ENID, OK - 103 years ago this month, the Billings Theater opened its doors! There are 103 years worth of art, memories, fun, and laughter in that building!
Gaslight Theatre has called that building home for nearly 35 years and they continue to revive and restore the space so it can provide entertainment to Enid and the surrounding areas for another 103 years.
In honor of The Billings Theater 103rd birthday Gaslight is looking to collect 103 donations of $103 each!
The funds raised will go toward the auditorium renovations that are scheduled to start this summer. The auditorium is the heart of the theatre and is need of new seating, flooring, lighting and wall coverings.
To sweeten the pot if you donate the $103 you will be entered into a drawing for a 6-pack of tickets! To see more information on the project and to donate visit https://www.gaslighttheatre.org/the-revival.html.
Gaslight Theatre broke ground in 2022 signifying the beginning of renovations for the 100 year old building. Tiffany Harvey, capital campaign chairman, led the event as a crowd of supporters and press looked on. Steve Nafus ceremoniously broke tile to officially kick off the beginning of construction. Nafus and his deceased wife, Merry Lee, were big supporters of the project.
Gaslight: The Revival is a $1,000,000 capital campaign with the goal of a complete renovation of the theatre, top to bottom and front to back. They have divided the Capital Campaign into four phases to focus on each area of the theatre. Corbin & Mertz are the design team and Henson Construction will handle the work.
Phase one project is a renovation to the facade of the Gaslight Theatre. This face lift consists of adding vertical signage that is reminiscent of the former Chief Theater. Keeping with the nostalgia of the original 1921 building, but upgrading to a digital marquee. Accents of lighting and new windows and doors finishes off the renovation.
The phase two project focuses on the auditorium and the seats. Those investing at the Back a Seat Level can take pride in the restoration of the large comfortable seats. Seats will be repaired and reupholstered. New paint and repairs for the walls with the addition of large displays of historical photos our downtown district will once again honor the history of our building and the district.
Phase three of the project focuses on the backstage green room and downstairs dress rooms. Dozen of volunteers, on stage and off, come through the theatre each season and these amazing volunteers deserve a welcoming, comfortable, and safe safe to prepare for each show. With these improvements, Gaslight Theatre also hopes to invite guest performers and entertainers and provide them will a professional and welcoming space.
The last phase, phase four, completes the renovation in the lobby, restrooms, and box office. Adding a concession and merchandise area in the lobby as well as updating the box office provides a welcoming atmosphere to patrons and volunteers. The phase also focuses on updating restrooms to be more ADA compliant and accessible to all patrons.
The Gaslight Theatre was founded in 1966 under its original name of Enid Community Theatre. Gaslight is one of Oklahoma’s oldest and most active community theatres. They are located at 221 N. Independence.
If you would like to pledge money, donate or lend a hand contact Harvey or the Gaslight board at (580) 234-2307. More information about the theater and capital campaign can be found at https://www.gaslight theatre.org/the-revival.
