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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Polk Theatre</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>121 South Florida Avenue</div> <div> <span>Lakeland</span>, <span>FL</span> <span>33801</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.polktheatre.org/" target="_blank">Polk Theatre</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 863-682-7553</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Polk+Theatre%2C+121+South+Florida+Avenue%2C+Lakeland%2C+FL+33801" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/lakeland-fl/report/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-2025-legislative-preview-tampa-dst-12525-35nxr47mq49.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FL-2025-LEGISLATIVE-PREVIEW-ADVOCACY-OPPORTUNITIES">FL 2025 Legislative Preview & Advocacy Opportunities</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Tampa, FL</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LAKELAND-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpflorida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical" name="description"/> <meta content="Polk, Theatre, Lakeland, FL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="28.0432"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-81.957497"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Polk Theatre</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>121 South Florida Avenue</div> <div> <span>Lakeland</span>, <span>FL</span> <span>33801</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.polktheatre.org/" target="_blank">Polk Theatre</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 863-682-7553</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Polk+Theatre%2C+121+South+Florida+Avenue%2C+Lakeland%2C+FL+33801" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/lakeland-fl/report/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-2025-legislative-preview-tampa-dst-12525-35nxr47mq49.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FL-2025-LEGISLATIVE-PREVIEW-ADVOCACY-OPPORTUNITIES">FL 2025 Legislative Preview & Advocacy Opportunities</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Tampa, FL</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LAKELAND-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpflorida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. 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The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="28.0432"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-81.957497"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ''include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.head.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_global_js_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_global_js.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Polk Theatre</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>121 South Florida Avenue</div> <div> <span>Lakeland</span>, <span>FL</span> <span>33801</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.polktheatre.org/" target="_blank">Polk Theatre</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 863-682-7553</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Polk+Theatre%2C+121+South+Florida+Avenue%2C+Lakeland%2C+FL+33801" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/lakeland-fl/report/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-2025-legislative-preview-tampa-dst-12525-35nxr47mq49.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FL-2025-LEGISLATIVE-PREVIEW-ADVOCACY-OPPORTUNITIES">FL 2025 Legislative Preview & Advocacy Opportunities</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Tampa, FL</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LAKELAND-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpflorida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical" name="description"/> <meta content="Polk, Theatre, Lakeland, FL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="28.0432"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-81.957497"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Polk Theatre</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>121 South Florida Avenue</div> <div> <span>Lakeland</span>, <span>FL</span> <span>33801</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.polktheatre.org/" target="_blank">Polk Theatre</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 863-682-7553</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Polk+Theatre%2C+121+South+Florida+Avenue%2C+Lakeland%2C+FL+33801" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/lakeland-fl/report/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-2025-legislative-preview-tampa-dst-12525-35nxr47mq49.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FL-2025-LEGISLATIVE-PREVIEW-ADVOCACY-OPPORTUNITIES">FL 2025 Legislative Preview & Advocacy Opportunities</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Tampa, FL</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LAKELAND-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpflorida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical" name="description"/> <meta content="Polk, Theatre, Lakeland, FL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.head.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Polk Theatre</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>121 South Florida Avenue</div> <div> <span>Lakeland</span>, <span>FL</span> <span>33801</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.polktheatre.org/" target="_blank">Polk Theatre</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 863-682-7553</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Polk+Theatre%2C+121+South+Florida+Avenue%2C+Lakeland%2C+FL+33801" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/lakeland-fl/report/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-2025-legislative-preview-tampa-dst-12525-35nxr47mq49.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FL-2025-LEGISLATIVE-PREVIEW-ADVOCACY-OPPORTUNITIES">FL 2025 Legislative Preview & Advocacy Opportunities</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Tampa, FL</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LAKELAND-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpflorida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical" name="description"/> <meta content="Polk, Theatre, Lakeland, FL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="28.0432"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-81.957497"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Polk Theatre</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>121 South Florida Avenue</div> <div> <span>Lakeland</span>, <span>FL</span> <span>33801</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.polktheatre.org/" target="_blank">Polk Theatre</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 863-682-7553</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Polk+Theatre%2C+121+South+Florida+Avenue%2C+Lakeland%2C+FL+33801" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/lakeland-fl/report/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-2025-legislative-preview-tampa-dst-12525-35nxr47mq49.