“We’re thrilled to launch Face the Future, a focused campaign to restore and revitalize the façade of our historic theatre. Together, we can ensure the outside of the Barrow reflects the magic happening within.”
–Zach Covington, executive director, Barrow-Civic Theatre
–Zach Covington, executive director, Barrow-Civic Theatre
The entrance of the Barrow-Civic Theatre in Franklin has seen better days. A new fundraising campaign seeks to restore it to the glory days while modernizing it for the future.
"We can't replace the neon. It's antiquated and it keeps breaking, so why would we replace it?" said Covington.
Instead, they will be replacing the old lights with LED lights that will be protected from the weather with a covering. It will be a new look, but a similar one. "Some people are sad to see the neon go, but this is much better and it's already been approved by HARB (Historical & Architectural Review Board) and the city."
The facade efforts will be done in three phases starting in spring 2026. First will be the marquee. Brick work above the sign will be pointed and painted in the second phase. Lastly, improvements will be made to the cracked windows and tiles at the entrance of the Little Theatre.
Before Christmas Covington sent out a letter to explain everything that needs to be done for the $200,000 project to get the ball rolling.
"For over three decades, the Barrow-Civic Theatre has stood proudly on Liberty Street as a beacon of creativity and community. Thousands of performers, volunteers, and audience members have passed through our doors — and now, the building that has served us so well needs care in return," Convington said in a the letter to potential donors. "These improvements will revitalize our presence downtown, enhance accessibility, and preserve the theatre’s role as a cultural anchor in the Oil Region."
How You Can Help
There are three ways to donate online.Anyone who contributes $500 or more by the campaign deadline of January 31, 2026, will be honored on a permanent plaque displayed in our main lobby.
One tine donation: https://barrowtheatre.my.salesforce-sites.com/donate/?dfId=a0n4o00000aDR6sAAG&
Reoccuring donation: https://barrowtheatre.my.salesforce-sites.com/donate/?dfId=a0n8Z00000IBztSQAT&
Pledge your support. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd8MCwLIaXMps6C7k4gGqOx6imjhIgG8L-x0sTY3JLujo4NCw/viewform
"We can't replace the neon. It's antiquated and it keeps breaking, so why would we replace it?" said Covington.
Instead, they will be replacing the old lights with LED lights that will be protected from the weather with a covering. It will be a new look, but a similar one. "Some people are sad to see the neon go, but this is much better and it's already been approved by HARB (Historical & Architectural Review Board) and the city."
The facade efforts will be done in three phases starting in spring 2026. First will be the marquee. Brick work above the sign will be pointed and painted in the second phase. Lastly, improvements will be made to the cracked windows and tiles at the entrance of the Little Theatre.
Before Christmas Covington sent out a letter to explain everything that needs to be done for the $200,000 project to get the ball rolling.
"For over three decades, the Barrow-Civic Theatre has stood proudly on Liberty Street as a beacon of creativity and community. Thousands of performers, volunteers, and audience members have passed through our doors — and now, the building that has served us so well needs care in return," Convington said in a the letter to potential donors. "These improvements will revitalize our presence downtown, enhance accessibility, and preserve the theatre’s role as a cultural anchor in the Oil Region."
How You Can Help
There are three ways to donate online.Anyone who contributes $500 or more by the campaign deadline of January 31, 2026, will be honored on a permanent plaque displayed in our main lobby.
One tine donation: https://barrowtheatre.my.salesforce-sites.com/donate/?dfId=a0n4o00000aDR6sAAG&
Reoccuring donation: https://barrowtheatre.my.salesforce-sites.com/donate/?dfId=a0n8Z00000IBztSQAT&
Pledge your support. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd8MCwLIaXMps6C7k4gGqOx6imjhIgG8L-x0sTY3JLujo4NCw/viewform
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