Jon Bokenkamp President
Ben Rowe Vice President
Brad Driml Secretary/Treasurer
Chad Henning
Mark Loescher
Dr. Walter Martin
Jayne Meyer
Karla Steele
Dan Speirs
The historic Masonic Temple building is an anchor that is essential to the vitality of downtown Kearney. Sadly, in this world of multiplex cinemas, it's difficult for a single screen theater to survive and be profitable. For this reason, The World Theater will be not only a film venue, but a unique multipurpose space serving the community and generating income in a variety of ways.
The World Theater will be Kearney's "revival house." We understand we can't program first-run features and compete with national movie chains... so we won't. Rather, the World Theatre will offer a variety of independent films, documentaries, foreign language, and classic films along with pictures that are specifically tailored to events happening in and around our community.
Imagine visiting The Bricks during Cruise Night to see a double feature of American Graffiti and Smokey and the Bandit, or taking your whole family to watch It's A Wonderful Life during Christmas. How about "Kiddy Club" matinees on Saturday? Maybe you'd like to see a new documentary or have a chance to see each of the Academy's Best Picture nominees during our annual Oscar Celebration. Additionally, book clubs will host discussions on book-to-screen adaptations, guest lectures will speak on film related topics, and eventually, the original stage behind the screen will be renovated and enable us to host bands, weddings, and other events.
Mind you, we are not reinventing the wheel. As cities across the country grow, downtowns are finding new and creative ways to repropose their original movie theatres. Successful non-profit venues currently operate across the country. Already, Grand Island and Scottsbluff have renovated and re-opened their old downtown movie theaters. Using these proven business models as a template, the World Theatre will build its audience by offering discounted prices, operating with the help of volunteers, and limiting showings to the weekend.
In addition to offering Kearney an alternative movie going experience, the renovated auditorium will provide a venue for private, civic, and community groups needing a space for meetings and fund-raisers. While our primary focus is cinema, we believe the World Theatre will serve the community in a variety of ways.
Kearney cannot afford to lose another Opera House or Midway Hotel, but changing times are making local theatres a thing of the past.
