Opening night, May 9th, 1990.

As the theatre lights dimmed, signaling the beginning of the show, all conversations ceased and the air was charged with electric anticipation. Suddenly, the state came to life, and with it began a grand entertainment tradition for the entire family.

Sapulpa Community Theatre, Inc. had its humble beginnings back in 1978 when a small group of actors, led by John B. Clark and Wanda Lovelace, banded together as the Sapulpa Community Players. The principal goal was to produce shows as a fundraising vehicle for local charities. Productions were staged on an ad-hoc basis whenever and wherever a location, cast and crew could be assembled.

It was in the latter part of 1988 when it was decided to incorporate into what is now known as Sapulap Community Theatre, Inc. Sapulpa Community Theatre, Inc. (also known as simply SCT) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization run by a Board of Directors comprised of volunteers.

Having high hopes but only $500 in cash, the new corporation set its sights on the old Church of Christ Scientist building located at 124 S. Water Street, which had been built in 1947. In June, 1989, a group of six people who shared the dream backed a note to purchase the building for $27,000. Work to create the theatre building you see today began.

The first show to be presented in the newly-renovated building was You Can’t Take It With You in May, 1990. The first full season began October 5th, 1990 and included The Mousetrap, 1940s Radio Hour, Never Too Late and The Foreigner.

Due to overwhelming support from the community, local businesses, and foundation grants, renovation was made to the then-76-seat theatre, which totaled over $20,000. In August 1991, the final payment on the original building was made. In April of 1992 a new heating and air conditioning system was installed principally funded by the Bartlett Foundation. A grant from the Wegener Foundation allowed us to have youth programs that summer, which included a youth-oriented musical. Within two years, civic-minded Sapulpans interested in theater turned a $27,000 debt into a $42,000 asset known as the Sapulpa Community Theatre (SCT). Throughout the years, thanks to the support of the Sapulpa community, many quality productions—including musicals at the Sapulpa High School—have entertained our local audiences.

Our goal since that time has been to bring quality entertainment to our community. In the wake of declining exposure to the arts in the school systems, we believe that our little theatre fills an ever-increasing void. Through our community theatre, adults and students alike are given the opportunity to experience live theatre through participation and attendance.

In the summer of 2013, through a series of unfortunate events, SCT was faced with possible closure. With a deficit of $100, a cry went out to the community. We opened our storage building and sold everything except the bare necessities, we went to local organizations and spoke to raise awareness of our plight. The Tulsa World picked up our story and let the Tulsa community know of our situation. Local Tulsa ABC affiliate KTUL aired the story as well. The community responded and the theatre was saved!

Our pledge to the community was to be good stewards of all that would be entrusted to us. We opened our 2014-2015 season to packed houses. Our season ticket sales were better than they had ever been in the history of the theatre. We promised to produce shows that were entertaining, professional, and as family-friendly as possible. We still hold to that promise.

We are happy to report that we are back on solid financial footing and are looking toward the future with great enthusiasm. By choosing plays that we believe the community would like to see and participate in, we have been able to sell enough tickets to pay for the expenses of each show and cover our utility costs. Our vision remains the same: quality, family-friendly theatre; a venue for actors of all ages to exercise and improve their talents; a theatre owned by the community and an asset of which all can be proud.

With continued support from the community, the future is bright for Sapulpa Community Theatre.

See you at the theatre!