🎬 Our Story: The History of the Lyceum Theatre
- SWT Lyceum Theatre
- Jul 9
- 30 min read
The Early Years (1908-1915)
Arrival in Gull Lake
The story of the Lyceum Theatre begins with visionary businessman Fred John Schoonmaker. Born in 1877 and raised in Iowa, Fred Schoonmaker immigrated to Canada in 1908 with his wife Hattie and daughter Helen. Like many American settlers drawn to promise of opportunity on the prairies, he arrived in Gull Lake at a time of frenzied growth. The Canadian Pacific Railway had just arrived, land was booming, and businesses were springing up to meet the needs of a hopeful population.
Schoonmaker wasted no time making his mark. In 1909, he was already managing the Swift Current baseball team, and investing in both commercial and cultural ventures. He purchased prime downtown Gull Lake property and opened what became known as the Schoonmaker Block, a multipurpose building on Conrad Avenue that housed retail businesses and rental offices.
The Opera House is Born
In 1911, Fred Schoonmaker began constructing a grand opera house unlike anything the region had seen, determined to bring culture to the Saskatchewan frontier. An advertisement in the Manitoba Free Press from August of that year declared:
"10,000 FOR THE BEST OPERA HOUSE IN SASKATCHEWAN. Equipped with its own electric light plant, 400 opera seats... clearing over $100 per week above expenses." - Manitoba Free Press, August 23, 1911
Earlier that year, another report confirmed the town's excitement:
"The erection of a fine opera house has been started here and when finished it will be one of the best between Regina and Calgary..." - Manitoba Free Press, April 6, 1911
This article also paints a picture of a booming town, overflowing with newcomers and bursting at the seams. "The immigration here is in full blast and is double of last year," it reported, noting the three hotels and the immigration hall were "filled every night."
Business Ventures & Personal Life
Schoonmaker's presence was felt across the town. He operated a meat market in both Gull Lake and Burr Oak, Iowa -- Often advertising in both Canadian and American newspapers -- and even sold remedies for alcohol addiction through a mail-order catalogue. He had a talent for promotion, appearing in multiple business directories and local newspapers throughout both Canada and the United States.
Photos and newspaper clippings suggest he also operated a barber shop and pool hall in downtown Gull Lake and maintained commercial ties to his home state. Helen, his daughter, appears in many family photographs (generously provided to us by his great-nephew, Harold Schoonmaker) that capture the era's early optimism -- girls in lace dresses, dusty streets, and painted signage over timber storefronts.
By 1914, the Schoonmaker family had begun transitioning back to the United States, settling in Minneapolis where Fred opened another meat market. He became a naturalized American citizen in 1934 and remained proud of his time in Canada. He died in 1940 of gallbladder issues, leaving behind both tangible businesses and a cultural legacy.
Sale to Sam Tyler & The Naming of the Lyceum
In 1911, not long after building the opera house, Schoonmaker sold the business to Samuel R. Tyler, a businessman from Alberta. Tyler renamed the venue Lyceum Theatre, reportedly on the suggestion of Mrs. Rosalind Henry, a family friend who was inspired by the famous London playhouse of the same name.
The 1915 Conrad Avenue Fire
On the morning of Monday, December 20, 1915, disaster struck the town of Gull Lake. A fire broke out above the Morrow Furniture Store at 7:00 a.m., quickly consuming the building and spreading with devastating speed. Fueled by strong wind, the flames jumped from rooftop to rooftop, claiming several neighbouring businesses, including Joe Lathor's barbershop, J. Anderson's hardware store, a local pool hall, and the Lyceum Theatre. The Shaunavon Standard reports the theatre as "Taylor Theatre" but this is a misspelling of "Tyler".
Despite the best efforts of the local fire brigade, the combination of early morning timing and high winds made it impossible to contain the blaze in its early stages. One report noted that "the fire engine did good work but the flames had gained such headway... it was impossible to check it at once. Four hose streams sprayed the fire simultaneously, and volunteers joined firefighters in rescuing what they could. Reports estimated damaged between $30,000 (Swift Current Sun), and $60,000 (Western Star in Newfoundland).
Though the Gull Lake post office was saved, much of downtown core lay in ashes. The Lyceum Theatre was completely destroyed. Remarkably, Sam Tyler immediately announced that he would rebuild the theatre using brick, ensuring greater fire resistance and long-term stability. By 1916, the new Lyceum Theatre rose at 1375 Conrad Avenue.
"Out of a whole block, the post office is the only thing standing, except the engine-house of the theatre." - Swift Current Sun (Above)
Rebuilding & The Golden Age (1916-1927)
Tyler Rebuilds
After the 1915 Conrad Avenue fire destroyed the original Lyceum Theatre, Sam R. Tyler wasted no time in restoring the community's beloved venue. In 1916, he rebuilt the Lyceum Theatre at its current location, 1375 Conrad Avenue, on the site of the former Morrow's Furniture Store.
