News : Palace makes history again; first to move a silver screen

The Palace Theatre will reopen Friday, October 8 after a two-week hiatus during which several renovation projects occurred.
The main reason for the closure was the installation of a rigging and lift system for the silver screen. Due to its duel use as both a movie theatre and stage show venue, the Palace has an unique need to raise its screen for ACT I community theatre productions and other stage shows. Before the recent digital conversion, the Palace had the ability to roll up its movie screen. The new silver screen needed for digital 3D films is very fragile and must not be rolled or folded in any way. Even light touch must be limited to avoid damaging the special silver paint on the new screen.

According to manager Gerald Horst, "No other theatre has attempted to move a silver screen. While Beck Studios, a rigging company from Ohio, has installed many theatre rigging systems, this is the first time they've been hired to rig a movie screen. We spent months and months researching this dilemma that is unique to our theatre, and Marcy and I found no other cinemas that moved their screen." Beck Studios finished the rigging project on Wednesday, October 6, although decorative curtains for the back, sides and top of the screen will arrive and be installed next week. The Palace took advantage of the 2-week closure to make some other needed improvements to the facility, including paint and new vinyl flooring in the lobby and restrooms, and an office redesign. "With the increased popularity in online ticket sales and the new ability for patrons to purchase their tickets in advance at the theatre, we needed more window space. We have also been selling seat savers from the box office for several months, which allows patrons to wait in line and pay once instead of twice, and also frees up much needed lobby space when we're busy," Horst said. Manager Marcy Horst also said that the change to the box office frees one staff member to trouble shoot and help patrons in the auditorium, which is especially important when the theatre sells out. The painting and bathroom flooring was finished earlier this week, and the Horsts expect the office renovation to be finished in time for the opening. According to Marcy, "The lobby vinyl is the only thing left, and Mike Barnes (Barnes Furniture) assured me that if it is not done in time for the opening on Friday night, it will happen first thing Saturday morning. We've had several different professionals in here this week, and Gerald and I really appreciate the cooperation and consideration they have shown for each other, and their excellent workmanship." "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" reopens the Palace tonight, Friday night, October 8 at 7 p.m. As of Thursday, October 7, 14 tickets had already been purchased online for this long-awaited movie.