Containers of digital equipment, large and small, have been arriving at Patricia Theatre for a few weeks. Among the arrivals are six boxes of 3D glasses for patrons attending films which require them.
Early in the year, news came that all theatres in North America would have to move to digital in order to continue to show first-run movies. For the Patricia that meant an investment of $90,000.
The Friends of the Historic Patricia Theatre Society ramped up a campaign to raise the required funds.
In just four months, nearly $71,000 has come from fans of the theatre. In addition, First Credit Union managed to acquire a $10,000 grant for the project. The rest of the money needs to be raised in the next two to three months.
“I feel very, very proud of this community and its love for its roots and respect for its history,” said Ann Nelson who, with her son Brian, operates the theatre. “What an enormous achievement for a tiny little town facing chronic threats of extinction.”
Donations have come from individuals and groups. Some people have asked that money be sent to the society instead of birthday or other special occasion gifts.
Ann was reminded by the fundraising timing that the theatre building was also built in four months “to the day. July 5, 1928 to November 5, 1928,” she said. The building is used for showing films as well as live performances and weddings.
The theatre company has been operating for nearly 100 years, having started in a tent.
In addition to the community and credit union money, an anonymous donor has provided funds to make the theatre more sound friendly. “One of the things that gets in the way of enjoyment for some people is their own hearing loss due to aging,” said Ann.
Instead of donating to the society’s digital fund, the donor is paying for the interior sound upgrades. They include a sound dampening acoustic barrier along the lower part of the walls on each side of the theatre, across the front of the stage area and on the balcony at the back of the building. Instead of two-inch thick panels, covered with material, one-inch sections will be used so they fit on the curve of the stage.
Without cooperation from local contractors and businesses, the project would not have proceeded. “Having the money is one thing, having people who can do the work is equally important,” added Ann. “We’ve received the absolute best prices and donations from our suppliers.”
With the installation of digital equipment, the theatre company can provide alternative programming including sporting events, Wii and Xbox parties and other things “as diverse as your imagination. All with the best sound ever.”
At the society’s upcoming annual general meeting, there will be discussion of acquiring ownership of the theatre and applying for charitable status. The Nelsons then would have an operating contract for the business operation.
A red carpet evening will be held on Saturday, June 9 with floodlights and free popcorn for patrons. “The film will be announced soon,” said Ann.
She describes the past few months as being like swimming in the rollers of the Pacific Ocean. “Occasionally you get sand in your bathing suit and up your nose. It’s frightening, exhausting, rewarding and exhilarating.”
