Get the scoop on The Palace Theatre during free tours Saturday

There’s more to The Palace Theatre than meets the eye.

“There’s so much more story behind the scenes. It’s not just a theater, it’s a part of the community,” said Teresa Baughman, director of operations and programming for the downtown Greensburg venue, owned and operated by Westmoreland Cultural Trust.

Baughman will discuss history, building specs and anecdotes about people who have passed through the theater doors during free tours offered in conjunction with the historic venue’s 95th anniversary.

Tours will begin at 10 a.m. and noon Saturday. Reservations are not required.

“For 95 years, The Palace Theatre has served as a cultural staple in Westmoreland County. We are thrilled to share this rich history with the community,” said Trust CEO April Kopas.

The tours will include facts and little- known details about the former Manos Theatre and information on architectural and artistic features, including the Grecian marble staircase and French fairy-tale murals.

Baughman will trace theater history from its beginning in 1926 as a vaudeville venue, to its years as a movie house and to its return to hosting live entertainment following purchase in the 1990s by the Trust.

She will share information gleaned from descendants of the founding Manos family and from the great-nephew of muralist Louis Grell.

Attendees will travel through the entire theater, including typically restricted areas. Historic documents, photos and displays will be available for viewing in Megan’s Suite before and after the tours.

The tour lasts about 75 minutes, followed by a question-and-answer session that Baughman said typically runs about 15-20 minutes.

Memories and recollections

“One of our favorite aspects of the tour is when guests share their favorite memories and recollections of visiting or working at the venue,” Kopas said. “To hear how the theatre has played a special part in the lives of so many community members, inspires the Trust to ensure the theatre is here for another 95 years.”

In-person tours were suspended in 2020 because of the pandemic, but the Trust provided a five-part virtual online tour. In 2019, two tours attracted more than 175 guests.

About 100 people attended a Sept. 2 tour, which Baughman called the largest tour group ever.

During the Aug. 28 Greensburg Music Fest, Baughman said, “You could tell the people who came in who had never been (in The Palace) before. They were looking at it like, ‘Wow!’

“(The tours) provide a first access for people who haven’t heard of us or seen it before,” she said. “We hope it makes them more comfortable in coming back and see a show.”

Baughman said the tours generally are suitable for children 12 and older. She suggests that parents gauge interest level and attention span of younger children before bringing them along.

The Trust also invites tourgoers to visit Art in the Alley, its interactive public art project located beside the theater that includes more than 50 original works by local artists.

Details: thepalacetheatre.org