The Galion Community Theatre was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1984. In 1993, Galion Community Theatre acquired its current home at 127 Harding Way West - also known as, "The Galion." This was made possible through the generosity of Richard and Elaine Hottenroth who donated the building. Our organization is governed by a fifteen-member, volunteer board of trustees, truly a "working board," which oversees, maintains, and repairs the theatre; raises funding; and produces an annual season of four theatrical productions, community events, and, as funding is acquired, concerts featuring professional artists.
Located at 127 Harding Way West, the Galion Theatre opened in July of 1949 as a state-of-the-art 1,200 seat movie theatre and operated as a movie house until the early 1970s. It was then used as a restaurant and a nightclub until 1983. Various ventures were housed there until 1993 when it was purchased by our organization in a greatly deteriorated state. The Galion Community Theatre's mission from that time on has been to renovate the building into a first-rate facility for providing the community with opportunities to experience the performing arts as performers, volunteers, and patrons.
Since the original improvements to the building in 1993, which included the installation of an emergency lighting system, overhead canister lights, and the partial repair of the original marquee, the building has been renovated to its present condition as a 230 seat theatrical house, complete with professional lighting and sound systems, an expanded stage area, an art exhibit gallery, a restored front lobby and original ticket booth, remodeled restrooms, and the creation of backstage facilities, including dressing rooms, a make-up room, and a green room. The historic old marquee, reportedly one of the few remaining neon-lighted marquees in the state, has been fully restored to its original glory.
With the financial support of community foundations, legacies from the estates of deceased members, and generous donations from local service clubs, businesses, and individuals, the Galion Community Theatre has to date invested approximately $1,000,000 + worth of purchased improvements to the Galion Theatre, a sum which does not include the thousands of dollars of donated material and tens of thousands of hours of volunteer labor and expertise which have gone into the project.
Our board of trustees is dedicated to the Galion Theatre's maintenance and to promoting performing arts opportunities within the community; however, the historic theatre presently requires a monthly operating budget of $3,000. If you would like to help to continue the Galion Community Theatre's mission, please consider becoming a member, becoming a volunteer, and / or making a donation. We thank you for your support.
Listed below is the current Galion Community Theatre board of directors - thank you for all that you do!
- Amy Jarvis - President
- Todd Price - Vice President
- Jonathan Pierce - Secretary
- Charlie Adcock
- Crystal Ebner
- Tim Groth
- Sandy Hoffer
- Beth Anne Jarvis
- Rachel Jarvis
- Katie Schwall
- Kim Spencer
- Michael Swick
- Emily Woodmansee
- Jeremiah Woodmansee
- Elaine Hottenroth, Emeritus
If you are interested in becoming a board member, please contact us at (419) 468 2662 or GCTheatre@live.com.
Our next elections will be held in December 2022.