FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2014
CONTACT:
Katinka Bryk
EstacadaAuditorium@gmail.com
LARGEST AUDITORIUM IN CLACKAMAS COUNTY GETS LIT UP
Estacada Auditorium’s “LIGHTS ON” project announces plans for new lighting and signage to renovate the entrance of 852seat community venue
Estacada Junior High School’s auditorium serves as a cultural hub and enriches the area’s opportunity for varied artistic,
musical and theatrical performances. An all-volunteer effort has been launched to provide increased exterior lighting,
signage and potential painting of the lobby of this historic gem. As a result of this project, the community will enjoy a
safer and more vibrant entry experience, increased visibility to passing motorists, and an enhanced ability to attract
additional performances. Project completion is expected by August 2014.
According to Steve Christensen, head of the Creative Arts Department at Estacada High School, the auditorium hosts
approximately 50 school performance nights each year and an additional 35 to 45 from other groups in the community. The
Estacada Arts Commission utilizes the building for its Arts and Culture series from January through June. Estacada Together,
a group committed to bringing quality musical and theatrical performances to town, has hosted the Ellen Whyte Trio, DO
JUMP theater, Portland Taiko, and an Oregon Shakespeare Festival presentation as well as many other memorable programs.
Although the building itself is owned by the Estacada School District, the auditorium functions as the cultural heart of the
greater Estacada area. Christensen is excited about the potential for upgrading the building. He says, “The entry is the first
thing people see. That first impression outweighs any performance that happens. An upgraded space says that something of
quality is going to happen.”
The Estacada Auditorium’s “Lights On” Project is working in partnership with the Ford Institute Leadership Program. The
Institute assists the Ford Family Foundation in achieving its mission of successful citizens and vital rural areas by providing
training, grants, and resources to selected rural communities throughout the state of Oregon and Siskiyou County, California.
Since 2003, more than 4,200 residents have completed its Leadership Development class. Following the class, participants
select, develop, and implement a project that will benefit their community. After careful consideration of many potential
projects, the auditorium was chosen, as it is a focal point for residents, an important event space for Clackamas County, and a
building with historic significance dating to 1934. Fundraising efforts have begun to assist the group in obtaining necessary
permits and to offset construction costs.
HISTORY OF THE ESTACADA AUDITORIUM
Built in the early 30’s, the Estacada Auditorium includes distinctive features such as Art Deco style mouldings and lighting.
Originally seating 1,000 people, the auditorium hosted a variety of shows in the decades after construction, many of which
are memorialized in pictures displayed by the school district.
TIMELINE
Research and design for the project are expected to be completed by Spring 2014, with construction beginning once school
closes for the summer in June 2014. A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for September.
The “LIGHTS ON” project is an all-volunteer effort that will enhance a place of pride for the community. Cash, checks and inkind donations are gratefully accepted. Checks can be made payable to Estacada Together and sent to Connie Redmond, c/o
Estacada Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 298, 475 SE Main Street, Estacada, Oregon 97023. For more information please
contact EstacadaAuditorium@gmail.com, the Estacada School District website News/Events section at www.esd108.org, or
Lights On Estacada’s Auditorium facebook page.
Fundraising Highlights
2/3/14 - Off with a bang… We made a presentation to the Estacada Area Literary Foundation and they
awarded us $1500!! The next morning!! Wahoo!!
Estacada Together voted to donate back their fiscal agent fees, value about $500.
3/8/14 - Estacada Together gave us their concession for the Ellen Whyte concert. We had a great time and
took away just under $200.
3/13/14 - P.A.G.E. gave us their concessions for two performances of The Importance of Being Earnest
(3/13/14 & 3/15/14). We saw a wonderful show and took home about $150.
Many thanks to these enthusiastic supporters of the Estacada Auditorium.