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FL-2025-LEGISLATIVE-PREVIEW-ADVOCACY-OPPORTUNITIES">FL 2025 Legislative Preview & Advocacy Opportunities</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Tampa, FL</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LAKELAND-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpflorida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical" name="description"/> <meta content="Polk, Theatre, Lakeland, FL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="28.0432"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-81.957497"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ''include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.head.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Polk Theatre</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>121 South Florida Avenue</div> <div> <span>Lakeland</span>, <span>FL</span> <span>33801</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.polktheatre.org/" target="_blank">Polk Theatre</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 863-682-7553</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Polk+Theatre%2C+121+South+Florida+Avenue%2C+Lakeland%2C+FL+33801" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/lakeland-fl/report/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-2025-legislative-preview-tampa-dst-12525-35nxr47mq49.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FL-2025-LEGISLATIVE-PREVIEW-ADVOCACY-OPPORTUNITIES">FL 2025 Legislative Preview & Advocacy Opportunities</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Tampa, FL</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LAKELAND-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpflorida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical" name="description"/> <meta content="Polk, Theatre, Lakeland, FL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="28.0432"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-81.957497"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Polk Theatre</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>121 South Florida Avenue</div> <div> <span>Lakeland</span>, <span>FL</span> <span>33801</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.polktheatre.org/" target="_blank">Polk Theatre</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 863-682-7553</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Polk+Theatre%2C+121+South+Florida+Avenue%2C+Lakeland%2C+FL+33801" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/lakeland-fl/report/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-2025-legislative-preview-tampa-dst-12525-35nxr47mq49.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FL-2025-LEGISLATIVE-PREVIEW-ADVOCACY-OPPORTUNITIES">FL 2025 Legislative Preview & Advocacy Opportunities</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Tampa, FL</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LAKELAND-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpflorida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. 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The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.
Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET
C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library
Tampa, FL
Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET
Zoom
Online Event
Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET
Zoom
Online Event
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Polk Theatre</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>121 South Florida Avenue</div> <div> <span>Lakeland</span>, <span>FL</span> <span>33801</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.polktheatre.org/" target="_blank">Polk Theatre</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 863-682-7553</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Polk+Theatre%2C+121+South+Florida+Avenue%2C+Lakeland%2C+FL+33801" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/lakeland-fl/report/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-2025-legislative-preview-tampa-dst-12525-35nxr47mq49.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FL-2025-LEGISLATIVE-PREVIEW-ADVOCACY-OPPORTUNITIES">FL 2025 Legislative Preview & Advocacy Opportunities</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Tampa, FL</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LAKELAND-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpflorida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical" name="description"/> <meta content="Polk, Theatre, Lakeland, FL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="28.0432"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-81.957497"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Polk Theatre</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>121 South Florida Avenue</div> <div> <span>Lakeland</span>, <span>FL</span> <span>33801</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.polktheatre.org/" target="_blank">Polk Theatre</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 863-682-7553</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Polk+Theatre%2C+121+South+Florida+Avenue%2C+Lakeland%2C+FL+33801" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/lakeland-fl/report/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-2025-legislative-preview-tampa-dst-12525-35nxr47mq49.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FL-2025-LEGISLATIVE-PREVIEW-ADVOCACY-OPPORTUNITIES">FL 2025 Legislative Preview & Advocacy Opportunities</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Tampa, FL</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LAKELAND-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpflorida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical" name="description"/> <meta content="Polk, Theatre, Lakeland, FL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="28.0432"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-81.957497"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/lakeland-fl/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Lakeland, FL</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/lakeland-fl/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="containerx"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/lakeland-fl/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/lakeland-fl/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/lakeland-fl/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/lakeland-fl/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/lakeland-fl/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/lakeland-fl/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/lakeland-fl/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/lakeland-fl/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/lakeland-fl/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/lakeland-fl/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/lakeland-fl/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Polk Theatre</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>121 South Florida Avenue</div> <div> <span>Lakeland</span>, <span>FL</span> <span>33801</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.polktheatre.org/" target="_blank">Polk Theatre</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 863-682-7553</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Polk+Theatre%2C+121+South+Florida+Avenue%2C+Lakeland%2C+FL+33801" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/lakeland-fl/report/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-2025-legislative-preview-tampa-dst-12525-35nxr47mq49.