Whiteside Theatre News

Reel Love Stories Tour on February 12th at 3 PM

2012-01-25T16:23:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, February 12th, the Whiteside Theatre Foundation will be conducting the Reel Love Stories tour of the theatre at 3 PM. Members can purchase tickets for half price!

This tour involves a walk through history to the present day and the true love stories of the people who met here, dated here, and fell in love. A great romantic date choice! The tour will start at 3 PM.

Tours are $10 for the general public and $5 for Members. Admission tickets can be purchased at the theatre. Box office opens about 30 minutes before the tour. Cameras and other recording devices are not allowed.

Reserve your space today by sending an email to reservations@whitesidetheatre.org. We can only guarantee email reservations until 11pm Saturday night (the 11th), due to the speed of the email system.

Whiteside Theatre's 89th Birthday Bash: Stand Up Comedy OVER 21 ONLY

2011-10-31T18:15:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, November 12th, the Whiteside Theatre Foundation will be celebrating the 89th birthday of the Whiteside Theatre, opened on November 9th of 1922. There will be an over 21 stand up comedy show at 8 PM with Chris Warren of the Brickwall Comedy Club - Eugene, Oregon and Frank King of the White Collar Comedy Tour!

About Chris Warren:
Chris Warren, The Politically Incorrect Comic has been spewing forth his rhetoric on stages from coast to coast and throughout the world for over 24 years, delighting audiences with his high energy, fast-paced style. He attacks touchy subjects with killer humor and his disarming smile so that even those who adamantly disagree with him still roar with laughter and approval. His humor has taken him across the globe, with stops in Iraq… including Baghdad, Mosul, Tikrit, and Fallujah…Bahrain, Japan, London, Amsterdam, The Caribbean, and all across Canada. His trip overseas to the Persian Gulf as part of "Comics on Duty World Tour" was a great success. His 2005 tour of Iraq was with The Texas National Guard where he was the sole comic on the trip. Due to its incredible success, Chris was invited to perform for the troops in New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina, the only comic in the country to do so.

About Frank King:
Featured on CNN’s Business Unusual, and a writer for Jay Leno for the last two decades, Frank King has been entertaining (and on occasion, educating) convention attendees on the corporate comedy speaking circuit since 1985. He was a quarter-finalist on Star Search.... he lost to a puppet. He's also appeared on An Evening at the Improv, Showtime's Comedy Club Network, and starred in an episode of Bananas on PAX TV. He's opened up for a number of well known entertainers - among them, Jeff Foxworthy, Ron White, Bill Engval, Adam Sandler, and Jerry Seinfeld.

Come downtown to celebrate this important Corvallis landmark's 89th birthday!

Tickets are $12.50 and can be purchased at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/209964

Whiteside Theatre's 89th Birthday Bash - Family Fun!

2011-10-31T18:08:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, November 12th, the Whiteside Theatre Foundation will be celebrating the 89th birthday of the Whiteside Theatre, opened on November 9th of 1922. There will be a family fun event at 1 PM with juggling by the Corvallis Throwing Department and magic by Steve Peterson of Minor Miracles Magic! We will sing happy birthday to the theatre and enjoy cake under the marquee at the end of the event.

Steve Peterson has been performing his Minor Miracles and Mirthful Magical Mysteries for over 50 years, appearing at fairs, corporate events, and private parties. He offers a variety of magical performances, from sleight-of-hand stage acts to strolling close-up magic and comedy kid shows. For more information, visit the Minor Miracles web site at: http://minor-miracles.net/

Come downtown to celebrate this important Corvallis landmark's 89th birthday!

Trick or Treat in Downtown Corvallis, Oct 31, 2-6pm

2011-10-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

Hey, Kids! Get dressed up in your Halloween costume, bring an adult with you and head to Downtown Corvallis for Trick or Treat on Monday, October 31, 2-6 pm. Friendly Downtown Corvallis Association-member businesses will have Halloween treats for you.

You can also enter a fun costume contest sponsored by the Downtown Corvallis Association and the Whiteside Theater Foundation. Visit the Whiteside during the event to have a photo taken and enter the contest. Winning entries will receive a DCA Gift Certificate, that you can spend like cash at any participating DCA-Member business!

