Thanks to our loyal customers, donors, and volunteers, 2024 was another great year for the Palace Theatre! During the year the Palace hosted 27 events with a total attendance of 2893 people! Over half of those visits were to our headlining 2024 Film Series, which celebrated 8 classic American films inspired by the American Film Institute’s selections of the best American cinema.
We also hosted two documentary films on Appalachia, in addition to the annual Appalachian Festival concert, Mountain Ridge’s annual jazz concert, a screening of local director Ethan Romaine’s latest work, FSU Center for Literary Arts’ One-Act Play Festival, WFWM’s stellar fundraising concert, 12 Film Club showings, and—in a first at the Palace (we think?)—a joyous wedding!
It’s been a busy year.
In addition, the Palace Board also has some good news to report on the theatre itself. Last year we reported that we had applied for a matching grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to help offset the impact of the estimated $125,000 it will take to replace the existing auditorium roof, which is failing, with a high-quality EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) rubber membrane, as well as new soffit, gutters, and down spouting. This summer we learned that we received this grant, which will cover up to half of the expected replacement costs. Combined with the phenomenal support we received from the community, this grant will allow us to replace the roof while maintaining our ambitious, all-volunteer programming schedule. We’re so appreciative that the ARC recognizes what the people of Frostburg already know: that the Palace is the anchor of Frostburg’s vibrant downtown!
Although we hoped to have the roof installed before winter, we needed a bit more time to ensure that our project conforms to the grant criteria. Thankfully, in between work and overseeing administration of the grant, volunteers found the time to patch the existing roof to prepare it for one last Frostburg winter. We hope to have the project out for bid soon so that work can begin when the weather breaks.
While we wait, the Palace is pleased to announce our 2025 Film Series. Since last season’s Film Series was such a success, and there’s so much great American cinema, we’re continuing chose the theme of classic American cinema into 2025. Make plans to come on out to the Palace this year to spend a Thursday evening in Frostburg having dinner, shopping, and taking in a classic American movie!
Finally, the Palace’s continued success relies on people like you, who continue to support us every year. So, thank you! We’re so proud to be part of a community that values the arts and look forward to working with you for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Frostburg Palace Theatre Board
And yes, you can still donate!!
The Frostburg Palace Theatre is an all-volunteer, charitable organization operated in accordance with section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, charitable contributions to the Frostburg Palace may be tax deductible.