Polaris Theater/Port Orchard Historic Theater Fnd.

THANK YOU to the hundreds of people that have already supported the downtown Port Orchard Waterfront theater renovation, we could not be here without you! 2024 is the theatre's CENTENNIAL YEAR, as it celebrates its 100th birthday. As the oldest cinema house on the Kitsap Peninsula and it has been known by many names including the D&R, Plaza Twin Cinemas and the Dragonfly. We are grateful for donors who helped us make significant progress this past year and are excited to see more of you interested in learning about the work planned by the Port Orchard Historic Theater Foundation to restore and renovate this historic gathering space for arts and film. 

Your contribution will help us complete our first phase of work. Last summer we transformed a weedy, dirt lot with blackberries and dumpsters into an outdoor gathering + performance space on Bay Street. (Please see before and during photos of this space below).  Polaris Theater's Backstage Alley includes 1000 sq. feet of bricks, landscaping, lighting, planters + seating. A small stage for intimate performances. Direct access to the inside of the theatre. Perfect for theater events, casual use, performances, community events and more! In the last 4 months of 2023 we were able to activate the space 5 different times with very successful community events. (see photos below). Thanks to Port Orchard Rotary, South Kitsap Rotary and last year's Great Give donors we completed that work. Now we need your help to build on that success. Another $20,000 will allow us to add overhead sails, a sound system, and stage lighting.  Already we have a summer/fall lineup for 2024 with community events and this equipment will make the space more efficient, useful and appealing.

We have a big dream for South Kitsap and we believe that the best days of Bay Street and downtown Port Orchard are indeed ahead of us and we are awed and humbled at the community support the theater renovation project has received.

This building has served our community with entertainment and enrichment since 1924 and we are committed to saving this theater - evolving the space to include live music, educational programming and community projects as well as film. The Polaris Theatre building is the only depression era building on Bay Street that retains its original use. Our community desperately needs a gathering place that provides live music and entertainment, a forum for issue discussions, special events like weddings, reunions, business meetings and local service organization meetings. We are crating that space through the outdoor Backstage Alley and the eventual renovated interior space. With the help of the community. With YOUR help! Thank you for helpings reach that $20,000 goal!

Thank you for joining the Polaris Theater family of supporters!