Bing Crosby Theater
The Bing Crosby Theater is a historic place in downtown Spokane, Washington. It was built in 1915 and was first called the Clemmer Theater. It was one of the first places in the city to show silent movies. The theater has had many renovations and name changes over the years, but it has always been an important part of Spokane’s cultural life.
In 2006, the theater was given a new name to honor Bing Crosby, who was one of Spokane’s most well-known residents. Crosby was born in Tacoma, Washington, in 1903. When he was a child, his family moved to Spokane, where he went to Gonzaga University, which is also in the city. He went on to become one of the most popular entertainers of the 20th century, with hits like “White Christmas” and “Swinging on a Star.” The Bing Crosby Theater is a great way to honor this famous performer.
Today, there are many different kinds of events at the Bing Crosby Theater. There are concerts, plays, and movie showings. It has room for 756 people and has the most modern sound and lighting equipment. The Spokane International Film Festival, the Spokane Symphony, and performances by local theater groups like Spokane Civic Theatre and Stage Left Theater are some of the most popular events at the theater.
The Bing Crosby Theater is different from other places in the area because it wants to reach out to the community. The theater works with local schools and community groups to put on master classes, workshops, and other educational programs. It also holds events to raise money for local charities and non-profits. The theater is also committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, and it has put in place policies to make sure that everyone in the community feels welcome and important.
The Bing Crosby Theater is also unique because it has a long history. Over the years, many famous people have performed at the theater, such as Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields, and Houdini. It has also been the site of many important events in Spokane’s history, like political rallies and civic ceremonies. Today, guided tours and historical displays let people learn about the theater’s interesting past.
Even though it has been around for a long time, the Bing Crosby Theater is not happy to sit on its laurels. In the past few years, the theater has had a lot of work done to bring it up to date and make it a better place to visit. Upgrades were made to the sound and lighting systems, new seats were put in, and the lobby and backstage areas were fixed up. The theater also put up a new sign and facade to bring back the historic look of the building.
Because of these changes, the Bing Crosby Theater is now one of the best places for arts and culture in the Pacific Northwest. It has won a lot of awards and praise, like when USA Today said it was one of the “10 Best Historic Theaters in the United States.” People from all over the world come to the theater to see how it combines history, culture, and entertainment in a unique way.
In the end, the Bing Crosby Theater is a real treasure in the middle of Spokane. It is a beloved institution in the Pacific Northwest because of its long history, dedication to helping the community, and dedication to putting on world-class entertainment. Whether you live in the area or are just visiting, a trip to the Bing Crosby Theater is something you will never forget.