Red River Theatres is making moves – big moves – and they could use some help, too.
The nonprofit cinema is undergoing its first big capital campaign since opening, and its goals are lofty: transform the modest Jaclyn Simchick Screening Room into a modern, state-of-the-art movie space.
Red River has two larger theaters that show first-run films, and a smaller one that shows some first-run films but is also frequently rented out for functions. That smaller space is the Simchick theater, and that’s the one getting the big upgrade.
“It’s sort of multi-pronged,” said Liz Durant, business manager at Red River, of the project.
“The highest priority is to create more of a film experience,” she said. “We’ve had a lot of feedback from members, patrons, donors, that they would like more comfortable seating in there.”
The new space will feature big comfy chairs and couches to boost the comfort factor. It will also upgrade to 4K video projection and higher-end sound equipment and soundproofing. And, perhaps most important, there will be a bar added to the room, too.
“We’re really upgrading that room to a space that we feel will really serve our community well,” Durant said.
The new space will offer the flexibility of removable chairs (but the couches will be fixed) and a bar to accommodate all different types of functions that people may want to rent the space for.
The project is going to cost $275,000, and about $80,000 has already been raised. We’re no math experts, but that seems like a lot is still needed.
“People are certainly welcome to call, they can donate over the phone,” Durant said. That number is 224-4698, ext. 11.
The goal is to be done by the end of the year, so we’ll check back in around then.
