Palace Community Theatre

The Palace Community Theatre is a movie theater located in Oakley, Kansas, United States. It provides Oakley and the surrounding areas with an affordable movie experience, featuring state-of-the-art technology to offer movie-goers the best possible experience at the lowest prices. The theater typically shows films on weekends, with screenings on Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 7:00 pm, and is closed on Fridays. It is community-owned and operated, with a board of directors and a manager who is a local teacher. The theater maintains an active presence on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, to keep the community updated on weekly movies and special events. The Palace Theatre has been a fixture in Oakley for more than half a century, having undergone several ownership changes and renovations. It was originally built by the George Baker Amusement Co. of Kansas City and opened as the "Center Theatre" on August 25, 1949. After being renamed the "Palace Theatre" in 1977, it operated until 2001, when it closed. In 2003, members of the community purchased it and reopened it as a community theater. Since then, it has been managed by a board of directors and a manager, with Kimberly Munk serving as manager since 2014. The theater continues to serve as a local entertainment venue, showing current films and hosting special events.

The Palace Theatre has been in Oakley for more than half a century. It's been through many owners, managers, and titles. It was first built by the George Baker Amusement Co. of Kansas City and named the "Center Theatre." Carl Coriell managed the 502 seat theatre. The Grand Opening was August 25, 1949. A free open house was held that day from 1:00-5:00 p.m. They showed 45 minute cartoons, comedies, and sports programs every two hours. The regular movie was played at 7:00p.m. The first movie was "Take Me Out To the Ballgame" starring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. In May of 1951, Mel Sparks was hired by George Baker of Kansas City to become the new manager. Mel then ran the theatre for 16 years until he became the part-time manager in 1967. He managed it until 1976 when he finally sold it to Leroy Heinrich. Heinrich owned it for a year, remodeling it during that time. Johnny Daniels then purchased it in 1977 for $60,000, changing the name to the "Palace Theatre." After being remodeled, the Palace had a new cry room with 10 seats and could accommodate 381 moviegoers. At this time there were three other theatres, one on Main Street, called the "Main Street Theatre" and two drive-ins. The Palace was closed in 2001, and remained closed until 2003 when members of the community purchased it. From 2002 to 2022 the Board of Directors included Bruce Campbell, Frank Munk, Eric Sperber, Jim Keenan, and Butch Burris. Since 2014 the new teacher that manages the theatre is Kimberly Munk. Starting March of 2022, the board members include Kyle Bloom, Frank Munk, Kevin Uhrich, and Zachry Broeckelman. Each year, a new group of seniors will be in the class and take over the theatre management.

• 2022

  New board members include Kyle Bloom, Frank Munk, Kevin Uhrich, and Zachry Broeckelman starting March.

• 2014

  Kimberly Munk becomes manager.

• 2003

  Members of the community purchase the theatre and reopen it.

• 2001

  The Palace closes.

• 1977

  Johnny Daniels purchases the theatre for $60,000 and renames it "Palace Theatre"; after remodeling, capacity is 381 with a 10-seat cry room.

• 1976

  Mel Sparks sells the theatre to Leroy Heinrich.

• 1967

  Mel Sparks becomes part-time manager.

• 1951

  Mel Sparks hired as manager in May.

• 1949

  Grand opening as "Center Theatre" on August 25, with 502 seats, managed by Carl Coriell.

Affordable community movie theater

• Movie screenings

  Weekend screenings of current films, such as "Practical Magic 2" on September 26 & 27.

1. 1Palace Theatrepalacetheatreoakley.com
2. 2Palace Theatre - Palace Theatre Historypalacetheatreoakley.com
3. 3Palace Community Theatrewikidata.org