Sequel for Wayne theater

WAYNE, Neb. — The next chapter in the history of one of this town's movie theaters is being written in the hope that potential patrons are out there.

Efforts have begun to transform Wayne's last remaining movie theater building into a multipurpose venue that will offer the latest movies as well as plays, musical events, recitals, black-tie affairs and other functions.

Plans call for a state-of-the-art digital projection and audio system, plush high-back seats with cup holders, and plenty of leg room in the former movie theater at 310 Main St.

“Those who come to Wayne for a movie should be able to experience the same type of experience they'd get in Sioux City (Iowa), Norfolk (Neb.) or Omaha,” said Stephanie Liska.

Liska, Reggie Yates, Gary Van Meter, Jeff Morlok and Todd Young are among the community leaders who are working with other groups to remodel the former theater.

The theater has been empty since it was closed in April 2008. Earlier this year it was purchased by Wayne Area Economic Development.

One of the umbrella groups under that organization is Main Street Wayne, which has set a goal to get the theater reopened.

A collaborative effort that includes Wayne Community Theater includes a stage that could offer another venue for theater productions.

The first day for demolition work and cleanup was in mid-August. Since then, more than 60 individuals have taken part in additional work days to get rid of debris.

“Many loyal volunteers are stepping up to make it truly Wayne's community theater,” Yates said.

Since word has gotten out about the plans, Yates said he has heard from people who remember the theater from when they went on their first dates, or when they saw particular movies or worked in the concession stand during high school.

“These people are in their 40s and 50s now,” he said. “It holds a lot of memories.”

Volunteers and businesses have offered their help with everything from architectural plans to fundraising. Those efforts are important to keep costs down, Yates said.

Otte Construction Co. of Wayne will complete the construction work and has donated some services.

Morlok, owner of Otte Construction, said so far there haven't been many surprises through the demolition phase. Probably the biggest was that there was no insulation in the building, he said.

When the theater is rebuilt, it will include insulation and thermal efficiencies, and will also be made accessible to the disabled.

Fundraising is under way, and it has been estimated that about $527,000 will be needed to turn the dream into reality.

“What we know is this community steps up,” Liska said. “This is an areawide fundraiser for community benefit. We'd like to see people from Norfolk participating, along with organizations from Winside, Laurel, Wakefield, Carroll and others.”

Plans call for about 120 theater seats, with the back third of the auditorium boasting table seating for 60 to 80 people.

The plan is to charge $3 or $4 for movie admission, with regular concession-stand prices. Various organizations will work the concession stand, including service groups, volunteer groups and Wayne State College groups.

“We're going to have a program coordinator as far as who will schedule all the events for us; but at the same time, it will be run by service groups,” Yates said. “A lot of them already are starting to say ‘What can I do?' ”

Some students at Wayne State College, for example, held a fundraiser and challenged the college's faculty to match their total.

Other features of the renovated theater include:

Ÿ A modern stage that can be expanded to encompass the area of the former orchestra pit.

Ÿ A kitchen area equipped for the caterers who will bring in meals.

Ÿ Window boxes or other ways to incorporate artifacts from the original theater.

Ÿ New heating and cooling units.

Ÿ A remodeled basement, with storage.

If a significant amount of the funds can be raised by January, construction will start then. Organizers hope that the new theater can be opened next fall.

A name has yet to be chosen. Anyone wanting to make contributions may send checks to: Project Majestic, P.O. Box 161, Wayne, NE 68787.

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