The Iola Theatre Association (ITA) was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2022 with the goal of restoring and operating the historic Iola Theatre as a center for community life in downtown Iola, Kansas. ITA is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and the organization is funded entirely by private contributions.
The Iola Theatre building has been prepared for restoration, with all non-original modifications made to the building having been removed except for the 1950s marquee, front doors and box office. Private donations have made possible a new roof and other improvements to stabilize the building with the goal of major restoration activities beginning in late 2023.
The ultimate goal of the ITA is to restore the Iola Theatre building to its original 1931 appearance, while also making improvements for accessibility, life safety, lighting and sound. It is not the intent of the ITA to operate the Iola Theatre to show films on a regular basis, but rather to bring it back to life as a venue for community gatherings, live music, class reunions and weddings, as well as the occasional seasonal film showing.
The Iola Theatre building has been prepared for restoration, with all non-original modifications made to the building having been removed except for the 1950s marquee, front doors and box office. Private donations have made possible a new roof and other improvements to stabilize the building with the goal of major restoration activities beginning in late 2023.
Preserving and adapting this amazing community asset for future generations, as well as supporting the economic revitalization of Iola, Kansas, requires a lot of help! We hope you will join us in this push to bring the historic Iola Theatre back to life.
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