The Varsity Theater: A Staple of Downtown

The , an architectural standout that dates back to 1949, will be offering up its usual variety of indie, foreign and lesser-known films .

The art deco structure's marquee displays movie titles you won’t find at just any theater, but that's not all the venue will be used for this summer. 

"We'll also hold special events," manager Megan McKay said of the theater's offerings. "We'll show small independent films with discussions."

Those sessions can be scheduled and arranged by local filmmakers looking for exposure or critique of their product. It's one of many traits that make The Varsity a one of a kind. 

Making it Modern

The Varsity was remodeled in 2006 to include stadium seating, a bright, new screen, state-of-the-art sound system, concession stand and decorative touches consistent with the art deco style of old. 

It played host to crowds of Davisites by the time the next year’s Oscar class of “Slumdog Millionaire,” “The Reader” and “Revolutionary Road” arrived. 
Those films only showed briefly, if at all, in mainstream, corporate theaters (until the Oscar buzz arrived).

Establishing the Varsity's credibility among movie distributors from the get-go was crucial and the subsequent success has been a testament to Davisites' eclectic taste in cinema and willingness to support the venerable venue. That’s why the Varsity can continue to afford to show more obscure and less lucrative fare.  

But the first few weeks of post-remodel operation were not without glitches. The box office ticket taker had to hand-tally ticket sales due to a technological glitch, while the slow-moving line of movie-goers waited patiently down the block.

The old non-digital projector would stick, so Varsity employees had to babysit it in shifts, nudging the reels free when necessary.

Historic Meets Modern

But the plush new seats were filled consistently, and now management has confidently continued renovations, replacing the old projector with 3-D digital. Unlike most theaters, the hundreds of 3-D glasses are not disposable; they are washed and sterilized after each use.

The Varsity has also installed solar panels on the roof, which should help lower the utility bills to pay for the digital upgrade and keep ticket prices affordable.

The Varsity subdivided in 2008 into a slightly smaller main theater space supplemented by a new 100-seat theater in the former backstage area, which had been unused since live theater was last performed in the 1990s.

The new smaller theater enhances the Varsity's ability to show edgier, fringe films as well as hosting first-run indies for longer periods.

Features

In addition to popcorn and treats available at the concession stand, , next door, offers gelato and coffee drinks. And, of course, seeing a movie at the Varsity can top off a night on the downtown with its varied dining and entertainment options.

Adult $10.25
Students (with valid ID)         $9.25
Matinees (before 6 p.m.)     $7.75
Children (under 12)               $7.00
Seniors (over 60)                    $7.00
Tuesday shows                       $7.00