The Watson Theatre was built 70 years ago. It was closed in September, 2009. Please help me save it! (photo credit: www.RoadsideArchitecture.com)
(Photo credit: www.RoadsideArchitecture.com/)
The movie theatre that I grew up visiting every weekend for my entire childhood, one of the most influential forces shaping my career path, has closed. It was built in 1940 to replace another theatre, built in 1912, that burned down. So there has been a movie theatre on that spot for nearly 100 years. And I want to save it from becoming another old theatre that became a "community theater house," or a parking lot, or chain restaurant.
There are less than 300 single screen movie theatres left in the country. This should be one of them.
Right now, I'm in Stage 1 of my plan. Stage 1 is purchase the building and the equipment. Step 2 is to set up a non-profit organization to run the theatre. Step 3 is to start showing old films, midnight double-features, film festivals, etc as well as start community outreach programs, including film history classes, featured filmmaker nights, "how to make a movie" classes, and movie clubs, among other things.
But that is in the future. I can't get to stage two and three without stage one. So, that's what I'm focusing on.
Step 1: Buy the theatre itself so no one can develop it. That is where you come in. The Price looks steep, but I from what I understand, the sale of the theatre includes all the equipment. In my book, that's a steal. AND IT'S DOLBY CERTIFIED SURROUND SOUND!!!
FAQ
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57
Backers
$3,025
pledged of $200,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on March 15, 2010.
Funding period
Feb 12, 2010 -
Mar 15, 2010
- First created · 5 backed
- Has not connected Facebook
- Website: matthiasmas.com
Pledge $1 or more
30 backers
Everyone who donates any amount will get a certificate stating that they donated to save the Watson Theatre. Your name will go onto a board in the Lobby of the theatre. You will need to provide your name and contact info so I that you may be properly thanked.
Pledge $100 or more
22 backers
If you donate $100 or more, you get your name on one of the 300 seats, and on the board in the lobby. You will also get a pass for free movies for a year (from the opening day). Please leave your name and contact info so that I can properly thank you.
Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers
If you donate $1,000 you receive the opportunity to program three of your favorite films into the rotation, as well as your name on the Lobby board and a seat, plus the pass to free movies for a year. Again, leave contact info so you can be contacted and given your prize.
Pledge $5,000 or more
0 backers
$5,000 will get you undying gratitude, your name on the marquee for the grand opening and the opportunity to program six films for the year - as well as each of the above prizes. Also, canonization, but that is out of my hands.