2nd Annual Whiteside Theatre Benefit Concert

2011-10-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

On Oct 29th, starting at 1:00 pm, the "Frightside Jam" will host 12+ entertainers throughout the day/evening for a Halloween-themed event. This is the first event in almost a decade and the first time ever the Whiteside Theatre has hosted live Rock, Bluegrass, Jazz, Funk and comedy. The foundation is excited to showcase local and semi-local acts in this fantastic 800-seat venue. All proceeds will go to the continued efforts of rehabilitating the theatre to its fullest potential.

The concert will take place at the Whiteside Theatre, 361 SW Madison Avenue, Corvallis, OR (Map).

Want to find out more? See our Jam page at whitesidetheatre.org, or email us at info@whitesidetheatre.org.

See you at the show!

Whiteside Theatre Foundation Elects New Officers

2011-07-24T07:49:00.001-07:00

The Whiteside Theatre Foundation held its annual meeting in June. All Directors were re-elected, but some new Board Officers were elected due to term limits. The new Officers are; Board Chair, George Pearson; Vice Chair, Louise-Annette Burgess; and Treasurer, Bob Newton. Doug Sackinger continues as Secretary.

First Flush Tours on June 4th!

2011-05-14T13:26:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, June 4th, at 10:30am, and 11:30am, the Whiteside Theatre Foundation will be conducting tours of the theatre that include the newly rehabilitated restrooms on the mezzanine level. The tours are $5 each, and there is a limit of 35 tourists per tour.. Because the bathrooms are on the mezzanine level, this tour requires people to negotiate some stairs (15 each going up and down). No cameras or recording devices are allowed.

Reservations for the tours can be made by emailing reservations@whitesidetheatre.org. We can only accept email reservations until 11pm on Friday, June 3rd, owing to the speed of the email system. All people entering the theatre must have a signed Liability Waiver Form. Please arrive a few minutes early to fill out the form. If you would like to bring one filled out to save time, you can download it here.

Admission can be paid in advance from 9:30am to 11:30am on Saturday, June 4th, in front of the theatre. We cannot accept credit cards at this time, and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We can accept cash and personal checks.

Come see the progress we’ve made and help support the further rehabilitation of the Whiteside Theatre!

Movie Memories & Mementos Tours on May 14th

2011-04-25T20:19:00.000-07:00

In honor of Historic Preservation Month, a selection of photos, memories and mementos already collected by the Whiteside Theatre Foundation will be displayed. Visitors will be encouraged to take a free tour, bring memorabilia (ticket stubs, posters, artifacts, etc.) for video recording, and to share their memories of The Whiteside Theatre.

Free Tours at 10 AM, 10:30 AM, 11 AM, and 11:30 AM! Bring your memories or mementos of The Whiteside Theatre to share with professional videographer John Harris of Horsepower Productions for recording and sharing.

Each tour is limited to 35 guests, and lasts 15-20 minutes. You can reserve a spot on one of the the tours by sending an email to: reservations@whitesidetheatre.org. All people entering the theatre must have a signed Liability Waiver Form. Please arrive a few minutes early to fill out the form. If you would like to bring one filled out to save time, you can download it here.

Join us in celebrating this beautiful piece of Corvallis' history.

The theatre is located at 361 SW Madison Avenue, Corvallis (Map).

Whiteside Theatre Benefit

2011-02-22T19:40:00.000-08:00

February 28, 2011 is dedicated to the Whiteside Theatre Foundation at the Enoteca Wine and Coffee Bar. Enoteca donates 20% of its profits on selected Mondays to a local non-profit agency. The Whiteside Theatre Foundation is currently raising funds to rehabilitate and reopen the Whiteside Theatre! Come in and have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. You can also buy a bottle of wine and take it home for dinner and know that part of the money you spend will be donated to a local non profit agency.

The event will last from 3pm to 11pm. Enoteca is located in the Renaissance Building at 136 SW Washington in Downtown Corvallis.