Tyler's rebuilt Lyceum retained its role as a cinema, playing silent films with piano accompaniment, but also served as a multipurpose space, hosting orchestras, travelling performers, political meetings, school programs, and civic celebrations. The street level featured professional offices rented to local doctors and dentists, while the second level held a small apartment that Tyler often used himself or leased to visitors. One of the oldest advertisements found for the newly build Lyceum Theatre was for Douglass Fairbanks in the Three Musketeers with accompaniment from the Gull Lake Orchestra.
The Showman Behind the Curtain
Samuel R. Tyler was more than a theatre owner. He was a lifelong advocate for accessible, community-based cinema across western Canada. He got his start in Alberta and later expanded his operations into Saskatchewan and British Columbia. In addition to the Lyceum Theatre, Tyler ran movie houses in Tompkins, High River, and eventually Victoria.
Tyler was deeply involved in his communities. A known photographer and Rotarian, he often showed films of local gardens and street scenes he had shot himself. One photo in the Glenbow Archives even shows Sam shaking hands with the Duke of Windsor at a private royal screening of Sergeant York in High River.
At the Highwood/Wales Theatre in High River--another of his ventures--Tyler reportedly insisted on upholding family standards, personally previewing films and deleting any content he found inappropriate before projection. He was a perfectionist with a sense of civic duty. One phrase that repeated throughout his venues that he owned was, "A Temple of Refined Entertainment and Education." During his ownership, the theatre underwent major renovations and was even renamed "The Wales" in honour of the Prince of Wales after a royal visit. Tyler's contributions to the showman profession were so enduring that he became a founding member of the Pioneer Showmen of Western Canada in 1943.
Tyler and his wife Florence were deeply embedded in the communities they lived in. In the 1950s, they opened a men's clothing store in Oak Bay with their son Allan (S.R. Tyler & Sons). Locals recall Sam greeting customers at the door in a great suit, always jovial and polite. He operated the Oak Bay Theatre at the same time (beginning in 1951) and continued to champion traditional values in cinema, community connection, and personal service.
Transition Years & Changing Ownership (1927-1945)
After Sam Tyler (The Herb Era)
By 1927, Sam R. Tyler had stepped away from the Gull Lake theatre business to pursue new ventures in Alberta, and later British Columbia. Ownership of the Lyceum Theatre changed hands, beginning a new chapter characterized by steady community engagement and adaption to the evolving film industry. While records are scarce in this period due to the 1976 theatre fire and the Gull Lake Advance flood, we do know that Sam R. Tyler sold the Lyceum Theatre to Herb Tyler (not believed to be of any relation) around 1927.
Herb Tyler oversaw the Lyceum during a dynamic period of change. Sound films (talkies) were emerging, and audiences were hungry for new entertainment experiences. The Lyceum adapted by upgrading its projection and audio systems and increasing its programming, including matinees and special events. The theatre remained a centre for war bond drives, patriotic programming, and travelling shows.
Postwar to the Modern Era (1946-1976)
Herb Partridge's Upgrades
Ownership later passed Herb Coney and Herb Partridge. By the late 1940s, Mr. Partridge began investing in infrastructure improvements. As reported in a 1949 newspaper clipping:
"Mr. Herb Partridge announces that new projectors and sound equipment have been installed in the Lyceum Theatre. This greatly improves the listening pleasure of Lyceum patrons... it is the intention, in due course, to install new seats." - Gull Lake Advance, 1949
These upgrades reflected a growing demand for higher-quality cinema experiences in the postwar years, as Hollywood expanded and moviegoing became a more central part of small-town leisure life.
Johnny Davison bought out Partridge's share in 1952, and Dr. John Matheson, a local physician who had a medical office in one of the Lyceum's suites, is also believed to have held a partial ownership during this period, probably buying out Coney's share, though Davison's daughter, who reached out to us on Facebook does not have any memory of Matheson's direct involvement in the management of the Lyceum. Under this consortium of owners, the Lyceum was a consistent presence in town life. It offered films, community gatherings, public service announcements, and seasonal events, including 1951's Santa Claus Day, a tradition that continues today, now hosted by the Gull Lake Kinettes every year.
Santa Claus Comes to Town (1951)
One beloved Lyceum Theatre tradition began in 1951, when the Gull Lake and District Board of Trade partnered with the Lyceum to host Santa Claus Day. That year, Santa arrived at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 15, escorted by officials from the Board of Trade to the town hall, where he handed out bags of candy and nuts to every child present.
To support the festivities, the Lyceum Theatre offered a free matinee screening for all children in the district, which is a tradition that is held to this day.
"A programme suitable to the younger generation will be shown on the screen" - The Gull Lake Advance, 1951
While the children were inside the theatre enjoying their show, parents were encouraged to visit local businesses for their holiday shopping, creating a bustling, festive environment downtown. Merchants filled their shelves with Christmas items and made special arrangements for "prompt service to the large crowd." This shopping event is also a tradition carried out to this day, with Old Fashioned Christmas, arranged every year by Western Financial and the Economic Development Committee.
