As a youth, three-time Emmy winning director and Meadville native, Todd Holland, spent many an afternoon watching his favorite films at the Academy Movie Theater on Chestnut Street. His hometown never far from his thoughts, one of television’s most sought after directors returned Saturday October 25, 2008 to the Academy Theatre with a gift for area children.

On that day, by special arrangement, Holland and actor Scotch Ellis Loring hosted a 3:00 PM screening -- free for children 12 years of age and younger accompanied by an adult -- of their 2007 award winning children’s feature film FIREHOUSE DOG. (For those over 13 the Academy Theatre agreed to waive the normal admission price en lieu of donations $5, $3 or whatever the theater goers can afford).

As an bonus to this exciting event, Loring, who portrays fireman Lionel Bradford in the film, was on hand to meet the audience. In addition to acting in the film, Loring composed and performed the film’s closing credits song “Lost Till I Found You”. Loring’s extensive resume includes roles on television series such as Desperate Housewives, WONDERFALLS, Fraiser, Malcolm in the Middle, 24, Alias, and Miss Guided as well as feature films, including Fight Club, Vanilla Sky and K911. He also just finished the production of a new CD titled Original Scotch.Holland’s equally impressive resume includes helming such groundbreaking series as Twin Peaks, WONDERFALLS, My So-Called Life, Miss Guided. The Larry Sanders Show and Malcolm in the Middle, winning his Emmys for the last two.

Academy Theatre Vice President Joe Galbo said that the Foundation was overwhelmed by Holland and Loring’s generosity. He and the board promised everyone will be out in plenty of time for that night’s Jaycee’s annual HALLOWEEN PARADE -- at which Holland is to serve as this year’s Grand Marshal. Galbo added, “It would not surprise me in the least that the next ‘Todd’ or ‘Scotch’ might be sitting in that audience waiting to be inspired!”

Hooray for Hollywood!
Gala 2008
Saturday October 4, 2008

The Academy's annual fundraising event. Guests enjoyed a delicious light supper, refreshments, fantastic entertainment and special prize giveaways throughout the night.

This year we paid tribute to the composers and lyricists that create unforgettable Academy Award-winning songs. Guests enjoyed silver screen classis like Somewhere Over the Rainbow and As Time Goes By to recent favorites such as My Heart Will Go On and Can You Feel the Love Tonight?

The performance was held at the Academy Theatre will cocktails and hors d'oeuvres to follow at The Meadville Country Club.

The Academy Theatre Gala was conceived by Meadville businessman Richard Lang.  The late Mr. Lang, known affectionately to his many friends as “The Colonel,” was an ardent supporter of the arts and of the Academy Theatre in particular.  He enjoyed Broadway productions and wished that his Meadville neighbors could experience the quality and grandeur of New York Shows.  Through his generosity, the Gala was created as a way to bring top-notch professional performers to his hometown and at the same time support the operations of the 122-year old Academy.