BRIEF FACTS ABOUT THE WALHALLA CIVIC AUDITORIUM

            The Walhalla Graded School housed children as early as 1903 in the front part of the building complex.  In 1915, a class graduated from the stage of the school’s auditorium which had been added.  The entire complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and was last used as the Oconee School District administrative offices.

In September, 2004 the Oconee School District deeded the entire building and land to WCAI.

            Pastor George Shealy and Bob Littleton had a vision of restoring the auditorium as early as 1991 and led a small group to form, receive a lease, a charter, and a 501 © 3 in order to restore the Auditorium.  In 2003 the Walhalla Auditorium Restoration Committee became the Walhalla Civic Auditorium and began presenting shows that year.  The mission has always been to provide a first-class facility for shows, conferences and seminars that would enhance the cultural and educational life of the area.

            The Auditorium has 453 seats with over 120 in the balcony.  Moderate levels of sound and lighting are available Heritage Corridor and the Accommodations Tax funds were used to restore the hall, as well as generous donations and other smaller grants and gifts.

            In April, 2008, the WCA will begin its fifth year of operation, celebrating with big Broadway shows and audience pleasers such as Emile Pandolfi.  In November 2007, Doc Watson appeared, giving WCA its first real sold-out performance.  Other shows planned for the spring of 2008 are The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Andy Cooney, and the Taffetas.  The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber will be an anniversary special, along with The Great Rock & Roll Revival, and a Cinco De Mayo show in May.

  April 4 through April 12, 2008, the Civic celebrated its fifth year of continuous operation, presenting a great variety of shows and hosting numerous civic affairs and public events. The list of performers is lengthy, but to know just a few: Papa Duke (from the Ukraine--a gypsy violinist), Emile Pandolfi, a lyrical pianist; Doc Watson, the King of Bluegrass (with Jack Lawrence and his grandson Merle); The Wizard of Oz (Dance Discovery's Recital); The Colgate Talent Show sponsored by WGOG; Robin Spielberg, pianist with the Seneca High School Chorale; a countywide summit on Oconee County, and many other fabulous happenings.
At the Open House Sunday, April 6, CD's of many of the artists performing here were given to patrons, thanks to Tom Brosnan, WGOG and Wayne Morton.

 

            The web site is www.walhallacivicauditorium.com

            The e-mail address is walhallaciv1744@bellsouth.net