The town closed down Conrad Avenue to vehicle traffic, allowing children to move safely through the streets-an early example of community-first planning tied directly to the Lyceum.
This annual celebration laid the foundation for what became two of Gull Lake's enduring traditions. Today, Santa Claus Day is hosted by the Gull Lake Kinettes, and Old Fashioned Christmas by the Western Financial Group and Economic Development Committee, but their roots trace back to this coopertive effort between merchants, town officials, and the Lyceum Theatre in the early 1950s.
A Stage for the Town's Youth
Throughout the 1940s and 50s, the Lyceum Theatre wasn't just a place to watch Hollywood films, it was a stage for the town's own talent. Community plays, Glee Club concerts, and school functions regularly packed the auditorium. One such event, the 1952 Gull Lake High School Variety Show, drew a "standing-room-only" crowd and showcased the role the Lyceum played in nurturing local culture.
"While not as heavy a programme as in previous years, the evening proved to be one of pleasing entertainment." - The Gull Lake Advance, 1952
The night included skits like "Whar's Mah Pants", musical numbers from Leonard Herbach, and comedic turns from Everett Peterson and John Rennie, who provided "plenty of wit and humor." Performers from grades one through twelve took the stage, and the show closed with the Glee Club singing "Grandma's Lye Soap", a popular radio hit of the time. Awards were handed out for "best attendance," "neatest books," "highest average," and "greatest effort" across all grades.
Johnny Frook's portrayal of Noah in "Whar's Mah Pants" received special praise for captivating the audience with "an outstanding display of acting throughout the play."
A Theatre for More than Movies
In addition to its cultural contributions, the Lyceum Theatre was a hub for democratic engagement. Over the decades, it hosted nomination meetings, political rallies, and speeches by prominent leaders. In 1949, the Lyceum became a stage for a moment of provincial significance when Premier Tommy Douglas, founder of Canada's universal healthcare system, came to speak.
"Hear Tommy Douglas, Premier of Saskatchewan, and Tom Bentley, C.C.F. Candidate for Gull Lake... Lyceum Theatre, Gull Lake, 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 9th." -Gull Lake Advance, 1949
Issued under the authority of the C.C.F. (Saskatchewan Section), the advertisement was part of a major campaign push ahead of a by-election. Douglas's appearance in Gull Lake underscored the importance of rural voices and marked the Lyceum Theatre as a venue for public dialogue on the future of the province.
This event, along with the Liberal nomination convention held a few weeks earlier in the same venue, reflects the Lyceum's role as a town square for political expression, where divergent visons of Saskatchewan's future were debated under the same roof that screened Westerns, hosted school plays, and welcomed travelling hypnotists.
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, the Lyceum Theatre regularly hosted free matinees for children, often sponsored by local service clubs and businesses. A 1950 clipping from the Gull Lake Advance announces one such event:
1956 Renovation & New Screen
In 1956, the Lyceum received a significant visual and structural update. Sharp's Theatre Supplies of Calgary installed a new "wide screen," measuring twelve by twenty-one feet. The installation was overseen by Mr. Einar Christianson, who made the necessary building alterations. This screen allowed for wide-format cinema, improving the film-going experience for Gull Lake audiences. The first film shown on the new screen was Silver Lode.
Around the same time, the theatre received a striking exterior renovation. The original 1916 facade was completely remodeled. Two new oak glass-paneled doors were installed, along with a large central pane of plate glass. Overhead, a canopy was added with an upgraded lighting system. The tin sheeting on the second story was replaced with modern Insul-Shake siding, and the front was finished with black arborite and veneer. The renovations were seen as a major modernization effort at the time.
The Potters
From 1939 to 1960, Chignell "Chig" Potter served as projectionist and, in 1960, after two decades of working in the booth, he and his wife Laura bought the theatre. Under the Potters, the Lyceum became a family-run institution. Films showed six nights a week with double features on Saturdays. Laura managed the front-of-house, and trained the concession staff, while Chig ran the projection booth and mentored dozens of local youth. Their son, Les Potter, recalls:
"Mom and Dad ran the place together. Dad was in the booth, and Mom was at the till. Saturday nights the theatre was full of kids. Saturday was the only time farmers came to town. Parents dropped them off and went to the bar or shopping. Kids would fall asleep during the second movie and be picked up after their parents were back from the bar. Saturday nights were magical." - Les Potter
The Potters installed a new stage in 1961 and upgraded seating through the 60s. Popcorn was introduced by the previous owners, but but became a core part of the experience with the Potters in the early 60s. Les recalls that they sold popcorn in paper bags for 10 cents and later expanded to candy and soda in the mid-60s. Employees during this period included Marilyn Gibson (first popcorn girl), Tom Frook, Wanda Thoreson, and Walter LaBerge, who started in 1963 at age 15. Both the concession stand and projection booth became a hub of youth employment and mentorship.
