Lamp Theatre pavilion completion delayed

The delay in finishing the outdoor pavilion at The Lamp Theatre in downtown Irwin can be blamed on a familiar problem: a supply chain disruption caused by the covid pandemic.

“Covid has held us back. We’re waiting for a lot of materials,” said John Gdula, president of The Lamp Theatre Corp. board of directors. That includes stainless steel that will serve as the facia for the structure built at the rear of the patio.

Theater officials are hoping the pavilion, adjacent to the refurbished diner on the patio, will be finished by April 15, Gdula said. Work on the project began in the fall.

The contractor on the project, Charles Shoff of Shoff Construction LLC of Irwin, could not be reached for comment.

When completed, the outdoor pavilion will give shelter to performers and their equipment during concerts. It also will allow for patrons attending theater events to have a roof over their head if they want to be outside before or after a show.

The project will cost about $45,000, Gdula said. The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provided a revitalization grant of $25,000. Donations from Casey Harper of C. Harper Auto Group, whose name is on the Harper Family Courtyard, and Lamp board members covered the remainder of the cost, Gdula said.

The courtyard also will have a clock with LED lights. It was donated by Mary Benko, former longtime Irwin manager, and her husband, John.

As for concerts and shows, there is no definitive date for booking events. Under Gov. Tom Wolf’s restrictions for indoor events, the Lamp Theatre can hold only 66 people — including band members, stagehands and volunteers such as ticket takers, Gdula said.

Bands still are reluctant to perform, and the limited capacity would not make it financially feasible to hold concerts or shows, Gdula said.

The Lamp has not had a concert since last spring.

“Everyone’s in a holding pattern,” Gdula said, but “we will be ready when (the restrictions) are lifted.”

Without any revenue from shows, or the work to produce and market them, Lamp laid off its two employees last year, Gdula said.

But with insurance, utilities and loan payments to make, volunteers and supporters of the Irwin theater are continuing to raise money.

The fundraising committee raised more than $38,000 last year, which was used for fixed expenses, such as making payments on the loan for the theater’s sound system and projector, as well as utilities and roof repairs.

The pavilion will allow for some fundraisers, said Terri Yurcisin, a Lamp Theatre board member. Smaller events, such as birthday parties, also can be held inside the theater to raise money, Yurcisin said.

The Lamp plans to sell popcorn, T-shirts and other merchandise during the April 24 car cruise sponsored by the Irwin Business & Professional Association, said Linda Kovach, who is involved with the Lamp’s fundraising efforts.