Sayre Theatre History

The Sayre Theatre  (Formerly the Sayre Opera House-1914, 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, built in 1914, 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, Major 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 MCT production will be King Arthur's Quest and will be performed at the Sayre Theatre on October 10, 2009.

For 16 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 fundraisers have been based at the Theatre and raised over $100,000 (often in partnership with Guthrie) addressing projects ranging from small local needs to the Tsunami Relief Fund of UNICEF, the Hurricane Relief Fund of the Red Cross and the Haiti Relief fundraiser this past winter.

Upstairs, above the lobby is the Sayre Theatre's Hollywood Café room, a quaint little spot available for birthday parties. Spanish classes are held there each Tuesday as well. The room is available to rent for any occasion or party. It is air conditioned and is a great place for meetings.  Average rental fee is $40 for the first hour.

Margie's staff includes Karen Lantz, Gloria Ciavardini, Nancy Pack, Ian Greer, Erica Greer, Cindy Ross, Patrick Donnelly, Brian Tubbs, Haleigh Waite, Sebrina and Serina Emms, Sarah Benjamin, Tim Waite and Abby Wells.  Many volunteers help out at the Sayre Theatre. The volunteers include: Virginia Buchmann, Mike Ross, Jan Scott, Janice Gardner, Dr Frank Galizia, Steve Alexander, Tom Donnelly, and Jeff Paul. Many thanks are directed to the volunteers of the Sayre Theatre.