qathet Film Society and Patricia Theatre staff and volunteers welcomed patrons back into the newly renovated and restored auditorium on Thursday, July 11.
Folks eagerly streamed into the theatre, promptly, at 5 pm, to try out the new cushy seats with cupholders and feel the cool breeze from the new air conditioning system, while watching the classic film Singin’ in the Rain on a brand new movie screen.
The new seating was funded by a generous legacy donation by film society volunteer Diana Yenssen. Artist Whitney La Fortune was also busy last month restoring the peeling murals.
New carpeting was put into the lobby and the concession was moved to create a more spacious atmosphere for staff and patrons.
Patricia Theatre manager Laura Wilson said the past six weeks were intense. However, the film society is not done yet.
The Peak previously reported that a new canopy is in the process of being restored. Film society executive director Gary Shilling hopes the canopy project will be done by the end of the year.
The Peak also reported in May of this year that the Patricia recently had an exterior balcony staircase installed and will open the balcony up to the public. A grant from Powell River Community Forest for the balcony stairs and canopy recreation totalled $125,000 from the 2022 spring intake.
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