Reservation Difficulties

2011-02-11T17:13:00.000-08:00

We are not receiving all reservations that have been sent using our webform. Please send any reservations by email to reservations@whitesidetheatre.org.

We apologize for any inconvenience and are looking into the problem.

The Whiteside Theatre Foundation

Reel Love Stories Tour on February 12th at 1pm

2011-01-30T07:44:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, February 12th, the Whiteside Theatre Foundation will be conducting the Reel Love Stories tour of the theatre at 1 PM. Members can purchase tickets for half price!

This tour involves a walk through history to the present day and the true love stories of the people who met here, dated here, and fell in love. A great romantic date choice! The tour will start at 1 PM, and is Accessible, and if it sells out, another tour will be added at 2 PM.

Tours are limited to 35 tourists per tour and are $10 for the general public and $5 for Members. Admission can be paid in advance on Feb. 12th from 12 PM - 1 PM at the theatre. Cameras and other recording devices are not allowed.

Reserve your space today by sending an email to reservations@whitesidetheatre.org. We can only guarantee email reservations until 11pm Friday night (the 11th), due to the speed of the email system.

This event is being sponsored by Flat Tail Brewing. Every tour purchased will also receive a valuable lunch or dinner coupon for dine in meals. A great romantic choice!

Want to save yourself some time before your tour? Everyone entering the theatre must sign a waiver form. We now have the form available for download as a PDF here. You can print your own, fill it out, and bring it with you, and save yourself doing it that day when you arrive at the theatre. If you have been in the theatre for a previous tour, or as a volunteer, we have your waiver on file. We can look up your name, so you won't need to fill out another waiver if you've done so before.

Jeannette Arbogast (1924-2010)

2011-01-26T02:45:00.000-08:00

We are mourning the loss of one of our founding members, Jeanette Arbogast. Jeanette was an instrumental founding member of The Whiteside Theatre Foundation. She contributed much to many early planning discussions including many money saving ideas. She will be missed greatly and remembered fondly.

We at the Whiteside Theatre Foundation understand that the Gazette-Times listed the WTF as one of several charities/non-profits that were supported by Jeannette. If you wish to donate to the Whiteside Theatre Foundation in Jeannette's memory, click here.

Thank you,

The Whiteside Theatre Foundation

Santa at the Whiteside Dec. 11th and 18th

2010-11-07T08:57:00.000-08:00

Santa will be in front of the Whiteside Theatre from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday, Dec. 11th and 18th. A FREE photo will be taken and sent to your email. You will need to fill out a form with your email address so that we can email the photo to you. If you would like to fill out this form ahead of time, it is available for download here. Just fill it out, bring it with you and stop by the table to get a number.

The FREE Holiday Trolley stops downtown between 12pm and 6pm on both of these days, stopping at Peak Sports, Grass Roots Bookstore, and the Toy Factory between 42 and 46 minutes after the hour (The last trolley leaving downtown leaves at 5pm. For more details, visit the Corvallis Transit System website).

Santa is presented by the Whiteside Theatre Foundation and the Downtown Corvallis Association. The Whiteside Theatre is at 361 SW Madison Avenue, on the corner of 4th and Madison.

Happy Holidays!

Whiteside 88th Birthday Party on Nov. 6th!

2010-10-31T16:38:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, November 6th, the Whiteside Theatre Foundation will be celebrating the 88th birthday of the Whiteside Theatre, opened on November 9th of 1922. There will be free cupcakes. Free tours of the theatre will start at 11 am, 11:30 am, 12 pm, and 12:30 pm, and will last about 20 minutes.

The number of places is limited to 35 for each tour. Reservations can be made until 5pm Friday (Nov. 5th) by emailing to reservations@whitesidetheatre.org. All other places are on a first-come basis the day of the tours. Sign-up sheets will be available in front of the theatre, starting shortly before 11 am on that day. The address is 361 SW Madison Avenue. Come downtown to celebrate this important Corvallis landmark's 88th birthday!

