Woodward Arts Theatre: Stage & Culture in the Heart of Town

Woodward Arts Theatre stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of downtown Woodward.

 

With its iconic illuminated marquee and restored Renaissance-style architecture, this 1929-built venue has transformed from a talkie-era movie house into a thriving hub for performing arts, community events, and cultural connection.

 

Built in 1929, the theater opened its doors for the first time on November 8, 1929, screening "Illusion" starring Buddy Rogers along with comedy shorts.

 

Designed by architect Leonard H. Bailey in a Renaissance-inspired style and erected by local pioneers including the Terry brothers and rancher J.O. Selman, it was intended to accommodate both vaudeville acts and film screenings—a forward-thinking design choice at the dawn of the "talkies."

 

Remarkably, during the devastating 1947 Woodward tornado, the theater became a refuge, sheltering townspeople amid tragedy.

 

In 1980, the community rallied.

 

The Woodward Arts & Theatre Council formed and raised $50,000 to purchase the theater, plus an additional $70,000 to restore it.

 

In May 1981, it reopened with a performance by Tom Maguire’s New American Ragtime Ensemble.

 

Its architectural and cultural value was solidified when it was listed on both the National and Oklahoma State Registers of Historic Places in 2008.

 

Operated by a dedicated 501(c)(3), the Woodward Arts Theatre continues to host a wide array of live performances, arts camps, concerts, and touring shows, enriching local arts and culture.

 

Its distinctive neon marquee is not just ornamental—it acts as a dynamic canvas for upcoming shows, community announcements, and seasonal greetings.

 

The theater also supports youth engagement through beloved programs like the Summer Arts Camp, which has been creating lifelong memories for over 35 years.

 

Known locally as the "heART of Northwest Oklahoma," the venue draws visitors, residents, and artists alike to Woodward’s historic downtown.

 

It works in tandem with the adjacent Josie Adams Cultural Centre, opened in 1991, which provides space for receptions, art exhibits, and gatherings in a beautifully renovated facility.

 

The Woodward Arts Theatre represents the resilience of small-town America—a space where history, architecture, and creativity intersect to sustain community identity.

 

It demonstrates the power of civic stewardship, where citizens rallied to preserve and transform a cinematic relic into a contemporary cultural cornerstone.

 

As a multigenerational gathering place, it both honors the past and nurtures future artists, leaders, and audiences.

 

Recent events at the theater include a performance by the renowned country music band Shenandoah on June 12, 2025, drawing fans from across the region.

 

Additionally, the theater hosted the "Stillness on Stage" yoga session with instructor Venita McGuire on July 31, 2025, offering a unique blend of meditation and community engagement.

 

Looking ahead, the theater is preparing for its annual Summer Arts Camp in October 2025, continuing its tradition of fostering young talent and creativity.

 

For more information on upcoming events and programs, visit the Woodward Arts Theatre's official website.