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oUR STORY
After the Lamp Theatre closed, the Westmoreland Cultural Trust acquired it, planning to reopen it as a performing arts center and movie theater. Upgrades were made to the stage, roof, and HVAC system. A dedicated "Relight the Lamp" committee, growing to over 100 volunteers, worked to fundraise and support the project. However, on March 5, 2009, a grease fire at the neighboring Irwin Hotel spread, damaging the historic hotel and the Lamp Theatre.
The Lamp Theatre opened in downtown Irwin in 1937, entertaining residents for nearly seven decades. It remained a cherished local landmark despite changes, like 21-cent movie tickets in its early years. However, in 2004, it closed due to financial pressures from corporate theater chains.
The Lamp Theatre's reopening was delayed to repair fire damage. In 2011, funding plans emerged: Westmoreland County pledged $250,000, with a matching state grant contingent on Irwin contributing $150,000. However, when bids exceeded the $650,000 budget in 2012, the Westmoreland Cultural Trust withdrew from the project.
With two weeks left before the grant expired, Irwin Borough requested and received a two-year extension and transfer of the grant from Pennsylvania. The Borough assumed ownership of the Lamp Theatre in March 2013 for $1, appointing a board to oversee construction and fundraising. Partnering with The Irwin Project, a local nonprofit, they launched the largest volunteer effort in Irwin’s history, raising $150,000 through private donations and over 3,000 volunteer hours. In August 2015, the Borough signed an agreement with the newly formed Lamp Theatre Corporation to manage the venue. Limited operations began, and the Lamp celebrated its grand opening a year later.
The Lamp's 2016 reopening as a nonprofit performing arts center revitalized Main Street, transforming it into a thriving hub with filled storefronts and flourishing businesses.
Since 2016 we've created a live music experience that will keep you coming back time and time again!
Our 350-seat theatre offers you big theatre thrills in an intimate setting. With our initiatives to continually upgrade our lighting and sound systems, you can be sure to have the best possible entertainment experience. Our technicians boast a combined 80+ years in the entertainment industry and use this experience to masterfully orchestrate a night of unforgettable sights and sounds.
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