Want to save yourself some time before your tour? Everyone entering the theatre must sign a waiver form. We now have the form available for download as a PDF here. You can print your own, fill it out, and bring it with you, and save yourself doing it that day when you arrive at the theatre. If you have been in the theatre for a previous tour, or as a volunteer, we have your waiver on file. We can look up your name, so you won't need to fill out another waiver if you've done so before.

7pm Ghost Tour is Full!

2010-10-29T16:10:00.001-07:00

The 7pm Ghosts of the Whiteside Tour is full. We can still take email reservations at ghosttour@whitesidetheatre.org for the 8pm tour until 5pm. After that, we will be at the theatre preparing for the tours.

Ghosts of the Whiteside Tours on Oct 29th!

2010-10-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

Tour an actual haunted building! Meet the ghosts of Charles, Lillian, and the other subtle spirits surrounding us! Join our guides on a tour through Corvallis' creepy history and current unexplained phenomenon. The frights are found in our sleep-depriving stories of this surprising cinema! $10 for the general public and $5 for Members of The Whiteside Theatre Foundation. Join now and save!

7 PM tour & 8 PM tour available. Reserve your space today by sending an email to ghosttour@whitesidetheatre.org

This is not a funhouse-style attraction - no actors will reach out to grab you. This tour is recommended for those 16 & older and is not designed for children due to mature themes.

The 7 PM tour contains 52 stairs on the walking route and the tour group is limited to 25 tourists. The 8 PM tour is the same spook-tacular tour without going up or down any stairs. IF both the 7 PM and 8 PM tours are sold out, a 9 PM tour will be added. Admission can be paid in advance on Oct. 29th from 2 - 6 PM at the theatre. Cameras and all other recording devices are not allowed.

Whiteside Theatre Completes Structural Assessment

2010-09-21T06:50:00.000-07:00

The Whiteside Theatre Foundation recently completed a Structural Engineering Analysis of the 1922 downtown landmark. "We are delighted that the Whiteside's concrete and steel inner structure has been confirmed to be as reliable as we anticipated," said Louise-Annette Burgess, Foundation Chair.

"We found very little deterioration or decay," said John Evans of Pillar Consulting Group, Inc., the local professional team conducting the evaluation. "We found some potential deterioration of mortar around the fire escape, and a concrete column with rebar cut and removed at a column corner." "We understand that the column was cut in the 1920s to accommodate organ pipe installation," said Burgess. "Our next steps include a load-bearing test of the fire escape and column repair," she continued.

The Assessment also provided a voluntary seismic evaluation of the structure that identified potential upgrades. "Many of these items are simple to implement," said Burgess, "like buttoning-up the marquee and the theatre’s vertical corner sign." Future engineering studies will further analyze specific elements of the building as well as design details for retrofit items. "We now have a package of recommended items to include as part of a future re-roofing project," added Burgess.

The Structural Evaluation is one part of the Foundation’s Act One Rehabilitation project to ready the historic theatre for occupancy. Another component, repair of the failed sewer that closed the Whiteside in 2002, is now also completed. An assessment of the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system and an electrical evaluation are the remaining threshold projects.

The Structural Engineering Assessment was funded by grants from the Pacific Northwest Preservation Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Oregon Cultural Trust, investing in Oregon's arts, humanities and heritage, and private donations.

The Whiteside Theatre Foundation envisions a multi-purpose entertainment and events venue that honors the Whiteside Theatre’s role as an exceptional historic resource, while rehabilitating the structure in the most environmentally sensitive manner. To donate, become a member, or to volunteer, email info@WhitesideTheatre.org.

Whiteside Jam Moved to Fairgrounds Auditorium

2010-09-18T13:37:00.001-07:00

The Whiteside Jam Theatre Benefit Concert has moved indoors to the Benton County Fairgrounds Auditorium due to the inclement weather. All scheduled activities will still take place.

Come out and see the performers! Tickets are just $12 for 12 hours of entertainment. For a full schedule, see our Whiteside Jam page at http://whitesidetheatre.org/whitesidejam.php.

Thank You for your support!

Swifts Spotted at the Whiteside!

2010-08-30T20:12:00.001-07:00

The swifts have returned to the Whiteside!.. The swifts are small birds that sometimes stop at the Whiteside during their annual migration south. The entire flock, moving as one, fly into the chimney and sleep there for the night, usually after feeding in the evening.

