Tulsa's Circle Cinema Brings Art to the Screen

The Circle Cinema is Tulsa's only non-profit, community-oriented movie theater.

Story and photos by Kelli Kickham

I strolled into the Circle Cinema in hopes of finding a story on a Wednesday night. As I walked through the door, I saw employee Chuck Foxen.

Foxen told me that the Circle is the only running historic theater in Tulsa. The non-profit theater is also know for being community-oriented.

Foxen showed me the gallery in the Circle, which was displaying paintings by students at the Tulsa Girls Art School. The painting were for sale, a fund-raiser for the school.

The Circle opened in 1928 and and been an important landmark in Whittier Square every since. Today it shows films that rarely make it to the mall theaters, mostly independent and foreign films and documentaries.

I was exploring the paintings and old movie posters that decorate the lobby when customers started arriving for an 8 p.m. showing of Encounters at the End of the World.

I talked to Cindy and Lori Wood. The mother and daughter are Tulsans, but didn't start going to the Circle until one of Lori's college professors recommended it. Now they are frequent moviegoers who live the Circle not simply for entertainment but for its educational value.

"[I saw] The Rape of Europa here. It was really good," Lori said.

The Circle Cinema on Lewis near I-244, not far from TU, so it's perfect for students who want to combine entertainment, art and popcorn with an "educational" evening out.

Try the Circle. It'll impress your parents—and your professors. For more information, check out the Circle's website here.

Lori, left, and Cindy Wood, a mother and daughter who appreciate the Circle Cinema.

The Circle Cinema's gallery features art by local artists.

Gourmet popcorn and other goodies are available at the concession stand.

Kelli Kickham is a TU student from Tulsa who works part-time as a model.