Newtown Theatre Closed Through 2013

You’ll have to wait until 2014 to see a movie at the Newtown Theatre.

The theatre has closed for movie screenings until next year as it prepares to install a new digital projection system. Scheduled live performances will still take place at the theatre in 2013.

When it reopens, the theatre will be under new management, according to an announcement from the Newtown Hall Theatre Board of Directors. “New management is expected to be in place when the theatre reopens sometime in the New Year,” the announcement said.

The theatre currently uses a 64-year-old 35 mm film projector. In the near future, movie production companies will no longer produce 35 mm films, requiring that all theaters have a digital system.

Nearly $95,000 has been raised for the new digital projection system at the local theatre.

Donations are still being accepted and can be mailed to: Digital Projector Fund, 226 N. Lincoln Ave., Newtown, Pa. 18940. Checks should be made payable to the Community Welfare Council of Newtown. All donations are tax deductible.

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.    

The theatre also has a new website. Visit it here http://www.ournewtowntheatre.com.