Tom Fook remembers working for the Potters, often splitting his shifts between the popcorn machine and the projection booth upstairs. He shared a vivid memory of the apartment above the theatre:
"There was a small man door between the projection booth and the apartment. Norm and Irma Kirk had the apartment for much of the time I was there. They would sometimes sneak through the booth and sit in the tiny balcony to watch the movies."
He also recalled the smoking culture of the time:
"There was never a fire during the years I worked there, but it's amazing there wasn't. At the time, smoking was allowed in the lobby. Folks would stand or lean against the Coke machines and have their smoke. Most used ashtrays on top of the Coke machines, but some didn't. It wasn't uncommon for the air in the auditorium to be blue with tobacco scoke, particularly if it was an extra long movie. -Tom Frook, Facebook
Expanding the Stage
In 1961, Chig and Laura doubled the size of the stage to better accommodate high school plays and travelling performers. Dressing rooms were created behind the screen, and the old silk screen was used for advertisements (featuring classic names like Busse Bros.) when movies weren't playing.
The theatre also hosted literary nights, hypnotist shows, and school performances of Shakespearean plays like MacBeth, in addition to regular film screenings. The John Deere dealership often sponsored movie nights, bringing in farming families.
The Projectionist's Craft
Chig, a certified projectionist, trained dozens of youth to run the projectors--many of whom received school credit. Harold Fisher, a mechanic at the GM garage, was among the first. Others included Ron Bauer, Sam Long, Terry Langston, and Walter LaBerge. Film reels were shipped by train and later by bus, requiring careful timing. Reels had to be broken down, rewound, and shipped out prepaid.
"We were running at 90 feet a minute... if something jumped or tore, you had feed of film on the floor before you got it shut down." - Les Potter
The projection booth used carbon arc lighting, and each night's show was a precise technical ballet. Preview trailers were spliced in manually. Newsreels--especially during World War II and the Vietnam War-- were a major draw for local audiences, providing rare moving images from the frontlines.
Seating & Structure
The theatre had 408 wooden seats when the Potters purchased it. Over the years, they replaced around 300 of them with upholstered seating acquired from another theatre in the northeast region of Saskatchewan. During these renovations (1961-63), the Potters also addressed heating issues, and because of this, according to Les, the Lyceum's hot water system made it one of the few warm refugees during winter blizzards.
Les also recalls the rental suites attached to the theatre, which housed doctors' offices between the theatre and credit union, and a jeweler named Steen toward the north. The suites were also used by professionals, telephone operators, and nurses' aides, including Donna Montgomery and Dorothy Church.
A 5-year anniversary ashtray was recently recovered from an antique shop in British Columbia and donated to the Lyceum, celebrating five years of the Potters' ownership of the theatre. The ash tray was found by Kevin Funk in an antique store in Invermere, BC, and was given to Carla Orton at the Gull Lake Library, who passed it on to theatre manager Cole Girodat:
In 1971, Chig Potter passed away. Laura continued to run the theatre for a few years before selling it to Fred Turner. Les stayed involved as a projectionist and volunteer.
The Second Lyceum Fire (1976)
On Monday, March 8, 1976, tragedy struck again. An explosion beneath the stage at the Lyceum Theatre triggered a fire that gutted the historic building. Flames quickly spread through the basement, and within minutes, the structure was fully engulfed.
Fred Turner, the theatre's owner at the time, had just moved into the upstairs suite with his mother, Florence. The explosion was so forceful that Florence Turner was blown across the sidewalk and against her car when she attempted to escape.
"She smelled smoke and went to investigate. She saw flame around the exit door to the south of the state... an explosion occurred, and she was blown out across the sidewalk. - The Gull Lake Advance
Despite the efforts of the Gull Lake Fire Brigade and assistance from Swift Current's rural department, the theatre could not be saved.
"The firemen fought the blaze for over three hours. It was evident almost from the moment the fire was discovered that the building could not be saved" - The Swift Current Sun
Photos published in the local papers (below) show thick smoke pouring from the rooftop as firefighters worked desperately to contain the blaze. Turner, who rushed from work upon hearing the sirens, could only watch as the theatre, and the home he had just finished renovating, burned to ash. The Sears Order Office, located in the south end of the theatre block, was also lost.
For many children, the fire became a defining memory. Ken Brown, who was six years old at the time, rode his bike to the scene.
"I remember the day that building burnt down. So sad. I think I was about 6 years old. I rode my bike to the scene and watched as the firefighters tried to put out the fire. I can still remember that smell. - Ken Brown, Facebook
In one of the widely shared photographs (below) taken during the fire, Ken believes he is the boy standing on the far right, witnessing the loss of the community landmark.
In the aftermath, Gull Lake faced difficult choices. Ken recalls that the town circulated a questionnaire asking residents whether they would prefer a new swimming pool or a new theatre.
