FAQ
Why do you show some films on DVD?
It is always a priority for us to show films on 35mm and usually we are lucky enough to find good prints through the studios themselves or various archives. However, if a 35mm print is no longer available for rental, and it's a film we feel is important to show, we will show it on DVD. This happens about 10% of the time.
For example, in April of 2008 we’re showing Terry Gilliam films for our classics series. Our committee decided that we really wanted to show Time Bandits as one of the films, but there is no 35mm print available to rent. We decided to go ahead and show the DVD. We try to be very careful to note when a film will be shown on DVD in our email newsletter, on our website, and in the notices we send to the newspapers.
How do you schedule your feature films?
One respondent to our survey had this to say about our features, “The only thing that has annoyed me is when I see previews of films that never show up for viewing.” Many others echoed that frustration. We get frustrated too. We show trailers for films that we hope to bring to the theatre. Unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned. Print availability, distributors’ booking requirements, and a film’s imminent DVD release (which seems to be earlier all the time) are some of the factors that determine if and when we can get a film.
Like everything else, this part of our work is a balancing act. We need to bring in films that significant numbers will come see so we can pay our bills; not keep them so long that we lose patrons who are ready to see the next film; and bring in enough truly independent film so that we can provide a home for diverse programming and continue to differentiate ourselves from the multiplexes. We have discussions every Monday with our film booker to make the best choices we can about film scheduling. Planning on a week-to-week basis allows us the most flexibility, and the best chance at bringing in all of the films you want to see.
A good example can be made of Juno, which we did show earlier this year. Originally the distributor required a four-week booking which is impossibly long for us because of our one screen. So, while many of you called to ask if we could bring the film in, we couldn’t justify such a long run. Several weeks into the film’s release, we were able to negotiate a two-week booking, so we went for it. At this point, many of you had already seen the film elsewhere, or wondered why we brought in a film that was playing at the Regal. That’s a valid question, and yet we had a fantastic turnout for Juno, and were thrilled to see people who had never come to the theatre before, particularly older teens and young adults.
When is the parking situation going to improve?
Phoenixville is becoming more popular and with that comes more people and more cars. We're all understandably frustrated by the increased congestion in town, and the seemingly diminishing parking spaces. But, the town is addressing it — a parking authority is in the works. So our patience will pay off! For now, in addition to street parking, there are four free municipal lots within walking distance to the theatre. Click on the “Directions & Parking” link at the upper left to find out exactly where they are. From that page you can also download a pdf with directions and parking information.
Why don't you have a family membership?
All tickets to our children’s films are already priced at the member level – $4 for film and $5 for most live programs. We also offer a free small popcorn to kids under 13 who sign up for our PopCard and bring their card to any children’s program. In addition, members at the Producer level and above can bring their children who are students to films and receive the $4 member price for the student, as well as for themselves. We think this pricing structure offers all the benefits of a family membership which would have to be priced at about $200.00.
Why was your Oscar party for members only this year?
Another respondent to our recent online survey wrote “Stop excluding non members from participating in events. They're paying customers and are interested in supporting the Colonial. I have a lot of friends who were looking forward to participating in the Oscar Party this year. Now they're not interested and won't participate. They too don't want to be forced into membership. Too Bad.”
Our membership program has been a crucial way for us to build relationships with our patrons, and to generate contributions that sustain the day-to-day operation of the theatre. The theatre is owned and operated by a non-profit corporation, The Association for the Colonial Theatre, and fundraising, whether through membership, our annual appeal, or grant applications, is critical to our sustainability and growth.
Inherent in all membership programs are member perks or privileges. Ours include free movie passes, discounted film tickets, and free refills on popcorn and soda. Most organizations also offer an annual member party, and after much discussion, we decided that our Oscar party was the ideal event to serve as our member party.
The Oscar party is the only event that has been reserved for members, and even so, we welcome everyone to “join” at the $40 level – if you’re not particularly interested in membership, you can consider that contribution simply as your ticket to the party. We think you’ll find it’s well worth the price.
What are your plans for the continued restoration and renovation of the theatre?
Phase IV of our renovation plan was ultimately divided into two phases due to unforeseen increases in construction costs. During the summer of 2006 we completed many of the goals of Phase IV including:
- Installing an ADA accessible elevator
- Installing a code compliant stair tower
- Completing ADA accessible restrooms
- Installing a hard wired smoke alarm system
- Adding office space for theatre staff on the second floor
- Renovating the box office
Currently we are fundraising to complete Phase IV’s goals including:
- Renovation of the second and third floor façades
- Structural modifications to the third floor for accessibility
- Additional seating in the balcony
- Installation of a catering kitchen to the third floor
- Renovation of the third floor as a community room
Our current need stands at $190,000.00 to finish Phase IV. By renovating the third floor we can add additional programs such as film education classes and DVD or 16mm film screenings, as well as provide a much-needed gathering space for the many wonderful groups in our community.
The Board of Directors is currently in the planning stages for Phase V. This phase will address renovations to the stage area. During this planning stage the board, with the help of consultants, will determine the kind of renovations necessary for the types of live programs we want to offer. Your input is important so please let us know what kind of programming you would like to see at the Colonial, with a renovated stage area.
So after all these years, why are we still looking at peeling paint and plaster?
The renovation process at the Colonial Theatre has been phased in to allow for a relatively young organization to grow its patron base and ultimately its donor base. Our decisions about what to do first have been strategic, and are based on the experiences of organizations that have renovated hundreds of historic theatres across the country.
What the other organizations learned (sometimes from making incorrect decisions) was that it is harder to fundraise for components of the project that patrons can’t see or are not directly affected by.They also learned that if you proceed to the auditorium and lobby restorations before addressing the less “sexy” parts of the renovation, people will think the work is complete and their contributions are no longer necessary. ACT struck a balance to this theory by tending to renovation issues such as the roof, office space and utility upgrades on the one hand, but also recognizing that a renovated façade adds curb appeal and grows audiences and comfortable seats and adequate restrooms keeps patrons coming back.
We can’t wait to learn what the original colors were in the theatre and see this gem restored to its original beauty. Once the stage renovations are completed we will address these aesthetic issues and with your help and support the Colonial will become the premier historic theatre in our region.
Why don't you offer reserved seating for concerts?
Currently the Colonial does not offer the ability to use a credit card to purchase Point Entertainment concert tickets. Since we want to offer tickets here for sale with cash or check, and offer tickets online at www.ticketweb.com for the convenience of people who live a distance, it would be impossible to coordinate which seats were available here for sale and which were available online. General admission (with an opportunity to choose sections of the room) also allows people to sit wherever they like.
The Colonial is currently researching ticketing software for all of our programming and once the ticketing is controlled solely from our box office we will be able to offer reserved seating. Our programming is so varied that off the shelf software is often not adequate. We appreciate your patience with this change.
How do you decided which concerts to book?
We are always open to your opinions on which artists we should book at the Colonial. It is important to understand that there is a limitation on who we can afford based on the number of seats we have. The Colonial is half the size of the Keswick, which is why you see such a difference in our programming. We continue to test the limits of our ticket price while at the same time not completely out-pricing our friends and neighbors in the community.