VTA to Celebrate Victoria Theatre's Sesquicentennial

By: Jan. 04, 2016
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Victoria Theatre Association (VTA) honors Victoria Theatre's 150th anniversary with numerous events and projects throughout 2016, including: the unveiling of a historic timeline display in the theatre; public backstage tours; collecting community memories; plus special programming for VTA's Cool Films Series, paying tribute to the theater's years as the Victory movie house. Additionally, VTA will commemorate the sesquicentennial with special events such as an open house highlighting Dayton Ballet and Dayton Ballet School's life at Victoria Theatre and community/donor recognition parties.

Originally named The Turner Opera House, todays Victoria Theatre opened in 1866 and has survived two fires, a flood, and threat of demolition. Thanks to diligent community support and love of the arts, the historic theatre has seen generations of Ohioans pass through its doors.

"VTA's goal is a year-long celebration of the powerful role the Victoria Theatre has played in Dayton," said VTA President & CEO Ken Neufeld. "There are several initiatives we're excited to share with the Dayton region. Not only are we celebrating the past and the role this building has played in the quality of life of Miami Valley residents, but we're also looking to the future and planning how the Victoria Theatre will continue to make an impact on the lives of children and adults, introducing them to new and memorable performing arts experiences."

From childhood memories of being dropped off to stand in line to see the latest Disney animated movie to midnight movies as a young adult, from a first experience with Dayton Ballet to Young at Heart Family Series shows that sparked a love of the performing arts, from hot Broadway shows to cool music acts, from proposals to anniversary celebrations, the Victoria Theatre has become central to the quality of life in Dayton. Listed below are the many activities that will honor the theatre's impact on the Miami Valley.

Anniversary Activities

Remember When

In partnership with ThinkTV, VTA offers audience members the chance to share anecdotes and stories of their experiences at Victoria Theatre. Memories will be filmed in the lobby during select Victoria performances. Those who prefer to share their memories in writing can email info@victoriatheatre.com visit the VTA website at www.victoriatheatre.com/memories or mail their stories to 138 N. Main St., Dayton, OH 45402 ATTN: Sue Stevens.

Historic Timeline Display

Wright State University public history graduate student Shelby Dixon has worked diligently to compile a complete timeline of key events in the life of the Victoria using the University's Archives and Special Collections, along with the book Now Playing by Bruce and Virginia Ronald and from Dayton History, Dayton History Books Online, Dayton Metro Libraries, and the University of Dayton Archives. A pictorial timeline celebrating key moments in the history of this building will be installed on the mezzanine lobby level of the theatre in late February.

Historic Backstage Tours

A series of historic backstage tours will be offered throughout the anniversary year. Patrons, guided by VTA employees and volunteers, will learn the history of the building, see backstage, and hear behind the scenes stories. Tour dates are:

- Saturday, Feb. 6 at 2 p.m.

- Wednesday, May 11 at 10 a.m.

- Saturday, Aug. 6 at 10 a.m.

- Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 5:30 p.m.

Tours are free of charge but reservations need to be made in advance at www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Charter Club Celebration Brunch

Charter Club members who have supported Victoria Theatre Association since incorporation 1976, will be honored at a brunch event, Sept. 25 on the stage of the Victoria.

Anniversary Souvenir Gifts

Custom-designed snow globes featuring a beautiful miniature of the current Victoria and porcelain ornaments with pen and ink style illustrations of the historic Victoria are available. Limited quantities of each item are available and can be ordered at www.victoriatheatre.com/vic-150-ornaments, in person at the Ticket Center Stage Box Office at the Schuster Center (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday - Friday), and at select performances in the lobby. Snow globes measure 5 inches in height and may be purchased for $45 each. Porcelain ornaments measure 3 inches in width and may be purchased for $15 each.

The following activities are planned for the anniversary year, but details were not solidified at the time of this release.

Dayton Ballet: At Home at the Victoria Theatre

Dayton Ballet and Dayton Ballet School have been housed at the Victoria Theatre since 1977. VTA and Dayton Ballet will pay tribute to their partnership with a special open house in the fall.

VTA's Cool Films Series

The tradition of coming to a classic film at the Victoria will continue this summer with a special line up of films to celebrate the theatre's 150th Anniversary. Starting after the July 4 holiday weekend, the series will encompass eight weekends in July and August.

For details and updates on all 150th Anniversary events, visit www.victoriatheatre.com/vic150.



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