"After the votes were tabulated, they ended up building both. At least that's what I remember. I also remember going to a movie at the Elks Hall while the theatre was gone. It was a poor replacement at best." - Ken Brown, Facebook
Even before the embers cooled, the community mobilized. A "Work Bee" was organized for the following Monday to clear the site. Volunteers gathered at 9:00 am and worked through the day, salvaging materials and hauling debris. "No one was injured, but they all got very dirty," one caption observed. "Morning coffee, noon dinner, and afternoon lunch was provided in the Elks Hall."
Seventy-five people showed up to help, including two men with welding torches, farmers in front-end loaders, and high school youth. "The furnace and front of the building which had been left standing after the fire was extinguished... was cleared and partially filled in," noted local coverage.
In a 2023 interview with Cole Girodat, Les Potter says that the only thing he recovered from the old theatre is an ash tray he found in the ashes. He remembers this ash tray as Herb Tyler's, and has kept it ever since because he is the only one alive that it would have any significance to.
"I worked for Fred Turner in the concession. I was to work the night of the fire. Very sad time for the town! - Irene Frisky on Facebook
The Rebuild
In the aftermath of the fire, Fred Turner launched a fund to rebuild the Lyceum Theatre. Legal trust accounts were opened at Marlene E. K. Weston's law office to manage incoming donations. The town rallied behind him. One editorial observed, "The total community is very much aware of the loss incurred... both as an asset to the community and as a pastime for our young people. They are behind Mr. Turner 100%."
Turner's determination led him to consult with business owners and theatre operators across the Prairies. In one clipping, it was reported that he was planning a trip to Spiritwood, Saskatchewan, to assess a new theatre of similar size and layout. "He is pursuing every avenue to try and find ways and means of rebuilding." the article said.
But as costs continued to rise and logistics proved difficult, the rebuilding effort shifted direction and a new proposal began to emerge. One that placed the theatre in the hands of the community itself.
A New Chapter: The Cultural Centre
The Gull Lake & District Cultural Co-operative was formed later that year, with a mission to not only rebuild the Lyceum Theatre, but to create a shared community space that included the public library.
Construction began quickly. One headline from 1978 read "Up She Rises...!" and showed the Cultural Centre's cinderblock walls taking shape.
"The front section will house the theatre lobby and library. The back section the theatre itself. Committee members indicate that all systems are go for a mid-summer opening. - The Gull Lake Advance
This marked a major turning point in the Lyceum's history--from a private, family-owned venue to a volunteer-run, non-profit cultural hub.
The Cultural Co-operative Era (1978-Present)
In response to the second fire, the Gull Lake & District Cultural Co-operative was formed, with founding members Bernard Kirwan, Ken Logan, Wayne Buck, Terry Busse, Ron Taylor, Phillip Jensen, and Emanual Zubot. Built by Knutson Construction, the new Lyceum Theatre reopened in 1978 as a non-profit cinema and cultural centre, which also included the new Gull Lake Library.
Once the theatre was complete, the board was on the search for a manager:
Walter LaBerge (1980-2012)
In 1978 and 1979, Fred Turner was contracted to run the Lyceum Theatre, followed by Edwin Trudeau in 1979, who had previously owned the drive-in theatre in Shaunavon.
In 1980, Water LaBerge, who had been the projectionist since being hired by Chig in 1963, took over as manager in and remined until 2012.
Walter had been working at the Lyceum Theatre since he was 15 years old, so Les remembers thinking that Walter was the perfect man for the job, recalling a time that his father, Chig, was battling cancer. Walter quietly stepped up to manage operations behind the scenes without recognition or additional pay. For him, it was about keeping the theatre going. He also remembers that Walter always preferred classical music, which wasn't always popular with the teens, but he never wavered in his commitment. Even Cole Girodat, who currently manages the Lyceum Theatre in 2025 recalls that before every movie growing up, Walter would have the same classical music playlist going while they waited for the film to start. It just became a staple of the Lyceum Theatre experience.
During his tenure at the theatre, he trained countless youth, managed bookings, and maintained the building with a steadfast presence. He was known for quietly helping generations of teens find employment and belonging.
"Walter did more for youth in this town than anyone else I know. He just wanted to give kids a little spending money and a sense of responsibility." - Les Potter
At first, the Co-operative board and Walter hired local students to run the concession. Tara Anderson, a high school employee at the time (and now a board member), remembers the $10 shifts and how the teens pooled their earnings for drinks after work. She also laughed about their "bottle checks" at the door, joking that they'd give a friendly jab to classmates to make sure they weren't sneaking in pop.
Support through the 1990s
By the 1990s, this paid model transitioned into a volunteer one. Community groups like the Gull Lake Kinettes, families like the Penners, and other volunteers took over the nightly operations of the concession.
In 1994, the Gull Lake Girl Guides donated $100 to the Lyceum Theatre, raised through Beatrice Milk Care and Share Seals. The cheque was presented to manager Walter LaBerge by a group of smiling guides in uniform. The same year, the Girl Guides donated to Antelope Lake Regional Park.