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FL-2025-LEGISLATIVE-PREVIEW-ADVOCACY-OPPORTUNITIES">FL 2025 Legislative Preview & Advocacy Opportunities</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Tampa, FL</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LAKELAND-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpflorida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical" name="description"/> <meta content="Polk, Theatre, Lakeland, FL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="28.0432"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-81.957497"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Polk Theatre</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>121 South Florida Avenue</div> <div> <span>Lakeland</span>, <span>FL</span> <span>33801</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.polktheatre.org/" target="_blank">Polk Theatre</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 863-682-7553</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Polk+Theatre%2C+121+South+Florida+Avenue%2C+Lakeland%2C+FL+33801" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/lakeland-fl/report/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-2025-legislative-preview-tampa-dst-12525-35nxr47mq49.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FL-2025-LEGISLATIVE-PREVIEW-ADVOCACY-OPPORTUNITIES">FL 2025 Legislative Preview & Advocacy Opportunities</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Tampa, FL</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LAKELAND-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpflorida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical" name="description"/> <meta content="Polk, Theatre, Lakeland, FL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="28.0432"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-81.957497"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/lakeland-fl/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Lakeland, FL</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/lakeland-fl/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="containerx"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/lakeland-fl/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/lakeland-fl/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/lakeland-fl/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/lakeland-fl/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/lakeland-fl/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/lakeland-fl/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/lakeland-fl/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/lakeland-fl/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/lakeland-fl/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/lakeland-fl/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/lakeland-fl/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Polk Theatre</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>121 South Florida Avenue</div> <div> <span>Lakeland</span>, <span>FL</span> <span>33801</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.polktheatre.org/" target="_blank">Polk Theatre</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 863-682-7553</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Polk+Theatre%2C+121+South+Florida+Avenue%2C+Lakeland%2C+FL+33801" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/lakeland-fl/report/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-2025-legislative-preview-tampa-dst-12525-35nxr47mq49.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FL-2025-LEGISLATIVE-PREVIEW-ADVOCACY-OPPORTUNITIES">FL 2025 Legislative Preview & Advocacy Opportunities</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Tampa, FL</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LAKELAND-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpflorida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical" name="description"/> <meta content="Polk, Theatre, Lakeland, FL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="28.0432"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-81.957497"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Polk Theatre</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>121 South Florida Avenue</div> <div> <span>Lakeland</span>, <span>FL</span> <span>33801</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.polktheatre.org/" target="_blank">Polk Theatre</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 863-682-7553</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Polk+Theatre%2C+121+South+Florida+Avenue%2C+Lakeland%2C+FL+33801" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/lakeland-fl/report/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-2025-legislative-preview-tampa-dst-12525-35nxr47mq49.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FL-2025-LEGISLATIVE-PREVIEW-ADVOCACY-OPPORTUNITIES">FL 2025 Legislative Preview & Advocacy Opportunities</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Tampa, FL</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LAKELAND-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpflorida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Polk Theatre</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>121 South Florida Avenue</div> <div> <span>Lakeland</span>, <span>FL</span> <span>33801</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.polktheatre.org/" target="_blank">Polk Theatre</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 863-682-7553</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Polk+Theatre%2C+121+South+Florida+Avenue%2C+Lakeland%2C+FL+33801" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/lakeland-fl/report/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-2025-legislative-preview-tampa-dst-12525-35nxr47mq49.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FL-2025-LEGISLATIVE-PREVIEW-ADVOCACY-OPPORTUNITIES">FL 2025 Legislative Preview & Advocacy Opportunities</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Tampa, FL</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical" name="description"/> <meta content="Polk, Theatre, Lakeland, FL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="28.0432"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-81.957497"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Polk Theatre</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>121 South Florida Avenue</div> <div> <span>Lakeland</span>, <span>FL</span> <span>33801</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.polktheatre.org/" target="_blank">Polk Theatre</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 863-682-7553</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Polk+Theatre%2C+121+South+Florida+Avenue%2C+Lakeland%2C+FL+33801" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/lakeland-fl/report/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-2025-legislative-preview-tampa-dst-12525-35nxr47mq49.