New Lobby At Newtown Theatre, Reopening Hinges on Digital Projector

When the Newtown Theatre reopens, it won’t just be showing off a new projector. The lobby of the theater, located on State Street, recently got a facelift.

However, Andy Smith, a member of the theatre's capital campaign committee, said an open date has not been set and depends on when the new digital equipment can be installed. 

The digital projector is currently being built in Belgium, he said.

In October, the theatre closed for movie screenings as it prepared to replace its 64-year-old 35 mm film projector with digital equipment. At least $95,000 has been raised for the new digital projection system at the local theatre, which is now under new management.

The theatre has remained open for live performances by the Newtown Arts Company.

Movies began showing in the Newtown Theatre in 1906, when viewers got their first look at film images of the San Francisco earthquake. Prior to showing movies, the building – which dates to 1831 – served as a lecture hall, town meeting place and theatrical venue.    

For more information, visit the theatre's website at: http://www.ournewtowntheatre.com.