Why yes, we really do believe Stillwater, Oklahoma is the place where smiles from strangers are abounding and hometown hospitality is a way of life. Our welcoming spirit is rooted in our Oklahoma history, the diversity forged by Oklahoma State University, and even community hardships that have spurred our strength and camaraderie.
Welcome to the Visit Stillwater Geotour!
The Geotour will take you to several interesting spots around our ionic town. You will have the chance to see why Stillwater is a great place not only to geocache but to also visit for sports, entertainment, and shopping.
To complete your Geotour (VSGT) and earn your commemorative medallion, download your Passport here and begin your adventure. 20 points are required to earn the prize.
Lights Camera Action! This has been one of the longest-running theaters in Oklahoma!
Town and Gown theatre began in 1951 with an idea from one individual – Mr. John Woodworth. John had a theater and a communications background and worked at OSU. He thought the second floor of the OSU A&M Student Union would be a great place to produce plays.
John approached Craig Hampton, Asst. Director of the Student Union, and together they discussed a plan which would include both university staff and citizens of Stillwater in a theater group that would perform in the Ballroom. Maggie Glass was included as well because she was artistic and creative and knew many people in Stillwater.
The three visionaries met to discuss their ideas and came up with the name “Town and Gown”. The Student Union Ballroom had a standard proscenium-style stage, but they decided to try an “in the round” setting where the stage was surrounded by an audience.
John Woodworth directed Town & Gown Theatre’s first play, “The Constant Wife,” in the fall of 1951. The cast and crew included nine actors and 14 members of the production staff. Technical positions included Lighting Director, Set Properties Manager, Business Manager, Costumer, Publicity Chair, and more. Straight back chairs were used in concentric circles around the stage. Tickets sold for 50 cents each.
After the first production, plans were underway to produce another play. Officers were elected, including a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and two Board members.
Night Must Fall was the second Town & Gown production. Performances for all shows were held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings only, because the ballroom could not be used on weekends, as student dances and other events filled its schedule.
Southern Exposure was the third play of the inaugural season. Risers were borrowed from Gallagher Hall, but eventually new risers were built to allow for a total of 175 seats.
By then, roughly five hundred tickets were being sold for each production. T&G had a good start because it had a strong nucleus of initial members, many of whom had dramatic experience. Officers on the Board served for one year, which ensured that no one was indispensable. Thanks to networking and publicity efforts, the organization grew to eventually
include around 65 OSU faculty and staff members, students, and local residents.