In an effort to make sure the theater located within the Greater Connellsville Community Center is full of life for years to come, the new Edwin S. Porter Theater Association has been created.
President Angie Hamman of Connellsville said the group has been active since July but took the steps toward becoming an official organization in December.
“Our goal and our mission is to bring education, entertainment and culture to the community at a reasonable price and to preserve the theater,” Hamman said.
Secretary Ginny McDowell of Connellsville said there is a lot of talent in the area and the theater will provide a great opportunity for local people to share their talents with the community.
Vice President Jill Oplinger of Indian Head said she has been involved with theater in one way or another since her daughter first performed in the Connellsville Junior High musical.
“My goal is to bring theater to Connellsville and have anyone be involved who wants to be involved with the theater whether they want to act, be involved with costumes, behind the scenes, or even just even just come watch a performance they can. We want to bring the theater experience to as many people in Connellsville as we can,” Oplinger said.
Hamman said the group was responsible for the Rocky Horror Show shadow cast performance in October and brought the Geyer Performing Arts Center's Education Department's Christmas musical to the theater in December.
“Our goal is to have one source of entertainment at the theater each month to give the community something to do and to give added incentive to people on the bike trail to stay in our town overnight,” Treasurer Dolores Tissue of Connellsville said.
Oplinger said the group already has two events scheduled. On Jan. 17, the group will present “Connellsville's Got Talent” and on Feb. 7 it is bringing Patsy Cline Tribute Artist Cathy Rhodes to the stage.
In addition to the performances, the group hopes to eventually offer educational programs for children and possibly start a performing arts scholarship.
Hamman said the organization is about 20 members strong and is looking for new members. Tissue said the association will set regular office hours once it is able to get enough volunteers. Those interested in volunteering their time with the association can call Hamman at 724-812-2303 or stop by the Community Center Thrift Store and talk with Tissue who is the manager there.
Hamman said the new association has been well received by the businesses in the community center.
“We want to thank all of the businesses within the building and the staff there who have been very good to us,” Hamman said. “The goal is to help the theater become self-sustaining so it can help support the building. The building is almost 100 years old and it needs some work and it could stand for another 100 years.”
Tissue said the group is also seeking sponsors and donations which will be used to put on performances and to make improvements to the theater. Those interested in making a tax-deductible donation to the organization can make checks payable to The Edwin S. Porter Theater Association and mail it to P.O, Box 258, Connellsville, PA 15425.
Linda Harkcom is a Trib Total Media contributing writer.
