Sooner Theatre
The Studio of The Sooner Theatre offers year round performing arts classes and camps for students aged 3 to 18. Classes include musical theatre, acting and musical theatre ballet/jazz. Tap, hip hop, vocal instruction, and much more. A beautiful, unique space is available for rent for business meetings, luncheons or receptions. Hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, and catering options. The Sooner Theatre was the first theatre to be built in the region that showed talking pictures. The Spanish Gothic Style building was built by Harold Gimeno, a local architect. It cost more than $200,000. The Sooner Theatre was the most prominent movie theatre in the area for nearly 50 years until multiplexes became popular and the Sooner couldn’t keep up with demand. The Spanish Gothic Style building cost more than $200,000. The Sooner Theatre was closed in 1975 and remained dark until 1979, when a group of dedicated citizens appealed to Norman to save the theatre. They were assisted by The Sooner Theatre of Norman, Inc. The City purchased the theatre and leased her to the organization. The Sooner Theatre reopened her doors in 1982, after the completion of the first phase.
The theatre was open for nearly 20 years with an annual concert series and annual follies. It was also primarily a rental facility. The Sooner Theatre board had a bolder vision in 2002. The theatre should be a destination for weekend visitors from Norman and beyond. The theatre’s vision was born in 2003 by a new executive director. This new director, aided by an enthusiastic board, increased the standard and introduced new programming year round. The Sooner Theatre was able to present full seasons of live theatre performances and concerts, and has delighted audiences all over the region for 10 years.