SHELBYVILLE, Ill. (WAND) — After closing in 1967, the Roxy Theatre in Shelbyville reopened in 2003 under a similar name: Boarman's Roxy Theatre.
"In 2003, a local businessman, Bob Boarman, wanted something in the community for kids to be able to do," Camice Barker, longtime manager of the theater, said. "So, he put up a $100,000 donation to jump start the reopening of the theater. The Roxy Theatre was here in the 50s and 60s and closed in 1967, so it made the most sense to reopen in the same location."
The Shelbyville community does not want the theater to close again. Locals have pitched in to help pay for the switch from film to digital, as well as new seating.
"Our community came together and donated all new seating, and then in 2012, the movie industry decided to no longer make 35 millimeter film and we had to convert to digital," Barker said. "In order to do that, it was a very expensive undertaking and again the community stepped up and helped us raise almost $75,000."
In a time where it can be difficult for local theaters to stay open, there is a feeling when you step inside the Roxy that keeps people coming back.
"I think it's the small hometown feel. We are a single screen theater and we don't have a lot of previews and commercials before the movie," said Barker. "And our concession prices are very affordable and people just really like the atmosphere here."
The Roxy is open seven day per week and sells tickets for just $5. To see what's playing, click here.
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