The Star Theater

In 1984, a group of Russell Countians that were enthusiastic about the arts applied for and received a New Communities Challenge Grant from the Kentucky Arts Council.

The initial goal of the organization was to stimulate cultural enrichment and growth through exposure to drama, music, fine art and literature. The original venue of the Arts Council was the Old Liberty Play House that was replaced by the Star Theater.

Then in 1988, during a period where the structure stood vacant, the mayor of Russell Springs asked the Russell County Arts Council to help plan an event for the city’s centennial. The council staged a special event in the old Star Theater called ‘the Old Town Museum’.

It was during the festival that Dr. Roger Grider called to inform that he was very interested in contributing a sum of money to a worthy cause in Russell County. His gift of $50,000 was used to purchase the building and the remaining money went toward the renovation.

In July 1994, after several years of planning and extensive remodeling the Star held its Grand Opening as a performing arts theater.