Photo by Benjamin Edwards
Sponsored Content: A Celebration of Contemporary Culture in an Iconic Landmark
Since 1940, a neon sign has towered over Bend’s Wall Street casting gold, green and purple illumination onto the marquee below. The Tower Theatre first opened its doors in the early months of World War II and has been an iconic symbol of downtown Bend ever since. With travertine marble imported from Italy, acoustical tiles and an avant-garde women’s lounge gracing its interior, the theater brought Art Deco Streamline Moderne architecture to Central Oregon design at the time. For decades, the brightly lit marquee shined with Hollywood hits, Vaudeville shows, plays, dancers and musicians, enticing theater-goers with live stage performances and the allure of the silver screen.
The Re-Birth of the Tower
After falling into disrepair in the ‘90s, the Tower Theatre underwent a complete renovation supported by a collective fund-raising effort and the motto: “Encore! The Return of the Tower Theatre.” In 2004, the community celebrated the theater’s grand reopening and the marquee shined brightly again. Welcoming patrons with 3,198 of additional square footage, a new orchestra pit with a motorized sypra lift, new box seats, an expanded lobby with a refreshments area, state of the art sound and lighting, and video with 35mm projection capacity, the new design stayed true to its Art Deco Streamline-Moderne origins. Perhaps most unforgettable for all who enter its doors is the strikingly bold and sophisticated carpet that fills its interior with lavish geometric appeal. Known affectionately as “Bend’s Living Room,” The Tower Theatre has been a vibrant celebration of the arts and community for decades.
Central Oregon’s Top Spot for Live Performances
Drawing performers from near and far, the Tower entertains audiences of up to 486 people for everything from film festivals, acrobatics and concerts to theatrical performances, lectures and ballets. With Central Oregon becoming one of the top destinations in the Pacific Northwest and situated between major cities such as Sacramento, Portland, Seattle, Eugene and Boise, the Tower draws acts seeking an accessible and economical weeknight venue while en route to other stops, or as a destination itself. Many visitors find their way to Bend to embrace the wonder of its natural playground and are pleasantly surprised by the thriving local arts culture with the Tower Theatre at its core. With multiple, diverse performances taking place each week for 65,000 patrons annually, the Tower Theatre is the most equipped and experienced performance space east of the Cascade Range.
Considered Central Oregon’s centerstage, the intimate size of the theater is an attractive draw for both the audience and the performers, as it allows for a more up-close and shared experience. Creating an ideal “off-Broadway” vibe, the Tower is a perfect place to try out new performance ideas, produce original projects and stage scaled-down versions of larger shows. Audiences delight in sitting a mere 40-feet away from Hall of Fame and world-renowned performers.
Vision of the Tower Theatre Foundation
The nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation, a collaborative community organization, was created in 1997 to revitalize and manage the popular venue. Driven by its belief in the power of the performing arts to strengthen community and improve quality of life for people of all ages, the Foundation is committed to providing high-quality events and educational programs which appeal to diverse audiences. Working with local-area schools and hosting myriad non-profit organizations each year, the Foundation continues to inspire and support an appreciation for the arts and community.
Igniting a passion for the arts in youth is at the core of the Tower Theatre Foundation’s mission. In addition to engaging LessonPLAN programs created to captivate young audiences, the Foundation established the Doug Watson Scholarship for Performing Arts to inspire and support students as they pursue education in the arts. Honoring the legacy of Doug Watson, a local theater-enthusiast who dedicated his life to promoting the arts, the Foundation awards scholarship funds to a group of high school seniors each year, empowering them to thrive in their creative journeys.
Downtown Bend’s Vibrant Centerpiece
Located right in the heart of Bend’s vibrant downtown, the Tower Theatre is nestled among nostalgic and nouveau restaurants and bars, charming boutiques and local coffee shops. Drawing locals and visitors alike, the Tower’s diverse offerings are a perfect culmination to a Central Oregon day, whether wrapping up a day of outdoor adventure or an exploration of the dynamic towns or trails that dot the high desert region. The shows at this historic, independent and non-franchise venue make all who attend feel the energy of the local scene, bringing cultural flair and the spirit of community to a Central Oregon visit.
Every season of the year, the Tower’s marquee is filled with contemporary singers, dancers, comedians, musicians, actors and speakers of today, enriching the community with the ever-changing landscape of the performing arts and diverse perspectives and manifesting the Tower Theatre Foundation’s belief that art is the cornerstone of the human experience. Live like a local and follow the shining lights that have marked the skyline of downtown Bend for close to a century. Thriving as Central Oregon’s premiere stage since the 1940s, the iconic Tower Theatre awaits to entertain, inspire and connect all who enter its doors.
Learn more about the Tower Theatre in Bend, Oregon, and be sure to get tickets to a show this year by checking out their event calendar here.
Read more about our vibrant arts and culture in Central Oregon.
