For generations of Lewis County residents, the historic Centralia Fox Theatre has meant more than a simple downtown landmark. And, for Scott White, it is much more than just a theatre restoration.
Along with a team of dedicated volunteers, it is Scott’s dream to see the Centralia Fox Theatre become even grander than it was in the past and carry its historical significance forward.
Scott White’s Background
Originally from Lewis County, Scott is an alum of Centralia High School and Centralia College. Scott also graduated from the University of Washington and then moved to New York where he pursued a career in show business. Scott was inspired to restore the Fox Theatre after his personal success performing and directing.
He shares, “I was in a national tour for Jesus Christ Superstar and we played at the historic Fox Theatre in Detroit and the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. I heard that the Centralia Fox Theatre was connected to all these other historic theaters. It stuck in my mind. I thought, ‘I wonder what we can do with the Fox.’”
Scott moved back to Centralia in 2008. “The draw became so powerful to come home,” he describes. “It felt meant to be.” That was the beginning of the restoration project and by February 2009 the Historic Fox Theatre Restorations became a registered non-profit and a community funded endeavor.
Centralia Fox Theatre Restoration Project
Scott says that credit for saving the Fox should be directed to the Centralia City Council in place in 2001. He explains that the non-profit theatre has a lease with the City of Centralia who owns the property.
“When the city bought the property they put a caveat on it that it must be a theater,” he explains. “That’s huge because otherwise this could have ended up being any number of things.” In some communities, historic theaters have been demolished or sliced up into shops. But, Scott shares that when a community rallies behind a theater restoration project, there is a pattern of increased economic development.
With his dedication to the careful, thoughtful, and artful restoration of the Centralia Fox Theatre, it’s no surprise that he won the Jefferson Award in April 2015 – an award that celebrates local, unsung heroes who are making a positive impact on their community.
“In the beginning, we had to work past people’s idea that this was a failed project,” Scott explains. “We decided to restore the marquee. It was an incredibly expensive project and a huge gamble. The marquee was not as vital to the building but we wanted the marquee to inspire people.”
And that inspiration has been paying off. The good news for the Centralia Fox Theatre is that the restoration is picking up speed. Donations and interest are gaining each year. A successful crowd-funding campaign, a Rotary auction, and the sponsorship of local businesses and community support has helped tremendously. “We are at 350 members currently and we hope to keep that number growing.”
A Community Rallying Project
“The Centralia Fox Theatre belongs to the people of Centralia and Lewis County. At the end of the day this is about community,” shares Scott with his passion evident. “So many people before me have put in their life’s work to breathe new life into downtown Centralia.”
Scott’s vision for the future of the Centralia Fox Theatre is very exciting. Broadway shows, big name musical performers, and other entertainment acts are just the beginning. The plan is to grow the theatre to 1,000 seats. The goal is to make the Fox a hub for entertainment, but to also keep it as a community gathering space.
Because as Scott emphasizes time and again, the Fox belongs to the community. “The restoration is a totally grassroots effort, a pipe dream of mine.” But one that is making a valuable difference.
Scott credits the local community for keeping his inspiration alive throughout the restoration efforts. “It makes me so happy when I hear people saying, ‘Oh, have you seen our Fox Theatre?’ I am inspired by hearing the pride in other people’s voices. Because this theater really does belong to the community.”
Through all of Scott’s work with the restoration foundation, he is dedicated to helping downtown Centralia return to its heyday splendor. “You know, if you go far enough back you see that this place was a major place to be. I see Centralia as a little Tacoma – a town that people love to pick on, but this place is amazing. You don’t see downtowns like this. It’s not enough to make money – we have to celebrate the history and have a vision of a beautiful downtown.”
As a parting thought, Scott shares that he is often asked for updates on the restoration project. “It’s a huge project. It’s been eight years that we’ve worked on it so far. So I say, ‘Do you want to make a donation? It’ll go faster.’”
For more information on how you can help the restoration efforts, visit the Centralia Fox Theatre website or call at 360-623-1103.
