Ghosts of the Little Theatre, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Nestled within an unassuming brick edifice at the intersection of 15th and Delaware Streets in Tulsa, Oklahoma, stands a building steeped in history and shrouded in whispered tales. This is the Tulsa Little Theatre, a structure not only significant for its contribution to the city’s cultural landscape but also for the spectral stories that cling to its walls, hinting at unseen residents who may still tread its hallowed halls.
The story of the Tulsa Little Theatre begins long before the construction of its permanent home. In 1922, a group of dedicated thespians, passionate about bringing the magic of theatre to Tulsa, formed the Little Theatre troupe. In the early days, lacking a fixed venue, the troupe embodied the true spirit of the stage, adhering to the adage "the show must go on" regardless of location. Their performances graced a diverse range of spaces, from expansive canvas tents to the silver screens of movie theaters and even the halls of the American Legion.
During this nomadic period, the troupe found temporary refuge for their workshops within the storage room of Palace Clothiers, a space that would later become the location of the Ritz Theater. By 1925, the Tulsa Little Theatre had flourished, boasting a membership of over 300 enthusiastic participants. Their productions found a larger stage at the Alhambra Theater, situated at 15th and Peoria, marking a significant step in their journey.
In 1929, a pivotal moment arrived when the Tulsa Little Theatre acquired the property at 15th and Delaware. However, the construction of a permanent building was still in the future. Their first performance on the newly acquired land, a production of "East Lynne," took place under the canvas roof of a tent, a testament to their unwavering dedication.
The dawn of the Great Depression cast a long shadow over the nation, but it failed to dim the spirit of the Tulsa Little Theatre. Despite the economic hardships, the troupe persevered, continuing to stage performances and nurture the city’s burgeoning artistic community. In 1932, their dream of a permanent home was finally realized with the completion of the building that would become known as the Delaware Playhouse. Constructed in a simple yet elegant art nouveau style, the new theatre served as the epicenter of Tulsa’s arts and entertainment scene throughout the 1930s and 40s. During these decades, the Tulsa Little Theatre hosted countless plays, performances, and entertainment events, becoming a cultural touchstone for the city. The theatre saw a constant ebb and flow of talent, with directors and actors coming and going, each leaving their mark on its rich history.
However, the path of the Tulsa Little Theatre was not without its trials. In 1965, tragedy struck when a fire erupted after the third performance of "The Women." The blaze consumed stage props, furniture, and costumes, leaving a devastating mark on the theatre. Just a year later, the theatre suffered another setback with yet another fire during the production of "South Pacific." This time, the fire caused extensive damage to the upstairs portion of the building. Despite these challenges, the spirit of the theatre remained unbroken.
In 1974, the troupe underwent a name change, becoming Theatre Tulsa, Inc. However, they remained at their beloved art nouveau location, continuing to enrich the city’s cultural life. By 1989, more than a decade later, the company had outgrown their historic building. Seeking a larger and more modern space, they made the decision to move to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, where they remain as a resident company to this day.
Following the departure of Theatre Tulsa, the old theatre building stood vacant for two years, its future uncertain. Eventually, the property was sold, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its history. Over the next decade, the aging building changed hands several times, each owner bringing their own vision to the space. It served various purposes, including a church, a nightclub, and a recording studio, each leaving its own distinct imprint on the building’s character.
By 2004, the 10,000-square-foot building had fallen into a state of serious disrepair. Neglect and the passage of time had taken their toll, leaving the structure in a dilapidated condition. It was at this time that attorney Bryce A. Hill began searching for a midtown location for his law office. While the location of the old theatre was ideal, Hill and his wife, Sunshine, carefully considered the daunting task of restoring the dilapidated property, which was located near the historic Cherry Street district.
Ultimately, they decided to purchase the building, embarking on a challenging but rewarding journey of restoration. The interior of the building was in a sorry state, with the smell of decay permeating the air, trash scattered throughout, and water seeping from the walls, floors, and ceilings.
Over the course of the next 14 months, the Hills undertook a comprehensive renovation project. They painstakingly restored much of the building to its original 1932 façade, preserving its historical character. The front portion of the building was revamped to serve as office space for the law firm, creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment.
However, beyond the physical restoration, the old theatre retains a part of its past – most notably, the persistent rumors of spectral residents. For years, stories have circulated about unexplained occurrences and eerie sightings within the building, suggesting that the Tulsa Little Theatre may be home to more than just lawyers and legal documents.
One of the most frequently reported phenomena is the appearance of a strange ball of light near the curtains on the old stage. Witnesses have described seeing the light bobbing and weaving through the air, defying any logical explanation. Others who have ventured onto the stage have reported sensing a presence behind them, only to turn around and find nothing there. Still more have recounted instances of being touched by unseen hands or hearing strange noises emanating from backstage when no one else is present.
According to local legend, one of the spirits believed to haunt the theatre is that of a former play director who died during a performance during the theatre’s heyday. Could these unexplained occurrences be the manifestations of a director who is still determined to oversee his productions, even from beyond the grave? Other accounts suggest that the spirit of a little girl also lurks within the confines of the historic theatre, adding another layer to its mysterious aura. Employees of the law office have also shared stories of odd occurrences within the building, including supplies that disappear and lights that turn on and off seemingly of their own accord.
Despite its transformation into a law office, the theatre portion of the building can still be rented for events and performances, allowing the public to experience its unique atmosphere and perhaps even encounter its rumored spectral residents. Whether you are a believer in the paranormal or simply a lover of history and theatre, a visit to the old Tulsa Little Theatre is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
More Information:
Tulsa Little Theatre / Law Offices of Bryce Hill
1511 S. Delaware Ave.
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104