The Barrow-Civic Theatre is owned and operated by Franklin Civic Operetta Association (FCOA). Since 1993, the theatre has been committed to being a leader in the cultural growth, diversity and vitality of the region. Their vision is to provide expanding opportunities for quality programming and entertainment for the broad-based audience, while maintaining financial stability.
A non-profit organization, FCOA’s Barrow-Civic Theatre provides creative arts opportunities to all ages throughout the year, with a Season of Shows running from January through December.
Following another full year of programming, tremendous community support, fundraising efforts and grant awards, the theatre has had another successful period of growth. As we continue to evolve and the interests of our valued patrons change, so does our programming.
2024 saw the return of the Main Stage Season of Shows, the Youth Theatre Program, the Barrow Theatre Institute, Off-Barrow productions, and several performances by outside musicians and entertainers. Award winning artists such as Phil Keaggy and Beatlemania Magic performed to sold-out audiences. We value the importance of offering a diverse range of performances and we welcome diverse groups of patrons throughout the year. While some may not prefer country, or rock, or gospel, or musical theatre, we strive to have adequate programming so there is always something for everyone.
Franklin Civic Operetta Association keeps its mission statement at the core of all theatrical presentation choices.
The Franklin Civic Operetta Association is committed to providing leadership and education in cultural development and performing arts to the region, striving to create a legacy of quality entertainment by tapping the resources of all age groups and encouraging the pursuit of artistic talents.
The first Main Stage production of the year was The Play That Goes Wrong, a 1920s whodunit full of disaster & hilarious consequences. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s and Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar was the theatre’s first large musical of the year and played to near sold-out audiences. The SpongeBob Musical took them to Bikini Bottom just in time for the heat of summer. They were excited to present the charming tale of Annie as our 2024 Applefest musical, and they rounded out their Main Stage season with a captivating performance of Dracula over the Halloween weekend.
In August, they celebrated 65 years of Franklin Civic Operetta Association productions with an Anniversary presentation of A Tribute to Musicals of the 1970s: Dinner and a Show. This show was created and brought to life on our stage as a tribute to the vision and dedication of FCOA for producing creative arts opportunities in the Oil Region for more than 6 decades, and featured musical selections from Pippin, Godspell, Company, and A Chorus Line.
Their Off-Barrow program continues to grow and produce shows better fit for their Little Theatre Stage. 2024 performances included Liberty Cabaret: Unplugged, She Kills Monsters, God of Carnage, and two separate Red-Eye Theatre Project events. We are excited for the vibrant future of our Off-Barrow program.
FCOA’s Youth Theatre Program presented an exhilarating all-youth musical, YT Walks the Broadway Beat, and the acclaimed Summer Theatre Camp. Several of the Main Stage shows also featured Youth Theatre students, including large youth ensembles in SpongeBob the Musical and Annie.
Continuing to strengthen community partnerships remains a priority for BCT’s leadership. Collaborative marketing events, local business promotion and increased facility rentals have been among the many partner opportunities provided. Examples include hosting character events at local businesses, cross promoting on merchandise, using local vendors for production and marketing materials. We also partner with area venues to co-produce events. Several fundraiser events were held to support the Barrow and area organizations such as Emmaus Haven, Franklin Rotary, Belles Lettres Club, and Sugar Valley Lodge.
The theatre is proud to continue serving as a performance space for the Silver Cornet Band, Venango Symphony Orchestra, HOLeY Jeans, Oil Region Ballet, and several area dance studio recitals and galas.
Franklin Civic Operetta Association continues to produce the musicals and plays presented in the Main Stage and Off-Barrow seasons at the Barrow-Civic Theatre. The 14-member Board of Directors is 100% volunteer and members serve as producers and business managers for the shows.
The Barrow-Civic Theatre continues to value and benefit greatly from a dedicated staff of top-notch individuals. The theatre ended 2024 with no turn around in staff, and includes 3 full-time and 7 part-time employees. Zachary Covington remains Executive Director, while Kristy Moore continues to grow and flourish in her role as General Manager. James Amero continues as the Technical Director. Jenalee Schenk is the Theatre Relations Coordinator and oversees all marketing and graphic design. Gary Barton remains in the position of Box Office Supervisor and Holly Galmish completed her first year as Bookkeeper. Zachary Dempsey is Buildings and Grounds Manager, and Deb Shoup, James McDonald and Ben Augenbaugh are the theatre’s custodians. Also, throughout the course of the year, they employed a Tech Intern as well as a few temporary Tech Assistants brought on to help with various projects.
The FCOA Board of Directors continues to invest in the sustainability and technological improvements of the Barrow-Civic Theatre building. In an effort to maintain their commitment to improve the production value of performances, continual upgrades are made to lighting and sound equipment. The “Replace the Stage” Fundraising Campaign which occurred in 2023 allowed for the completion of several projects on the Main Stage during the 2024 FY, including lighting fixture installations and new stage curtains. We continue to find ways to responsibly invest in the future of our building and performances.
Audience numbers revealed a steady increase in attendance throughout the year and BTC is hopeful that 2025 will continue this growth trend. The Season of Shows for the coming year is sure to provide something for everyone. Shows that will be running during the year include Rumors, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Footloose, Singin’ in the Rain, and Frozen, Jr.
The Theatre will also see a return of the annual Youth Theatre shows and Summer Camp, Red Eye Theatre Project, biennial presentation of Handel’s “The Messiah,” Silver Cornet Band and Venango Symphony Orchestra concerts, Oil Region Ballet and other dance recitals, and so much more! Visit their social media and website barrowtheatre.org for dates, to purchase tickets, and for additional information.
Memberships, sponsorships, subscriptions and show tickets are all available now for all 2025 shows. We look forward to seeing you at the theatre!
