In 2017, The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center – as part of its $1 million capital improvement campaign, converted its large empty garage into a 99-seat Black Box Theatre with two expressed goals: to give the Center opportunities to partner with other Tulsa arts organizations; and to ensure that “all manner of voices, telling all kinds of stories, will be heard.” And the Center named the theater for Claremore native Lynn Riggs (1899-1954), the gay, Cherokee poet and playwright who brought Oklahoma to the world!
A colorful mural of Lynn Riggs adorn the exterior theater wall. And the dual mission of The Lynn Riggs Blackbox Theatre quickly took hold: Theatre Tulsa produced the rock musical, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” in 2018, and talks began for the Heller Theatre Company to stage two of productions, “The Heller Shorts”, and David Blakely’s “The Deaths of Sybil Bolton.” Pat Hobbs’s successful monthly cabaret series, “Thursdays in the Rainbow Room”, has raised over $10,000 for the Center.
The Lynn Riggs Theater is fully equipped with professional sound and lighting and is available for events.
Features include:
- Professional sound system and mixer
- Professional stage lighting
- Adjustable side wings/curtains
- 6 risers for seating or choir
- Direct exterior entry
- Full bar service available
- Seating and 10 bistro-size tables available