FeedsFriends bring back Penn Theater
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The Friends of The Penn Theater have used a variety of forms to promote their activities and generate donations.Ellen Elliott spent some of her fondest moments as a child inside the Penn Theatre.
Now her job is to make sure the next generation of youth builds lifelong memories in the same building.
Elliott is executive director of Friends of The Penn, the organization that runs day-to-day operations of the theater. Since reopening in September, a steady steam of patrons has filled the multiplex to view movies, live entertainment and cultural events.
Penn Theatre is a “second run” film house. The theatre typically plays movies after the initial release, but before they become available at video rental stores. The theatre also shows classic movies and theme movies surrounding holidays.
Elliott said the community support and the number of people who visit the theater every weekend encourage her.
“We’re very proud of renewing a place people used to frequently visit,” said the 38-year old chemist turned theater boss. “People really wanted this back,” Elliott said.
After almost losing the Plymouth historical icon to demolition in 2005, scores of concerned citizens came together to mount a campaign to save it. In January of last year, Penn Theatre Realty purchased the structure and signed an agreement allowing The Friends to lease the building for $1 a year through 2026.
The Friends of The Penn is a non-profit organization. They rely on donations and theater patronage for funding. Volunteers do all the work in the Penn Theatre. Elliott does not receive a paycheck for her work as executive director.
Downtown Plymouth business and community leaders say a revamped Penn Theatre will add to a growing entertainment industry in Plymouth and gives visitors another reason to frequent the area.
“People call here all the time looking for reasons to come to Plymouth,” said Fran Toney, executive director of the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce. “The Penn Theatre gives us another answer to tell them.”
In October, chamber officials organized a restaurant crawl through downtown with the proceeds going to theater. Toney said the chamber sponsored the restaurant event to help keep a vibrant part of the community alive.
“Penn Theatre is an important part of the community and we all have to do what we can to help preserve it,” she added.
Fundraising is never too far from Elliott’s mind. She said more monies are needed to continue renovation. Work is currently being done to refurbish the kitchen in order to sell hot popcorn and other foods. Rebuilding the balcony section as well as updating theater seating is also high on The Friends priority list.
With the upcoming renovations, Elliott said the future is bright for the Penn Theatre and the community it serves. In 2007, the Downtown Development Authority will host a monthly themed movie series. The theater will also host the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra and be available to show movies during educational field trips for western Wayne County schoolchildren.
“We care about our patrons,” said Elliott who wants the community to rely on the theater as a safe and fun place for the entire family. “Parents know we will watch their kids,” she said.
As for Elliott’s future, she said she plans stay on as executive director as long as the Friends Board of Directors wants her to stay. She admits she never thought she would be responsible for the theater she visited as a child, but there is no other job she wants.
“The theater is my life right now, and I don’t see that changing.”
For more information about the Penn Theatre, visit www.friendsofthepenn.org
