History

The Star Theatre first started in 1905 on West Wyandot Avenue by Mr. Grover Fisher.

​

It was then moved to 114 North Sandusky Avenue (pictured), which is just north of the present-day First Citizens National Bank. In Upper Sandusky, for a time, the theatre business and Leo T. Jones were synonymous, as Mr. Jones also owned the Upper Theatre. 

 

The photograph above is of the old Star Theatre seen from the street. The banner at the entrance reads: "Coolest Place in Town." (This refers to the air conditioning, but nearly 100 years later, we still have the coolest place in town!) The scene includes three posters advertising movie "The Stranger" and a poster advertising an admission price of 5¢. The Star Theatre in Upper Sandusky was initially opened as a movie theater. Over time, the theater turned into a non-profit organization. In the 1970s, in addition to showing movies, it began to serve as a space for on-stage events.

 

In 1977 when a group of people interested in live theatre got together. Ralph Young was elected the first president. During the first ten years, most of the tech work was done by Jim Schoenberger. The first dimmer board that was used was built by Jim himself. He also built many of the lights for the stage, which can still be seen today, out of tin cans.

 

In the early 1980s, our children's theatre workshop, Star Kids, was started by Ruth Bacon, inspiring many local children to explore the performing arts. Star Kids has been one of our most popular programs over the years and has evolved from a week-long summer workshop to a full children's program, including workshops and full productions.

 

In 1987, the theatre was remodeled, and the old seats were replaced with the current ones.

​

In 1992, a new light board was purchased, and we went from 6 channels to 18 channels. Also in the early 1990s, the Star Players were able to purchase the theatre from Jeff and Joy Roth, with the help of a donation from Katherine Artz.

​

In 2008, we purchased the original theater entrance off Wyandot Avenue, with the future plans to restore it as it was in the past. Over the years, many changes have taken place. We started showing movies on a regular basis during the fall, winter, and spring months. We paid off the building, replaced the furnace, remodeled the basement, and replaced the Grand Curtain.

​

In 2009, the thrust was rebuilt and improved to be safer and accommodate larger casts and sets. Also, the roof of the theatre was replaced.

​

In 2012, the lobby and restroom areas were given a facelift.

 

In 2015, a new digital projector was purchased along with a new movie screen. With this upgrade, the theatre maintained its ability to show movies to the public.

​

In 2021, the theatre basement was remodeled with donations in memory of Joy Roth.

​

In 2023, the main theatre was repainted.

​

In 2024, the seats were renovated.

​

The Star is truly a community theatre, and we are thankful for everyone who has contributed and made the Star what it is today. 

 

Photograph by Harry Evan Kinley (1882-1969), a native of Upper Sandusky. Kinley an avid lifelong photographer, and the bulk of the Harry Kinley Collection is comprised of glass plate negatives documenting the Kinley family, the city of Upper Sandusky, and Wyandot County and surrounding areas.