offered in the summer with emphasis on reaching the disadvantaged children in our area community.

Additionally, many community and non-profit groups use the Theatre for their performances and/or fundraising events. Such groups include Cantate Carlisle (which in 2004 became the Theatre's chamber choir in residence), the West Shore Symphony, the Carlindian Chorus, Pennsylvania Youth Music and Theatrics, the Amani Festival, and the Carlisle OIC. Joint projects have been undertaken with groups such as Dickinson College, the County Library System, the Cumberland County Historical Society, and the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.

The Theatre is not simply bricks and mortar. It is the look on a young child's face seeing a live performance for the first time or experiencing the thrill and challenge of participating in the performing arts. It is the shared enjoyment of the arts as a member of an audience - a sharing that helps us reveal ourselves to each other as feeling individuals - which we believe greatly increases our sense of community.

History

The Theatre was constructed and originally opened in 1939. Built in the Art Deco style, it was the first centrally air conditioned building in Carlisle!

The Theatre flourished through the 1960s attracting sell-out audiences on Friday and Saturday nights and acting as the "hub" of a vibrant downtown. With the advent of the Cineplexes at or near shopping malls, the Theatre entered a state of decline in the 1970s, eventually closing in 1986. In the last years of operation and later as a closed facility, capital maintenance was deferred and the property, though still structurally sound, deteriorated badly.

In response to a desire to see the Theatre reopened as an anchor to a changing and revitalized downtown, a group of area citizens organized in 1989. The organization was incorporated in 1990 as the Carlisle Regional Performing Arts Center, Inc. The corporation, governed by a Board of Directors representing the area community, is a 501C3 non-profit whose mission is "to provide a regional cultural center for the performing arts and educational opportunities to meet the diverse needs of the communities we serve."

A broad based fund raising campaign was undertaken in 1990 and raised $200,000 from over 800 individuals. The fund provided for acquisition of the building in 1991 and the installation of a new roof.

A second fund raising campaign the following year successfully raised several hundred thousand dollars. With the help of area contractors and community volunteers donating time and materials, those funds were stretched. Renovations brought the auditorium up to code and restored its 1930's Art Deco brilliance. Additionally, an office for theatre operations and several rental spaces were prepared. The Theatre reopened in the summer of 1993.

Where We Are Now

In order to provide the best possible experience for all groups who attend and use the Theatre, we must take a number of actions to maintain and improve the facility. These projects include re-glazing the facade to restore the exterior; repairing and repainting the interior walls; replacing the stage curtains, stage floor, and carpeting; and upgrading the bathroom and office facilities as well as the heating and air-conditioning units.

In addition, we plan to upgrade and improve our sound system. This will significantly enhance the film viewing experience, add to the enjoyment of our live shows, and reduce the production costs for us and other community groups using the building.

These projects and improvements will cost a minimum of $450,000, which we intend to raise in this campaign.

The Carlisle Theatre is poised to serve as the focal point for the continuing restoration of Downtown Carlisle and to serve the interests of a growing and vibrant Carlisle area community. It is therefore, our collective obligation and privilege to find the resources to continue to support this August and dynamic landmark. We ask you to help keep the dream alive.