Pollard Theatre - Guthrie, Oklahoma
Tucked into the heart of downtown Guthrie, the Pollard Theatre stands as a testament to Oklahoma’s vibrant past and thriving cultural present. Built in 1901 from brick and native stone, its original purpose was anything but theatrical—it first housed Patterson Furniture and even functioned as a funeral parlor, reflecting the era's common practice of cabinet makers also crafting coffins.
From Vaudeville to Center Stage
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1919: George Pollard converted the building into a vaudeville house and silent film venue, renaming it “Pollard Theatre”.
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1929: A.R. Powell took over, adding sound system capabilities and a grand stage, and renamed it the “Melba.”
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The Powell family operated the venue until 1984, when it closed. The Guthrie Arts & Humanities Council then initiated a full-scale restoration—preserving hand-painted murals, expanding the proscenium stage to 30 feet, installing a fly-rail system and new seating.
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1987 marked the rebirth: the Pollard Theatre Company was founded (in partnership with Langston University initially), restored the original name, and transformed it into a non-profit professional theater.
A Cornerstone of Community & Culture
Today, the Pollard Theatre is celebrated as one of Oklahoma’s most iconic theaters. Like many of Guthrie’s Victorian-era buildings, it enriches the town’s historic charm, adding to its reputation as a vibrant cultural hub—with festivals, art walks, and live music woven into the local fabric.
The theatre not only uplifts Guthrie through arts and tourism but is an active employer in the performing arts sector—bringing in actors, technicians, directors, and musicians year-round.
What's On Stage
The Pollard Theatre Company delivers an engaging mix of mainstage productions and performance series throughout the year, blending classic drama, musicals, comedy, and specialty shows.
Upcoming highlights include:
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The Shark Is Broken (June 13 – July 5, 2025), a backstage comedy with Richard Dreyfuss, Roy Scheider, and Robert Shaw.
- The SpongeBob Musical (March 14 – April 5, 2025), a family‑friendly hit showcasing music from artists like Sara Bareilles, John Legend, and Cyndi Lauper.
- The beloved annual Territorial Christmas Carol (Nov – Dec), a local holiday tradition that’s been running for over 30 years—tallying over 1,000 performances and 150,000 attendees.
Rising from Challenges
The pandemic posed serious challenges—Guthrie’s theaters, including the Pollard, saw empty seats and lost revenue. They even contended with lightning damage in 2021, causing delays and canceled shows. But fueled by federal aid, donor contributions, and community support, they’ve bounced back with renewed purpose.
The Pollard Theatre is more than an attractive historic structure—it’s a living beacon of the arts in Guthrie. From vaudeville roots, through silent films and talkies, to today’s full‑scale professional productions, its resilience shines. Whether you're a local theater enthusiast or a visitor exploring Guthrie’s charming streets, a night at the Pollard is a step into Oklahoma's storied past and vibrant creative future.