$365,000 GRANT
Polaris Theater received a generous grant from WA State Community Projects.
With generous support from Senator Deborah Krishnadasan, Rep. Adison Richards, Rep. Michelle Caldier Valdez & Kitsap County Commissioner Christine Rolfes The Port Orchard Historic Theatre Foundation received funds for structural work, fire safety improvements and other work.
LOWEâS Hometowns Grant
We are so thankful to Loweâs for granting Polaris $50K+ for exterior repair and restoration work!
In additional to over $50,000 in funds towards exterior restoration work weâve received a ton of support and volunteer time from our local Loweâs team here in Port Orchard. The Loweâs team stepped up to guide the process of our restoration work and also showed up to work on the building - assisting in repairs, demolition work and caring for the historic venue.
Polaris Theater 2026
The Vision
No longer simply a cinema, the POLARIS THEATER will be a single-stage performance space that can also accommodate live music, special events, theatrical performances, lectures, workshops, AND movies. We envision a space for film festivals, comedy shows, DJ nights, student productions, private events, fundraisers, and anything our community can dream up.
Concept image of the completed Polaris Lobby
Concept image of the completed Polaris Auditorium Lounge
Join the Polaris Community and support the Polaris Theater Project on Patreon! (Say that 3x fast!!) patreon.com/polaristheater Everyone asks us when the theater is going to open and how they can help - this answers those questions.
For $12 a month youâre the GLUE that helps keep this project going by helping cover monthly expenses and operational costs. Please consider signing up to give!
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HELP KEEP HISTORY ALIVE!
We are rebuilding and reimaging for the next 100 years.
The Polaris Theater is a 501c3 non-profit organization and relies on the generous donations of individuals and organizations.
Your financial contributions are tax deductible and go towards the renovation and reopening of the theater. Make no mistake, there is A LOT of work to do. But we are willing to do it because we believe that Kitsap Countyâs OLDEST theater is worth it.
THE THEATER FROM 1924 - 2026
1924-1965 The D&R theater operates. Many kitsap residents of a certain age fondly remember showings at the theater.
1965-1980 The theater is shuttered.
1980-2005 The theater reopens as plaza twin cinemas after $200K in renovations.
2007-2010 The Orchard theater operates for 3 year after $50K in renovations.
2011-2019 Dragonfly Cinema operates, breathing new life into the theater, helping launch the west sound film festival.
2021 Brigadoon ventures LLC purchases the building and forms port orchard historic theatre foundation - a 501c3 nonprofit with the aims of a complete renovation of the theater that allows for live music and more.
2022-2023 Cowlitz Tribal Foundation grants Polaris $50,000, Two local Rotary clubs contribute $50,00. Individual Contributions exceed $50,000. Theater interior is demoâd and prepped for remodel.
2024 Backstage alley at the Polaris opens. Community events begin to populate the outdoor space. The theater foundation operates with a robust and effective board of Directors.
2025 Theater is awarded $50,000 from Lowes hometowns grants for exterior restoration work.
2025 Theater is awarded $365,000 from WA state capital grant community projects for interior renovation.
2026 Theater continues construction & fundraising efforts.
Thank you to our Sponsors & Supporters
Cowlitz Tribal Foundation
Lowes Hometowns
South Kitsap Rotary
WA State Community Projects
Mardi St Laurent
Kitsap Great Give
Port Orchard Rotary
BJC Group
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We are extremely excited and proud to have received $25,000 from both the Port Orchard Rotary and South Kitsap Rotary clubs. This combined $50K will be used to improve and completely reimagine the alley between the Polaris Theater and the Bay Street Bistro buildings.
With this generous support of our local Rotary clubs this space will be transformed into a welcoming, beautiful place that will be both open to the public to enjoy and used for Theater events and activations.
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THANK YOU for supporting our fundraiser at Mardiâs Mania stall at Josephine's Mercantile! Mardi (who is one of our incredible Board Members) raised almost $5,800 for Polaris through sales of her uniquely curated antiques and vintage items!! Thank you Mardi St. Laurent for your generosity!
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GREAT NEWS! We are elated to share that the theater has been granted $50,000 from the Cowlitz Tribal Foundation! This money will help fund work on the repairs and upgrades that the building sorely needs. This is a HUGE win and we are extremely grateful for the Cowlitz Tribe's vision and generosity!
Cowlitz Tribal Foundation Grants POLARIS $50,000!
We are very pleased to announce that the Cowlitz Tribe has generously granted the Port Orchard Historic Theater Foundation $50K for vital renovation and remodel work! These funds will be used to:
Demolish interior of theater
Prep for remodel construction
WHATâS HAPPENING?
âïž Incorporated as a Non-profit
âïž Meeting with Theater supporters
âïž Forming a Board of Directors
âïž Fundraising Begins
The Kitsap Peninsulaâs OLDEST theater turned 100 in 2024.
We are working hard to reopen the theater to celebrate the coming centennial!
WORK WORK WORK PARTY!
Roll up your sleeves and help us prep the POLARIS for reopening! SIGN UP with the Contact form and we will follow up with you!
Our Volunteers are AMAZING!
Thank you to everyone who has joined the Polaris team for a work party. We couldnât do it without you!
NEXT WORK PARTY: TBD - Follow us on FB or sign up for emails to stay in the loop for the next work party.
JOIN A WORK PARTY
đ I WANT TO GET INVOLVED.
There are MANY ways to be involved in reviving, remodeling and reopening Port Orchardâs historic theater.
WHAT CAN I DO?
FINANCIAL SUPPORT - Make your tax deductible contribution.
VOLUNTEERS - Help revive the POLARIS theater.
SUPPORTERS - Please support and share our fundraisers!
VISIONARIES - Do you have a vision for our community that includes cinema, music, art, intellectual engagement, comedy, fashion & dance?