Est. 1927
Nearly a Century of Stories
From vaudeville to Broadway tours, silent films to live concerts — the Poncan Theatre has been the stage for Ponca City's most memorable moments for almost 100 years.
Grand Opening
The Poncan Theatre opens its doors in downtown Ponca City, built during the height of the Oklahoma oil boom. The ornate venue quickly becomes the cultural jewel of the region, hosting vaudeville acts, silent films, and community gatherings.
Golden Age of Cinema
Through the Great Depression and World War II, the Poncan Theatre provides an affordable escape for Ponca City residents. The theatre transitions to "talkies" and becomes the premier destination for first-run films in the region.
Community Anchor
The theatre serves as a hub for community life — hosting graduations, touring Broadway shows, and local theatrical productions. Its marquee becomes an iconic fixture of downtown Ponca City.
Restoration & Revival
Community leaders and arts advocates rally to restore and preserve the historic theatre. Significant renovation work preserves the venue's architectural heritage while modernizing its technical capabilities.
Evans Children's Academy
The Evans Children's Academy of Performing Arts is established, expanding the theatre's mission beyond performance to include arts education for children throughout the region.
A Living Legacy
The Poncan Theatre continues to thrive as a nonprofit performing arts organization, presenting 50+ events per season across live concerts, theatrical productions, film screenings, and community events — while the Evans Academy serves hundreds of young performers each year.
Architecture & Design
A Landmark Worth Preserving
The Poncan Theatre was designed by the Boller Brothers of Kansas City as an “atmospheric theatre” — one of the few theatres of its age and size built without pillars to support the balcony, with the entire structure held by a five-foot thick I-beam spanning the full width. The hand-painted stage curtain, depicting an outdoor Mediterranean garden with the ocean in the distance, was signed “Kansas City Scenic 1927” and still hangs in the theatre today.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Poncan Theatre is recognized as an irreplaceable piece of Oklahoma's cultural heritage. Every restoration and renovation effort is guided by a commitment to preserving the theatre's original character while ensuring it can serve audiences for another century.