Vandalism was discovered inside the vacant Penn Theater building on North Main Street in Butler. Damage included spray paint on the screen, stage, seats and walls.

Recent vandalism at the Penn Theater in Butler hasn't deterred a group that is reviving its efforts to reopen the shuttered theater.

The Butler Redevelopment Authority, which owns the theater, discovered a break-in last week in which the screen and stage, as well as walls, doors and seats, were spray-painted. Butler city police are investigating the incident.

The vandals entered through a rear door, which was in the process of being reinforced. The damage was discovered by an authority maintenance worker, but it is not clear when the break-in occurred.

“I saw the pictures. It looks like some young kids who were bored,” said Dane Winkler, the leader of the Penn Theater Performance Company.

He said the group started organizing again in January 2021 after becoming inactive in early 2019.“The goal is to put together a solid business plan, attract an investor and apply for a grant,” Winkler said. “We need something there. Now its just attracting mischief.”He said a plan under discussion is to preserve the facade, demolish the rear of the building and rebuild the theater to host live performances.A survey the group conducted in 2020 that drew more than 500 responses showed live music and comedy are the preferred types of performances.The survey also revealed the respondents want tickets to cost no more $20.

The Penn Theater in Butler was recently vandalized.