The same summer, IGA (Peterson's Grocery) hosted a wiener roast fundraiser on July 28 and donated $135 to the Lyceum. "Hot dogs and pop were sold for $1.50," reported the Advance, "and the proceeds went to the theatre." Jerry Peterson presented the cheque to Walter LaBerge om front of the concession stand.
The following year, Safe Grad parents and grads raised $974.55 toward the Theatre Fund. Raeanne Jahnke and Rhea Ericksteen made the presentation on behalf of the class.
Throughout the 1990s, service clubs and cooperatives contributed to the Lyceum steadily. The Gull Lake Kinettes raise d a full $10,000 for a sound system upgrade and celebrated with a photo beneath a towering fundraising thermometer. Another photo shows Walter receiving a $100 donation from Federated Co-op, presented by Bill Rudolph. Another from South West Terminal Ltd. details a 1999-2000 Community Support donation of $2,826.82 to local organizations, including $689.94 to the Lyceum Theatre.
Walter managed the Lyceum Theatre for over three decades and worked there for a total of 49 years before stepping down in 2012.
New Manager, New Era (2012-2014)
In the wake of Walter's retirement, The Gull Lake & District Cultural Co-operative board published multiple calls for applicants and thanked Walter for his years of service. President Ted Sells reflected:
"Walter just decided the time was right for his retirement. He's been doing it a long time... Over thirty years for sure. And that's six nights a week without too many holidays either." - Ted Sells
Local resident Pete Fehr remembers filling in for Walter after his retirement, reflecting how much was needed to do to upkeep the theatre. He laughed about not even being able to watch the movies because he was too busy looking for the indicator in the top right portion of the screen that told him when to change the film reel.
Later that year, Belinda Yorke was hired as the new manager. Belinda brought fresh energy and passion, having recently moved from Gull Lake to Swift Current. In interviews with the Gull Lake Advance, she described her love for meeting new people and helping keep the town's theatre alive. She oversaw day-to-day operations, trained volunteers, watched trailers for programming, and climbed the projection booth stairs, carrying the heavy reels.
"Our concession booth is completely dependent on the Gull Lake volunteer people... I've worked with a lot of volunteers before, and the one thing I find that gets people to give someone their time is when we never have enough of it. It's hard to find, and it runs out really fast. -Belinda Yorke
Digital Projection & Community Support
Around this time, the film industry underwent a major shift as theatres across North America transitioned from traditional 35mm film to digital projection systems. This change promised sharper images and lower shipping costs, but the transition came with a steep price tag—an estimated $100,000. For small town cinemas like the Lyceum Theatre, the upgrade was not optimal, but the film distributors were rapidly phasing out 35mm prints.
Recognizing the urgency, The Gull Lake & District Cultural Co-operative launched a major community fundraising effort. Belinda, along with the Theatre Board, reached out to service clubs, local businesses, and families across the region.
We're not just raising money for a movie projector. This place is the centre for everybody to come to... Something different from sitting at home and renting a movie off the dish." - Belinda Yorke
The campaign quickly gained traction.
In April 2012, the Gull Lake History Committee donated $20,000, raised through the sale of the Centennial Chronicles history book, which they published the previous year. Committee President Sandra Benallack explained, "The money came from the sale of our Gull Lake history book... and we have our debts paid off for that, so this is money we really felt should go into the community. We looked at a couple of projects... and felt that giving it to the theatre would benefit a larger range of people-right from the youth up to the elderly and senior citizens."
The Gull Lake Elks, contributed $3,000, raised through steak supper fundraiser on June 15. Jeff Slabik personally helped move the new Dolby surround-system into the theatre, telling the Advance, "We raised all that money through our steak supper... I'd like to thank everybody for coming out and helping support the cause and raise money for the theatre."
ReMax of Swift Current, represented by David Weinbender, donated $500, and even more contributions followed from organizations like the Royal Purple and Gull Lake Kinettes.
Yorke was tireless in her coordination efforts. She continued to manage day-to-day operations, oversee volunteers and promote fundraising. With enough funds raised to reach the halfway mark by July, the Lyceum placed its order. The equipment began arriving on July 12, with large speakers and digital hardware delivered and installed by volunteers. "This is our investment for the future," Yorke told the paper as she supervised the unloading of the Dolby system. "We have a donation box in the theatre if you just want to put $5, $10-whatever you want to put in. Everything is welcome."
"This is our investment for the future." - Belinda Yorke
Finally, the moment arrived. The Lyceum Theatre closed for a few days in August 2012 to complete the installation and reopened on August 16 with its first-ever digital screening on the new Christie digital projector. "It should be both fun and historic," Yorke said. Belinda noted how many people were driving in from surrounding towns like Hazlet, Webb, and Shaunavon. "There is proof how many people from out of town are driving to Gull Lake for dinner and a movie at a great price... What a great investment we've made for the town!"