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FL-2025-LEGISLATIVE-PREVIEW-ADVOCACY-OPPORTUNITIES">FL 2025 Legislative Preview & Advocacy Opportunities</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Tampa, FL</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical" name="description"/> <meta content="Polk, Theatre, Lakeland, FL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Polk Theatre</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>121 South Florida Avenue</div> <div> <span>Lakeland</span>, <span>FL</span> <span>33801</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.polktheatre.org/" target="_blank">Polk Theatre</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 863-682-7553</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Polk+Theatre%2C+121+South+Florida+Avenue%2C+Lakeland%2C+FL+33801" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/lakeland-fl/report/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-2025-legislative-preview-tampa-dst-12525-35nxr47mq49.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FL-2025-LEGISLATIVE-PREVIEW-ADVOCACY-OPPORTUNITIES">FL 2025 Legislative Preview & Advocacy Opportunities</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Tampa, FL</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LAKELAND-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpflorida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical" name="description"/> <meta content="Polk, Theatre, Lakeland, FL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="28.0432"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-81.957497"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Polk Theatre</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>121 South Florida Avenue</div> <div> <span>Lakeland</span>, <span>FL</span> <span>33801</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.polktheatre.org/" target="_blank">Polk Theatre</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 863-682-7553</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Polk+Theatre%2C+121+South+Florida+Avenue%2C+Lakeland%2C+FL+33801" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/lakeland-fl/report/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-2025-legislative-preview-tampa-dst-12525-35nxr47mq49.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FL-2025-LEGISLATIVE-PREVIEW-ADVOCACY-OPPORTUNITIES">FL 2025 Legislative Preview & Advocacy Opportunities</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Tampa, FL</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Polk Theatre</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>121 South Florida Avenue</div> <div> <span>Lakeland</span>, <span>FL</span> <span>33801</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.polktheatre.org/" target="_blank">Polk Theatre</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 863-682-7553</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Polk+Theatre%2C+121+South+Florida+Avenue%2C+Lakeland%2C+FL+33801" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/lakeland-fl/report/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-2025-legislative-preview-tampa-dst-12525-35nxr47mq49.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FL-2025-LEGISLATIVE-PREVIEW-ADVOCACY-OPPORTUNITIES">FL 2025 Legislative Preview & Advocacy Opportunities</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Tampa, FL</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical" name="description"/> <meta content="Polk, Theatre, Lakeland, FL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="28.0432"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-81.957497"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Polk Theatre</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>121 South Florida Avenue</div> <div> <span>Lakeland</span>, <span>FL</span> <span>33801</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.polktheatre.org/" target="_blank">Polk Theatre</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 863-682-7553</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Polk+Theatre%2C+121+South+Florida+Avenue%2C+Lakeland%2C+FL+33801" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical productions, weddings, private film screenings, receptions, fundraisers and dance recitals. The Polk Theatre was built during a golden age in the United States - the stock market had yet to crash ( though the boom had ended in Florida) and the clouds of World War II were not yet on the horizon. Even so, it was quite a leap of faith to build a vaudeville/movie palace in Lakeland in 1928. The population hovered at only 15,000 people and it was a rural community. So build it they did, and it was a place of magic and wonder! The architect, J.E. Casale, an Italian-born immigrant, recreated a Mediterranean village in the heart of Central Florida. Flanked by Italianate walls with niches, sconces, and faux balconies and windows, the patron’s eye was drawn toward the stage and the full scale Italian renaissance “townhouse” setting that dominates the Polk’s interior. The two most impressive technological features of the Polk were the theatre’s 100 ton air wash system to chill the air, and its Vitaphone sound on reel film system. The air conditioning system was such a drain on the city’s power supply that during its early years of operation it caused lights to dim all across town when turned on. It also required an operator to turn it on and off. When it became too cold, an usher ran down to the basement to tell the operator to shut the system down. The Theatre is supported by revenue from films, its Performing Arts Series, two fundraisers a year, rental income, and memberships. Last year, 30,000 people attended events at the Polk.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/lakeland-fl/report/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/lakeland-fl/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Lakeland</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-fl-2025-legislative-preview-tampa-dst-12525-35nxr47mq49.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FL-2025-LEGISLATIVE-PREVIEW-ADVOCACY-OPPORTUNITIES">FL 2025 Legislative Preview & Advocacy Opportunities</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Jan 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library</p> <p class="loc">Tampa, FL</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lakeland-fl/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LAKELAND-FL">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Florida Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Florida</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:FLAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">FLAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Florida</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-florida-state-offices/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LAKELAND-FL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpfl" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpFL" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpflorida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Polk Theatre - Lakeland, FL"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical" name="description"/> <meta content="Polk, Theatre, Lakeland, FL" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/polk-theatre-lakeland-fl.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. The theatre is also available to rent for business meetings, theatrical"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Polk Theatre"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Historic Polk Theatre presents live performances and films year round. 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