I had the opportunity to attend an event at the Elkin Theatre in downtown Aberdeeen, MS last Thursday. The old movie theater was shut down in 1985 and would have deteriorated had it not been for some of the town’s concerned citizens. Fearing for the building’s future, 65 local families decided to purchase the building and maintain it as a theatre. They borrowed the money, each committing to an annual membership fee to pay for it, and then formed the Aberdeen Elkin Theatre, In., a nonprofit organization. They started showing movies on Friday and Saturday evenings, with all work being done by volunteers.
Today, the theatre is an arts center and home to local plays, dance recitals, schools concerts, art shows, musical presentations, talent contests and more. And yes, current movies are still shown. Also, the number of member families has grown to 130.
How to save a downtown theater.
Posted by philhardwick on March 22, 2008
I had the opportunity to attend an event at the Elkin Theatre in downtown Aberdeeen, MS last Thursday. The old movie theater was shut down in 1985 and would have deteriorated had it not been for some of the town’s concerned citizens. Fearing for the building’s future, 65 local families decided to purchase the building and maintain it as a theatre. They borrowed the money, each committing to an annual membership fee to pay for it, and then formed the Aberdeen Elkin Theatre, In., a nonprofit organization. They started showing movies on Friday and Saturday evenings, with all work being done by volunteers.
Today, the theatre is an arts center and home to local plays, dance recitals, schools concerts, art shows, musical presentations, talent contests and more. And yes, current movies are still shown. Also, the number of member families has grown to 130.
Good show, Aberdeen!
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