"To Preserve, Promote, and Present 19th Century Melodramatic and Historical Theatrical Productions"

In 1965, a group of community members decided that Oakhurst needed something to get the tourists driving through town on their way to Yosemite National Park a reason to stop (and spend money) in our Mountain Village.

With the help of the current Chamber of Commerce, the "Golden Chain Theatre" was born.  Performances were held at the Oakhurst Community Center, and the theme was - 19th Century Historical theatre, and MELODRAMA.  The community took immediate pride in the newly-formed troupe, and soon, it was obvious the players were outgrowing their space, and were ready for the next step -- they needed their own building.

In 1972, the founding board members took a big chance -- each put their own houses up as collateral to purchase the Snowline Bowling Alley, and convert it into a theatre.  With unparalleled vision, this dedicated group re-vamped the old bowling alley, converted the lanes to an auditorium, "downdated" the Saloon, installed a few gift shops, and opened the doors.

Thank you to our founding members and visionaries!

In 1999, the Board of directors announced at the annual Awards Night Banquet that the final payment on the mortgage had been made -- the Golden Chain Theatre now owned it's facility outright. 

It's 2005, and we continue to grow, develop and improve.  The year 2001 brought Miss Patti Law, our Choreographer in house, and opened the Golden Chain Theatre School of Performing Arts.  The Lobby and Auditorium were given a new look, and a brand new parking lot was installed for patrons, *and* the cast and crew. 

All income for the theatre is currently derived from ticket sales and private donations.  We are currently investigating government and private funding grants to supplement our resources.  We are dedicated to providing 19th century historic and melodramatic presentations and instruction in theatre arts to our local community, and the world.    Your help, and sponsorship are important.  Click here to learn how you can become a corporate or private sponsor. 

Special Note:  In 2004, our first "Raise the Roof" fundraising event, chaired by Doctor Carol Kovach, in the form of a Live and Silent auction, replete with dance and olio acts netted the theatre over $7,000.00 toward our new roof (estimated at $40,000 plus for completion).  In 2005, Miss Mary Lour (Lu-Lu) Finley almost single-handedly raised over $15,000.00 towards the fund, in a race towards "Honorary Mayor of Oakhurst".    THANK YOU EVERYONE for your support!

The business aspects of the Golden Chain Theatre are managed by a board of directors, consisting of 9 theatre members. Each year, 3 positions are vacated, and, after the membership elects their replacements, the board appoints the year's officers.  In turn, the board reviews and approves that years membership applications, in accordance with it's bylaws.

The 2005 board of directors are:  Top, Left to Right:    Vice President, Jeri Barron, President Daniel A. Ross, Treasurer Larry Mattox  and  Board Member Dixie Cruz.    Other board seats are held by  (Bottom Row) Dr. Carol Kovach, Mary Lou Finley, Jim Roberts, and Secretary Beryl Samwell.  Not pictured:  Debbie Davis..

.  The board president oversees all committee activity.  For 2005, the committee heads are:

Publicity and Promotions:  Mary Lou Finley

Fund Raising / Grant Writing:  Dixie Cruz

Public Relations / House Manager:  Mary Lou Finley

Saloon Manager:  Jeri Barron

Membership Monitor / Theatre Librarian:  Carol Kovach

Wardrobe:  Dixie Cruz

Group Sales:  Dixie Cruz

Building Maintenance:  Jim Roberts

Box Office: Debbie Davis

 

If you're interested in participating on any of these committees, please contact the chair person.  You may leave a message on our reservation line, 559-683-7112, option 3.  You may also email a message to "info@goldenchaintheatre.org".  Specify the committee you wish to contact in the subject heading.

Below is the general contact information for the Golden Chain Theatre.  Inquiries regarding specific contact information of individual theatre members may be directed to the Membership Monitor  through email to gctboxoffice@goldenchaintheatre.org

General Information / Reservations / Voicemail

559-683-7112

 

 

 

Postal address

P.O. Box 604, Oakhurst, CA 93644-604

 

Dance Studio (Miss Patti Law-Poggi)

559-683-7837

 

NOTE:  If you are trying to get in touch with Patti Law or a dance student, please use the Dance Studio Number.  We are unable to transfer a call from the backstage line to the studio.  This line rings only in the dance studio and is Miss Patti's business as well. 

Physical Location

42130 Hwy 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644

 

(About two miles North of Oakhurst on Hwy 41)

Electronic mail

General Information: gctboxoffice@goldenchaintheatre.org
Webmaster: gctdebweb@hotmail.com or info@goldenchaintheatre.org