The latest movie theater news and updates
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April 5, 2012
Blink Fitness signs 19,200 SF lease at former Jamaica movie theater
JAMAICA, NY — The former Merrick Theater is becoming the next location of Blink Fitness. Its 2,500 seat capacity will now be utilized by almost 20,000 feet of gym space across two floors, when it opens this fall.
Read more in citybiz.
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April 4, 2012
Portage may get landmark status
CHICAGO, IL — As the ongoing saga continues over the future of the Portage Theater, there could be some hope for the building’s future as a theatre. The Commission on Chicago Landmarks is meeting tomorrow to discuss landmarking the theatre and thus preventing any major modifications.
Read more in the Huffington Post.
(Thanks to Norman Plant for providing the photo.)
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Digital conversion could spell the end for the Newtown Theatre
NEWTOWN, PA — Claiming to be the oldest still functioning theatre in the country, the Newtown Theatre may close at the end of the year if it can’t raise $100,000 for digital projection equipment. The town passed a resolution so they can hold fundraisers but they can’t use city funds to help.
Read the full story in NJ.com.
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April 3, 2012
Parkway Theatre needs to flourish again

BALTIMORE, MD — The city is accepting proposals for the long vacant Parkway Theatre. It would be a great addition to the Station North Arts and Entertainment District/ and possibly could turn into a music venue.
Read more in the Baltimore Sun.
(Thanks to Porcelain Doll for providing the photo.)
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A passion for theater at the Orpheum
SIOUX CITY, IA — The restored Sioux City Oprheum has become a major source of pride for the city. People go there just to go there no matter what live entertainment is there. It’s even regularly used for weddings.
Take a walk through the history of the theatre and how it was brought back in the Sioux City Journal.
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April 2, 2012
Theatre Historical Society establishes Dubuque Research Fellowship

The Theatre Historical Society of America announces the first annual Thomas R. DuBuque Research Fellowship, with grants of up to $1,500 for research in its American Theatre Architecture Archive in Elmhurst, Illinois.
The Fellowship was established in 2012 by the Board of Directors to honor and perpetuate the memory of past THS president, Conclave/Theatre Tour planner, and dedicated volunteer Tom DuBuque. Tom had a lifelong interest in theatres and was a member of THS from 1979 until his untimely death in 2011.
The DuBuque Research Fellowship was created to support scholars conducting research in the Society’s archives and collections, to increase awareness of the archives, and encourage its use. Grants of up to $1,500 may be used to fund travel, lodging, copying, scanning, photo reproduction, publication rights, and other research expenses.
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Development transforming Merrifield into more walkable community
MERRIFIELD, VA — On sacred theater ground for the neighborhood, the site of the former Multiplex Cinemas and before that a drive-on, is sprouting up a new development with a theater. The mixed-use space will include residences, restaurants and a new branch of the Angelika Film Center to the bustling area.
Read more in the Washington Post.
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March 30, 2012
Bigger and louder: New cinemas strive for an enhanced movie experience
Film Journal International has taken a look at recent advancements in cinema around. Selecting some of the most recent installations from projection to sound and screen, they aim to give a comprehensive look at the latest in technology.
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Old movie theater restored into new, modern church
SHAWNEE, KS — An abandoned cinema has proved to be the ground for a new progressive chruch. The former Trailrdige Cinema is new What if the Church and the $200,000 in renovations have now helped them to utilize the theatre’s features as part of the religious experience they’re promoting.
Read more in the Shawnee Dispatch.
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March 29, 2012
5 points in defense of movie theaters and their concession prices
With no shortage of articles nationwide about one moviegoer in Michigan who is filing a lawsuit over concession prices, a writer at MLive fights back with his take on the situation. He argues that this is just par for the course for a business these days and it goes with the movie experience.