The best time to view them is right before dusk, so you can watch them funnel into the chimney. Don't worry, that chimney hasn't been used for decades by anyone except the swifts.

The swifts passed the Whiteside by last year, but huge numbers were seen in Albany. There will probably be other flocks of them stopping by on their way south, and some flocks stay several days if the feeding is good. Come down to the Whiteside about a half hour before dusk and look up above the theatre. Good viewing spots are the alley east of the theatre, and along the west side of 4th street. The chimney is in the northeast corner of the roof.

WHITESIDE WATERWORKS PHASE 1 UNDERWAY

2010-08-22T16:24:00.000-07:00

Plumbing engineers cut ground to replace the Whiteside Theatre sewer line on Monday. The failed sewer line closed the downtown theatre in January, 2002, when The Fellowship of the Ring was the last cinema feature. In 2008, after the Whiteside Theatre Foundation acquired the movie palace, the group developed a detailed rehabilitation plan that included sewer line repair as a high priority.

"This is a great step forward for the Whiteside," said Doug Sackinger, who leads the Waterworks project for the Whiteside Theatre Foundation. "We have an outstanding team with Mike Blair, of Infrastructure Solutions Engineering, LLC, organizing the project and with local contractor Terry Hackenbruck, and Sure-Flow, Inc of Albany." The sewer is in; connections replaced; alley back-filled; and line scoped and approved by the City Building official.

Technicians with K&R Plumbing, Clackamas, replaced the failed sewer, that runs east from the Whiteside to the alley, with a pipe bursting technique for installing underground pipelines. Blair explained: "Pipe Bursting employs high-powered piercing tools with special bursting heads to smash through old service lines while pulling in new replacement lines. The technique is easy on adjacent utilities because it follows an existing pipe path." "Because pipe bursting is trenchless, there's a minimum of excavation required, reducing costs; this approach allows work in congested places without interfering with normal traffic flow," Blair continued. The work can be done without affecting interior surfaces, an important consideration for the Theatre interior.

"Waterworks Phase 1 and 2, replacing the sewer and restroom plumbing and fixtures, are critical for the overall success of the rehabilitation project," said Louise-Annette Burgess, Chair, Whiteside Theatre Foundation. "When the balance of funding is in place, the mezzanine restrooms will be repaired and repainted, and fixtures reinstalled," continued Burgess.

The Whiteside's Waterworks' Project will restore the 1922 theatre's plumbing to functioning condition supported in part by a grant from the Heritage Programs Division, State Historic Preservation Office, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department; the Oregon Cultural Trust, investing in Oregon's arts, humanities and heritage, and with generous support of private individuals.

The Whiteside Theatre Foundation is a community-based group, dedicated to revitalizing the Whiteside Theatre as a dynamic force for cultural vitality to serve Mid-Willamette Valley residents. The group envisions an economically sustainable multi-purpose entertainment venue that honors the Whiteside Theatre's role as an exceptional historic resource, while rehabilitating the structure in the most practical and environmentally sensitive manner. To donate, become a member, or to volunteer, email info@WhitesideTheatre.org.

Photo Credit: J. Harmon Aug 2010

The Whiteside Jam is September 19th!

2010-08-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

Join us at the Benton County Fairgrounds at 11am on Sunday, Sept. 19th, as the Whiteside Theatre Foundation presents Whiteside Jam: A benefit concert featuring local bands.

For more information, keep checking this news blog and www.whitesidetheatre.org. To receive email updates, or for other inquiries about Whiteside Jam, email us at jam@whitesidetheatre.org.

OREGON CULTURAL TRUST FUNDS WHITESIDE WATERWORKS

2010-07-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

The Oregon Cultural Trust awarded the Whiteside Theatre Foundation a competitive grant for Phase 1 of the Waterworks Project to repair the failed sewer line that closed the downtown theatre in 2002. Waterworks, an essential component of Whiteside's Act I Rehabilitation Plan, will restore the 1922 theatre's plumbing to functioning condition and set necessary groundwork for additional funding needed to reopen the Whiteside Theatre.