You know what the best part is? I see people coming back. People we haven't seen at the movies in a while. That tells me we're doing something right. -Belinda Yorke
Blake Campbell, who served on The Gull Lake & District Cultural Co-operative Board of Directors from 2005 to 2022, recalls that when the Lyceum completed its digital upgrade, it also launched its first online presence through a Facebook page. Blake considers this one of the most important changes of his term.
"The move online was absolutely key. Until then, we were just a small-town theatre. After that, we became a regional theatre. People from all over the southwest started coming in more and more." - Blake Campbell
Wendy Klein and the Spirit of Community (2014-2019)
Wendy Klein served as manager of the Lyceum Theatre from 2014 until her passing in 2019, leaving behind a legacy defined by warmth, collaboration, and a profound sense of community.
Blake Campbell, who chaired the board during her tenure, compared Wendy's managerial style to the early days of the Lyceum under the Potters, where community and family were at the heart of operations. Wendy referred to everyone who came through the doors as her "Theatre Friends," a phrase that deeply resonated with patrons and volunteers alike. Together with her husband Paul Overing, who was hired as the theatre's custodian, Wendy infused the Lyceum with a sense of community spirit and belonging.
Campbell also emphasized that every manager brought something lasting to the Lyceum:
"Walter gave us stability. Belinda brought structure. Wendy brought community. Cole brought advertising and new ideas like gaming nights. Each one added something that stuck." - Blake Campbell
Devon Oman and Dead Prairie Productions
In 2016, a lasting connection was made when Devon Oman of Dead Prairie Productions, a non-profit film company of Swift Current, approached Wendy with the idea of hosting Double Feature Horror Nights at the Lyceum Theatre. Wendy was always open to new ideas, and this event led to many future events with Dead Prairie Productions.
While the first Double Feature Horror Night, featuring Don't Breathe (2016) and A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), didn't go over as well as anticipated because it was on Halloween, manager Wendy Klein and movie producer Devon Oman learned their lesson and did not schedule future events on holidays. The events that followed went over very well, and, on October 3rd, 2017, (Friday the 13th), the Double Feature Horror Night featuring IT Part 1 (2017) and Friday the 13th (1980) had a lineup going around the block. The Lyceum could not hold all of the people that came for the movie, and an estimated 100 people were turned away at the door.
On August 22, 2018, a Double Feature Horror Night was held on a Wednesday rather than a Saturday. This was done, according to Oman, because the Lyceum Theatre is usually closed Wednesdays, and he wanted to try playing two old movies on the same night, rather than a new movie paired with a classic one.
The classic, Christine (1983) was scheduled to be played with Pet Sematary (2019) on May 3, 2019, but unfortunately, Lyceum Theatre manager passed away that week, so the event was cancelled.
On July 20, 2019, the first Double Feature Horror Night was hosted with new manager Cole Girodat, who took over for Wendy in 2019 after her death. Poltergeist (1982) and Child's Play (2019) played, with Trent Redekop, an actor from Herbert Saskatchewan made a special appearance on the Lyceum's big screen. Before Child's Play, which Redekop plays a role in, he appeared on the screen to say hello to the Lyceum. He told the crowd a little bit about himself, preparing them for the movie they were about to see, and how he played a part.
On October 1, 2021, Candyman (1992) and Candyman (2021) played back to back. There was a lot of excitement around this event because it was the Lyceum Theatre's first event since reopening from the COVID-19 closure in March of 2020. This excitement, however, was soon thwarted by the new Saskatchewan regulations, only allowing vaccinated individuals into the theatre, to go into effect October 1 (The same day the event took place). Though this event did bring in quite a crowd, there would have certainly been more people come out if it weren't for such bad timing.
Cole Girodat and the Modern Revival (2019-2026)
In 2019, following the sudden passing of beloved manager Wendy Klein, the Lyceum Theatre entered a period of transition. It was during that time that Cole Girodat, a Gull Lake native, returned home to take up the mantle of theatre manager. Though young and relatively new to the industry, Girodat brought with him a passion for storytelling, a background in multimedia production and publishing, and a bold vision for the future of small-town cinema.
Girodat had long admired the Lyceum as a child, attending screenings regularly with his family, friends, or even just by himself. He remembers that his first date was at the Lyceum Theatre, a thing he is sure he has in common with many people from the area. He always imagined what it would like to run the theatre, and remembers talking about it with his wife, Hannah, whenever they would visit his home. "If that place ever comes up for sale," he would say, "We should definitely buy it." After completing his studies in Multimedia Production at Lethbridge College, followed by a degree in English from the University of Lethbridge, he spotted an ad on Facebook while tending the greenhouse at Canadian Tire in Lethbridge while also studying publishing online out of the Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson University at the time). The timing felt fated. He applied almost immediately and, after a phone interview, returned to Gull Lake with his wife, Hannah (who was finishing up her political science degree), ready to lead.
The theatre he inherited, however, was in mourning. Wendy Klein's passing left a deep impact on the community, and Girodat--now at the helm-- faced a delicate challenge: moving the Lyceum forward while honouring the memory of the woman who had come to define it for so many. The transition wasn't always easy. He remembers the community, and his relief operators, still grieving Wendy's absence, and resistant to any changes he began to make.
