The Poncan Theatre is headed towards its 93rd birthday this year on September 20, a milestone it celebrates amidst a global pandemic, but despite some setbacks the theatre has kept busy over the summer.

“We’re really grateful to do free summer movies this year,” said Christopher James, Executive Director at the Poncan. “Every Tuesday an anonymous donor would cover the cost for the rights to screen a movie, and that provided us with some income while we were down otherwise.”

Attendance at the theatre has seen a 40% decrease for the year, but support from the community and feedback from audiences have been strong.

As with most establishments, safety measures against COVID-19 have been put into effect. Face masks are encouraged, but not required, highly trafficked areas such as doors are regularly cleaned and signs are in place to tell people how they can remain socially distant to ensure safety of audiences and staff.

“Right now, I’m concentrating on keeping the space available and open to the community.” said James. “Shows currently aren’t booking, but we like to give back to the community and let people use the space for birthdays and weddings and it is very easy to social distance in a large space.”

Despite the pandemic, the theatre has managed to continue holding events such as the private bookings, movie nights and recently a live show comedian, and there is optimism about shows coming back as well as Evans Academy of Performing Arts returning to the stage.

“Some things are beginning to trickle in,” said Kalyn Kyler, President of the Advisory Board. “We’re hoping to have Evans up and running this fall.”

The theater has begun to feel the pressure of the operating costs and maintenance of a 93 year-old building and are currently waiting on bids for some much needed upgrades to the facility.

“The easiest thing I can ask from the community at this point is if someone owns a local business, we could benefit from their services,” said James. “Whether it is a a new lighting system or painting walls.”

“If (any businesses) would like to come in and bid on the work we need done, we would love that,” said Kyler, “Then we can go and look for grants based on the bids we receive.”

Questions and information about upcoming events are available on the theatre’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages or from a phone call to the office at 580-765-0943.

Current upcoming events include a screening of the movie Labyrinth on September 12 and screens of the Harry Potter series of movies throughout the months of October and November with the latter having competitions.

The theatre is also taking suggestions from the community on what they would like to see one the big screen.