Mission.  The Casino Star Theatre Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization that serves the residents of Gunnison Valley and the surrounding areas with a variety of wholesome live and film entertainment in a fully restored historic theatre. The Foundation also contributes to the economic health, public arts programs, and Main Street beautification of the community.

Services. 

•  the only theatre between Ephraim and Richfield

•  offers first-run family-oriented movies six evenings per week

•  quality live concerts of imported performers and exceptional local talent

•  bargain programs to schools and businesses of the area

Concerts and special programs are designated as fund-raisers toward the restoration.
Partnerships and Public Art.

•  Project Agent for public community and school grants where 501(c)(3) organization is required. 

•  recipient of Utah Arts Council Creative Community Initiative grant to create Sanpitch Dragon as a Public Art project

•  recipient of second Creative Community Initiative grant for Bulldogs on Parade Public Art Project

•  co-agent with Gunnison Valley Elementary School on Arts in Education grant to benefit Gunnison’s Sesquicentennial Celebration in 2009

•  recipient of Utah Arts Council Arts Education grant to create undersea mural at Gunnison Swimming Pool

•  co-recipient with Gunnison City of Arts Education grant for Heritage Wall

History.  

•  listed on National Register of Historic Places since 1987

•  opened January 13, 1913;  under construction as vaudeville/movie palace since August 1912

•  remodel in 1936 closed the vaudeville portion of the entertainment

•  name of the theatre changed in 1936 from “Casino” to “Star.”  The current designation, “Casino Star,” recognizes both historic former names.

•  underground gasoline leak forces closure for 363 days, November 16, 2007 to November 14, 2008

•  theatre reopens with vast interior improvements, new wiring and HVAC
• new sheathing, lath, and stucco; refurbished and replicated trim; refurbished original windows; repair and replacement metalwork and flashing keep the theatre behind scaffolding during 2010
• the long-awaited paint reveals the surprising beauty of Gunnison's iconic show-house.
  

Need.  A restored, functional Casino Star Theatre is the catalyst to attract out-of-area visitors and to reinvigorate the spirit and pride of Gunnison City as the economic and cultural center of Sanpete County’s southern valley.