But Girodat persisted, believing that the best way to honour someone was to move forward, keeping the Lyceum, the thing she cherished, alive and thriving. He began to build trust with the community and gradually introducing new ideas. "Walter gave us stability. Belinda brough structure. Wendy brought community," reflected board chair Blake Campbell. "Cole brough advertising and new ideas like gaming nights. Each one added something that stuck."
Some of Girodat's first changes reflected his belief that small-town theatres must diversify to survive. He introduced debit payments (a highly debated topic at the time), built a more consistent and strategic social media presence, added pre-show digital advertising from local businesses, and launched private theatre rentals. These may seem like minor things now, but they were major changes in how the business operated, and where its revenue came from. He saw these changes not as departures from tradition, but as necessary evolutions to keep the Lyceum relevant in a streaming-driven age. "People are staying home to watch movies more than ever before," Girodat said. "So we have to offer something they can't get at home.
That philosophy would be tested during one of the most difficult eras in the theatre's history: the COVID-19 pandemic. Less than a year into Girodat's tenue, the Lyceum was forced to close its doors. For nearly 18 months, the theatre remained dark, with only brief openings interrupted by ever-changing provincial restrictions. Girodat volunteered much of his time during this period, selling popcorn at the door, coordinating funding efforts, and ensuring the building remained operational. The financial strain was immense, but support from the federal government and the community made survival possible.
After the pandemic subsided, Girodat turned his attention to revitalizing the Lyceum's role in the community. He collaborated with Dead Prairie Productions on a series of horror-themed events, including getting Terrifier 2 and 3 on day one, something that, as a second-run theatre, the Lyceum doesn't usually do. "The Silver Scream," a 2024 escape room experience that used the renovation-in-progress theatre as part of its narrative. It was a highlight of Girodat's time at the Lyceum, blending creativity, performance, and community engagement in a way that few other events had.
"The Silver Scream was one of the most fun things I've ever been a part of." - Cole Girodat
Cole also loved getting in local films. Dead Prairies Productions movies often played at the Lyceum when they were released, and in 2022, the Alberta-made film Guitar Lessons, starring Corb Lund and Conway Kootenay brought in quite the crowd.
"There's something healthy about seeing ourselves and our land and our people up on the big screen once in a while, so just as a prairie boy, and as a member of the community, I think I'd like to do more of these - Aaron Sinclair, Director of Guitar Lessons
Once the board decided that they were going to go ahead with renovations, a big push for donations and sponsors began in 2023. The first big fundraising event for renovations was Whitecap Winterfest 2023. This was the first time the town had hosted Winterfest since before COVID, so the Lyceum was very excited to be a part of it. The Lyceum Theatre sponsored the carriage rides, and then hosted the Cabaret in the evening, serving drinks all night until 2am. This even was a success, and the Lyceum made about $5000 for the renovation project.
(SECTION ON THE RENOVATIONS. SWT NAMING RIGHTS, FUNDRAISING EVENTS, DONORS, ALL THAT JAZZ. WINTERFEST 2023, COMEDIAN COMING SOON)
Under Cole's leadership, the Lyceum also underwent major renovations, made possible by fundraising and community support. These improvements modernized the facility, setting the stage for the theatre's next chapter.
(SECTION ON GRAND-REOPENING 2025 COMING SOON)
As of 2025, Girodat has announced that he will be stepping down as manager in 2026 to take on a new role as Administrator for the Rural Municipality of Gull Lake. Though his time as manager is drawing to a close, he remains committed to the theatre's future.
"I see myself as the manager who kept the ship afloat during COVID and came out of the flames with renewed vigour. I'm proud of what I achieved. I'd love to volunteer, be a relief operator, or even serve on the board. I just want to stay involved." - Cole Girodat
Girodat spent much his seven years at the Lyceum compiling this history. It was a major undertaking, as no Lyceum specific history had ever been compiled, so he spent years scouring the internet for any references to the Lyceum, met and interviewed many people who played a part in its history, and went to the library, where the Gull Lake Advance archives are currently being stored. He would like to give thanks to Harold Schoonmaker and Dar Churcher, who coincidentally contacted him the same week about Fred Schoonmaker and Sam Tyler, the same week he was also looking for information about them. It felt like the first time he discovered something concrete about the theatre, and it seemed like fate! Others who played a major role in this history were Les Potter, who filled many gaps in the early years and the years of his family, and Carla Orton, who allowed him to look through the Gull Lake Advance archives at the library, and even sent him clippings that he myself missed. Blake Campbell filled gaps in the 2000's, and Devon Oman in the late 2010's. He appreciates the people who have come forward through the years with stories and histories that he otherwise would not have discovered, and encourages people to continue with more. This article will be updated with new discoveries, so let's be Lyceum historians together to preserve the story of this community treasure.