​Red River Begins Capital Campaign to Renovate Jaclyn Simchik Memorial Cinema​

CONCORD, NH — Red River Theatres has announced “The Reel Change Capital Campaign” to renovate the Jaclyn Simchik Memorial Cinema and refresh its facilities as the theater heads into its 10th year of serving the capital region, according to a press statement. The non-profit, independent art house cinema - a destination on Concord’s South Main Street - plans to transform the Simchik Cinema into a state of the art, high quality venue by the end of 2016, as well as provide additional enhancements to the theater.

The last major fundraising campaign at Red River was in 2012 when the greater Concord community overwhelmingly rose to the challenge of funding digital conversion of the two large theaters. With the hope for similar community support, and based on the long-standing requests of patrons to improve the Simchik Cinema, Red River’s Board of Trustees voted to approve the $275,000 capital campaign.

The campaign kicked off on Sept. 6, and fundraising will continue until the goal is reached. Plans for the renovation to the Simchik Cinema are on display in the lobby of Red River and online. Red River is planning some fun events to assist with the fundraising, including a trivia contest and special screenings. Specific naming opportunities are available as part of the fundraising.

Red River’s two large cinemas are equipped with Dolby digital sound, Christie digital projection equipment, and stadium seating. Upgrading the Simchik Cinema with more comfortable seating, an in-room bar, 4K projection and improved soundproofing, will allow for more first-run films to be shown in the space and is projected to increase attendance in that theater by 20 percent. It will also significantly boost ticket revenue for the non-profit Red River, which relies on ticket sales, memberships, rentals, and annual fundraising for its operating costs, according to organizers.

Other facility improvements include upgrades to the HVAC system and audio-visual enhancement devices, additional ADA seating in both large halls, and other needed improvements.

“The theater is 9 years old,” said Board chairwoman Connie Lane. “We see roughly five thousand customers every month, so there is some wear and tear we need to address sooner rather than later. We are so appreciative of the support that members, major donors and the community provided to us during our digitial conversion campaign, and hope that they will support our continuing effort to improve the cinematic experience at Red River.”

Board member Rachel Hampe added, “Upgrading the Simchik Cinema has been on our wish list for quite some time. It will provide a much more satisfying movie-going experience for audiences and will help us make Red River financially sustainable over the long-run. The Board, the staff and I all hope that our patrons and the community will commit to the campaign and help Red River make these much-needed improvements this year.”

For information on how to contribute to the 2016 Red River “Reel Change Capital Campaign,” contact Liz Durant at 603-224-4698, Ext. 11 or visit the website, redrivertheatres.org.

Submitted by Susan Paschell.