Fox Tucson Theatre Behind the Scenes -- Wednesday 3/18/2026
Trip Cost: $18.00
From its opening in 1930, the Fox Tucson Theatre became the "crown jewel" of downtown Tucson's entertainment world and the most revered "Classic Movie Palace" for over 40 years until its closing in 1974. After sitting empty for 25 years and following a six-year, $14+ million rehabilitation, the theatre reopened on New Year's Eve 2006. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its unique "Southwestern Art Deco" decor as well as its world-class acoustics, the theatre also features the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ, which debuted in 2021 after a meticulous 17-year restoration.
Find more information on the Fox Tucson Theatre here.
We'll meet in the Photography Club at 8:15 AM for carpooling, departure at 8:45. Please wear your GVR Photography Club or Camera Club badge if you have one. For those carpooling, $5.00 is an appropriate contribution to the driver.
We will convoy to Pueblo Parking Systems, 51 East Congress Street, where you can park either in the garage ($7) or the adjacent lot ($6). The Fox Tucson Theatre is about a block walk from the garage. There we will be met by Jordan Wiley-Hill, Outreach and Education Manager, for a private, 2 1/2-hour tour of the theatre. There are no restrictions on photography equipment or what can be photographed or video'd. In fact, you are encouraged to share your photos or videos with Jordan in support of the theatre's outreach efforts.
Important Accessibility Note: There are lots of stairs involved in the tour, and unfortunately there's no elevator in this historic building. Club members with mobility issues may find this tour particularly difficult.
For lunch we will go to the Perche' No Italian Bistro around noon. The trip will end around 2:00 PM.
GVR requires that every person participating in Photography Club Field Trips must sign a one-time waiver absolving GVR of any liability. You may sign the waiver at the Photography Club or the morning of the trip, if you have not completed one already.
Tom Parker will be our trip leader. Contact Tom at 618-304-1456 or tparker324@aol.com with any questions. He will be disseminating more information to registered participants via e-mail as we get closer to the event.
Last date to cancel for a refund is March 11, 2026.
If you need to canceI, please contact the Field Trip Coordinator Lynn Rozema at 719-351-5193 or email lrozema51@gmail.com as soon as you know you cannot attend. We may have people on the wait list to take your place. If you have to cancel on the day of the trip, please call Tom Parker as soon as possible.
NOTE: For those interested in seeing the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ in action, the Fox Tucson Theatre is hosting the Red White and Blue American Music Tribute and Harold Llyod's Safety Last silent film on February 17, 2026 at 7:00 pm.
NOTICE:
This is a walking tour that lasts about 2 hours. All participants need to be responsible for an assessment of their mobility and health issues relating to field trips. Some trips may not be appropriate, but you must make that determination. However, the trip leader may deny participation in a specific field trip to anyone deemed not suitably prepared or able to walk with the group.
Be sure to have your GVR card with you for each and every field trip. Without it, you won't be allowed to go on the trip. No refunds will be granted for failure to comply with this requirement. To protect GVR and club member benefits, GVR has implemented a new process that requires each field trip participant to come into the club and scan his/her GVR card to confirm eligibility. We no longer have the option of typing in your name or GVR number – only the physical GVR card will do.
We will no longer meet in the parking lot. We will meet in the GVR Photography Club where you will scan your GVR card confirming your eligibility to go on the trip. We’ll also review important/late-breaking information, pair up drivers and riders, provide driving directions, and give participants a chance to visit the restrooms prior to departure. Again, be sure to have your GVR card with you.
The club strives to provide several field trips specifically designed for members with physical limitations.
To participate in this event, you must be a member of the GVR Photography Club and GVR.
The GVR Photography Club is located in the Recreation Village of Santa Rita Springs.