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Life in Warren County > The Arts
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A full representation of the arts can
be found in Warren County, catering to each person’s particular
interests. There is music, singing and dancing, acting, and
a variety of the fine arts as represented by the Warren Art
League and other organizations. Art lovers can participate
or sit back and enjoy the performances.
Struthers Library Theatre
The Struthers
Library Theatre is one of the oldest theatres in the nation.
The original construction of the building was financed by
Thomas Struthers, local industrialist and philanthropist.
The main floor boasts an elegant auditorium and large stage.
In its early days, the upstairs housed a library and meeting
place to bring in revenue support for the theatre. Early theatrical
shows were replaced in the 1900’s by Vaudeville shows and
motion pictures. When  Vaudeville
waned, it was used solely as a movie house until 1980. In
the early ‘80s, the building underwent extensive remodeling
and sound, lighting, and projection improvements. Five years
later, the Library Theatre Summer Playhouse was established.
Resident companies of professional actors and musicians perform
classic musicals like “Carousel” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”
Foreign films, children’s theatre, and other activities also
take place at the Struthers Theatre.
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Music
in the Park
 What
began ten years ago as one couple’s effort to clean up Warren
County’s Soldiers and Sailors Park has become a weekly summer
music series that brings residents to the downtown area for
weekend fun. Each Friday and Saturday, from the end of May to
the first weekend in September, everyone can enjoy a two hour
“Music in the Park” concert. A variety of musical styles are
represented with the musical talent of county residents and
by groups as far away as Erie and Pittsburgh, ranging from classic
rock to country and jazz. The most popular concerts attract
crowds in excess of 500. Planning for “Lunch in the Park” events
with poetry reading, music, puppet shows, and other fun activities
is currently underway, as is obtaining funds for a stage cover.
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Before Soldiers and Sailors became
home to Music in the Park, it was in great need of tender and
loving care. With the exception of cleaning the statue, the
restoration of the park was done completely by local community
volunteers. A stage was added to the park during the restoration.
Funding for the preservation and continuation of Music in the
Park is made possible by Northwest Savings Bank, the PA Council
on the Arts, and local businesses. This summer marks the 8th
season of the music series.
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Warren Concert Association
 For
over fifty years the Warren Concert Association has presented
live performances of music, classical and classic to the Warren
area. From symphony orchestras to ragtime piano solos, children’s
choirs to Chanticleer, each season has been delightfully different.
Season subscriptions and single tickets are  available
for the concerts, all of which are held in the historic Struthers
Library Theatre in Warren. In the past five years, such notable
performers as Chuck Mangione, Doc Severinsen, The Tibetan
Monks, Leahy, Moscow Chamber Orchestra, Anuna, and Max Morath
have entertained audiences.
Information on current offerings may be found on the right
or by calling the Association office at (814) 723-2348.
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The Struthers Library Theatre is the 18th oldest operating theatre in the nation. Except for two short periods of renovations, it has been in continuous operation since it opened its doors in 1883.
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The Warren Players Club is the oldest amateur theatre group in the United States.
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