Lyceum Theatre, Gull Lake

Lyceum Theatre

Address	1375 Conrad Avenue Gull Lake, Saskatchewan Canada
Owner	The Gull Lake & District Cultural Co-operative: Steven Haithwaite, Tara Anderson, Neal Boutin, Devon Oman, Shannon Friesen
Operator	Cole Girodat
Designation	Registered Charity
Capacity	224
Screens	1
Construction
Opened	1911
Renovated	2024
Rebuilt	1916, 1978 (Fires)
Website
www.lyceumtheatre.ca

The Lyceum Theatre is a historic, community-owned cinema located at 1375 Conrad Avenue in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada. Established in 1911, it has served as a cultural hub for the town and surrounding areas for over a century. Operated by the non-profit Gull Lake & District Cultural Co-operative ^[1] , the theatre continues to offer affordable entertainment, including films and live events, to the local community.

History ^[2]

Early Years (1908–1915)

The theatre's origins trace back to 1908 when Fred John Schoonmaker, an entrepreneur from Iowa, immigrated to Canada with his family. Recognizing the need for cultural venues in the burgeoning town of Gull Lake, Schoonmaker constructed a grand opera house in 1911, equipped with its own electric light plant and seating for 400 patrons. This venue quickly became a centerpiece for entertainment in the region.

Shortly after its completion, Schoonmaker sold the opera house to Samuel R. Tyler, who renamed it the Lyceum Theatre. The name was reportedly suggested by Mrs. Rosalind Henry, inspired by the famous London playhouse.

The 1915 Fire and Reconstruction

On December 20, 1915, a devastating fire swept through downtown Gull Lake, destroying several businesses, including the Lyceum Theatre. Demonstrating resilience, Tyler promptly rebuilt the theatre in 1916 at its current location on Conrad Avenue. The new structure was designed to be more fire-resistant and continued to serve as a venue for silent films, live performances, and community events.

Mid-20th Century Developments

Throughout the 1920s to the 1950s, the Lyceum Theatre underwent several ownership changes and technological upgrades. Notably, in 1956, the theatre installed a new wide screen to accommodate the latest film formats. The venue also played a significant role in community life, hosting events like Santa Claus Day, school programs, and political rallies, including1 a speech by Premier Tommy Douglas in 1949.

The 1976 Fire and Cultural Centre Formation

Tragedy struck again in 1976 when an explosion led to a fire that destroyed the theatre. In response, the community formed the Gull Lake & District Cultural Co-operative to oversee the construction of a new cultural centre. Completed in 1978, the new facility housed both the Lyceum Theatre and the Gull Lake Library.

Recent History

From 1980 to 2012, Walter Laberge managed the theatre, fostering a welcoming environment for local youth and volunteers. Following his retirement, Belinda Yorke took over, leading efforts to modernize the theatre, including a significant transition to digital projection in 2012, funded by community donations and grants.

In 2014, Wendy Klein became the manager, known for her community involvement. After her passing in 2019, Cole Girodat assumed the role, introducing innovative programming and spearheading major renovations completed in 2024. Under his leadership, the theatre expanded its offerings to include events like escape rooms and collaborations with local filmmakers.

Facilities & Programming

The Lyceum Theatre features a single screen with a seating capacity of 224. Equipped with 7.1 Dolby Surround Sound and RealD 3D capabilities, it offers a modern cinematic experience. The theatre operates six nights a week, showcasing a mix of current films, classic movies, and special events. As a volunteer-run organization ^[3] , it relies on community involvement for operations and programming.

Ownership & Management

The theatre is owned and operated by the Gull Lake & District Cultural Co-operative, a registered charity established in 1976. The co-operative's mission is to provide accessible cultural and recreational opportunities to the residents of Gull Lake and surrounding areas. Governance is provided by a volunteer board of directors, with day-to-day operations managed by appointed staff and community volunteers.

References

1. "About Us". SWT Lyceum Theatre. Retrieved 2025-07-26.
2. Theatre, SWT Lyceum (2025-07-09). "🎬 Our Story: The History of the Lyceum Theatre". SWT Lyceum Theatre. Retrieved 2025-07-26.
3. "Volunteer". SWT Lyceum Theatre. Retrieved 2025-07-26.