The competitive Cultural Development grants provide support to significant cultural programs and projects, preserving and enhancing Oregon's diverse arts, heritage and humanities programs. After a rigorous process including five review panels, the Oregon Cultural Trust board awarded grants in the areas of access, capacity, creativity or preservation. The Whiteside Theatre was one of 57 successful candidates in a field of 212 statewide applicants.

"We are incredibly delighted and appreciative of the Oregon Cultural Trust. Upon completion of the Act I Rehabilitation Plan, we anticipate reopening the doors of the Whiteside Theatre, and to share this beautiful gem with the people of Oregon," said Louise-Annette Burgess, Chair of the Foundation. "Waterworks Phase 1 and 2, replacing the sewer and restroom plumbing and fixtures, is critical for the overall success of the project," continued Burgess, "and this important work is made possible by people who generously donate to the Oregon Cultural Trust."

Additional funds are needed to complete the Act I Rehabilitation plan, for evaluation of the electrical and heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems and repair to the fire escape.

The Whiteside Theatre Foundation is a community-based group, dedicated to revitalizing the Whiteside Theatre as a dynamic force for cultural vitality to serve Mid-Willamette Valley residents. The group envisions an economically sustainable performance hall that honors the Whiteside Theatre's role as an exceptional historic resource, while rehabilitating the structure in the most practical and environmentally sensitive manner. To donate, become a member, or to volunteer, email info@WhitesideTheatre.org.

For additional information about donating to the Oregon Cultural Trust, see our web site or go to www.culturaltrust.org.

A Special Dinner at Aqua to help the Whiteside

2010-07-12T17:54:00.000-07:00

On Monday, August 2nd, from 6-8pm, there will be a special dinner at Aqua in Corvallis to help support the Whiteside Theatre's Waterworks project (repair of the building's plumbing).

Tickets are $60 per person for dinner and beverages (and you may win a prize!). The Aqua Restaurant & Bar is located at 151 NW Monroe Avenue, Corvallis, in the Water Street Market.

If you would like to purchase tickets for this event, or have questions, email us at info@whitesidetheatre.org.

Have an exceptional fine dining experience at one of Corvallis' premiere restaurants and help support the Whiteside!

This event is sponsored in part by Superior Electric, Judson's Plumbing, Pillar Engineering, and Bob Grant Construction.

A Trip to the Elsinore Theatre on July 26th

2010-06-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

On Monday, July 26th, a bus will depart from the Whiteside Theatre at 5 p.m. to travel in style up to a presentation, tour, and WurlitZer organ recital by resident organist extraordinaire Rick Parks. If you have never seen the beautiful Elsinore Theatre, or have never experienced organ music in a theatre space, here's your opportunity. You'll get to meet some nice folks, too! This is a fundraiser for the Whiteside Theatre WaterWorks project (we're fixing the sewer line!). Tickets are $25 each. This includes the bus, wine and cheese on the bus, and a drawing for a framed piece of the actual movie screen from the Whiteside Theatre.

To reserve your spot on the bus, contact us at reservations@whitesidetheatre.org.

The Whiteside's own Mighty WurlitZer organ is being rehabilitated by a group of volunteers. If you are interested in learning the fine art of re-leathering organ pneumatics, or would like to hasten this project along, volunteers and monetary donations are always welcome.

Free Public Tours During Crazy Days

2010-06-22T18:38:00.000-07:00

In support of Crazy Days, the Whiteside Theatre Foundation is offering Free Public Tours of the Whiteside Theatre on July 10th. Tours are at 10am, 10:30am, and 11:00am, and will last approximately 20 minutes. Each tour is limited to 35 guests.

You can reserve a spot on the tour by sending an email to: reservations@whitesidetheatre.org. All people entering the theatre must have a signed Liability Waiver Form. Please arrive a few minutes early to fill out the form. If you would like to bring one filled out to save time, you can download it here.

Join us in celebrating this beautiful piece of Corvallis' history.

The theatre is located at 361 SW Madison Avenue, Corvallis (Map).