Circle Theatre hosts Open House during Potato Festival

August 15, 2013 · 0 Comments

Circle Theatre staff were nothing but smiles as they invited members of the community to explore the newly renovated space during an open house at the 40th Annual Alliston Potato Festival Saturday.

The theatre was originally built in 1938 in Alliston, with a single screen. Since then, ownership has passed into just three families, maintaining its charm as a sincere, family-run business.

When the previous owner, Scott MacDonald, passed away in October of 2011 at age 63, the theatre closed indefinitely. In April 2012, potato farmers Kate and Peter Vander Zaag purchased the theater. Daughter Christine Molenaar says it was Kate’s dream to see it reopened and given new life as a hub in the community.

“It really is a family business,” says Molenaar. Each of the 6 Vander Zaag children help their parents run the theatre daily, along with a few additional staff members during their busier summer season.

The reopening of Circle Theatre in Alliston last November has been met with huge support and interest. With the open house, Molenaar says they hope to generate even more to make sure the business thrives.

“It’s a little tricky for us to keep our prices so low,” says Molenaar, explaining that their goal right now is to continue maintaining their operating costs. “But we’re not afraid of a challenge.”

Concession prices are lower here than your average theatre chain, and tickets cost $7.50 for general admission and $5 for children and seniors, including tax.

Advertising is also a challenge, since films are typically screened for only one week at Circle Theatre. Advertising for other local businesses are providing a strong source of income for the theatre, which is trying to set up their own version of a pre-show to support other businesses in the area.

Since the renovations, all equipment and facilities in the building have been improved to meet industry standards, so the film quality is the same as any major chain, says Molenaar. The structure itself, and even the marquis out front have remained in tact to protect the heritage of the building, but bathrooms were renovated and seats reupholstered.

The theatre is also open to drama companies and choir groups, who can rent the space that houses a stage and can seat up to 250 people. Birthday parties can also be accommodated.

Movies and show times can be found online at circletheatre.ca or at 705 435-7631.

By Emily Wood