2008 Woodie Awards
Ashley Square Cinema plans expansion
By: Lauren Clark
Issue date: 2/15/08 Section: News
Ashley Square Cinema has begun providing discounted movies and food for students in the DePauw community, thanks to a new partnership with the University.
According to Greg Dillon, director of Campus Activities and Student Services, the management of Ashley Square Cinema approached the University offering students free admission to movies Monday through Thursday and movies for only $1 Friday through Sunday. In return, the theater asked that the University pay $10 per student per semester.
"The management at Ashley Square wanted to make much-needed improvements to the theater, but they needed the capital to be able to do so." Dillon said. After Student Congress endorsed the measure, Student Services and Academic Affairs worked in conjunction to raise the money for the cost for the current semester.
Interim Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students Cynthia Babington said the arrangement, which began in January, is in place for a year and a half, but after the current semester the students will pay for the measure through the student activity fee. The increase to the activity fee for next semester was $15, $10 of which will go to Ashley Square Cinema.
"Students will continue to benefit from the discounts on tickets and at the concession stands, and there will be more movies catering to college students with later show times provided on the weekend," Babington said.
The movie theater plans to make extensive changes, including a third theater with Digital Dolby Surround Sound and stadium seating over the parking lot next to the theater. With the expansions, owner Frank Katris hopes to be able to provide entertainment beyond just movies, such as sports games or theater productions. He knows that in a small community like Greencastle, it's unusual for a small business to expand, but he hopes that the partnership with the University will make it possible.
"[People] shouldn't have to travel to Plainfield or Crawfordsville to watch a movie," Katris said.
Other plans include a food court with menu items for less than $5, such as pizza, hamburgers, fries, pasta and salad.
"We're all excited to get everyone on board for this," said Katris. "A movie theater like this is simply unheard of, and it's happening right here in Greencastle."
-Elissa Schufman contributed to this article.
According to Greg Dillon, director of Campus Activities and Student Services, the management of Ashley Square Cinema approached the University offering students free admission to movies Monday through Thursday and movies for only $1 Friday through Sunday. In return, the theater asked that the University pay $10 per student per semester.
"The management at Ashley Square wanted to make much-needed improvements to the theater, but they needed the capital to be able to do so." Dillon said. After Student Congress endorsed the measure, Student Services and Academic Affairs worked in conjunction to raise the money for the cost for the current semester.
Interim Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students Cynthia Babington said the arrangement, which began in January, is in place for a year and a half, but after the current semester the students will pay for the measure through the student activity fee. The increase to the activity fee for next semester was $15, $10 of which will go to Ashley Square Cinema.
"Students will continue to benefit from the discounts on tickets and at the concession stands, and there will be more movies catering to college students with later show times provided on the weekend," Babington said.
The movie theater plans to make extensive changes, including a third theater with Digital Dolby Surround Sound and stadium seating over the parking lot next to the theater. With the expansions, owner Frank Katris hopes to be able to provide entertainment beyond just movies, such as sports games or theater productions. He knows that in a small community like Greencastle, it's unusual for a small business to expand, but he hopes that the partnership with the University will make it possible.
"[People] shouldn't have to travel to Plainfield or Crawfordsville to watch a movie," Katris said.
Other plans include a food court with menu items for less than $5, such as pizza, hamburgers, fries, pasta and salad.
"We're all excited to get everyone on board for this," said Katris. "A movie theater like this is simply unheard of, and it's happening right here in Greencastle."
-Elissa Schufman contributed to this article.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
DreamingTurtle
Christopher McCastle
posted 10/09/08 @ 9:25 PM EST
This is a great idea. I look forward to the changes.
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