Entertainment : Digital era nears for Palace; 'Juliet' to be last 35-mm film there

Erin Horst is directing the summer camp, as students bring U.S. history to Palace stage.

Students portray presidents and other historical characters in ACT 1 summer camp.

The Civil War era is covered in the summer theater camp at Palace.

We’re counting down the days at the Palace Theatre! One final 35 mm movie and then we not only enter the digital age, but also become the only theatre in the world with $3 3D!

I haven’t actually researched the last bit of that statement, but I’m pretty confident I’m correct in that assertion!

Donations are still coming in from near and far. Kudos to the community of Vinton for your amazing support of this effort! Also, greater Benton County – thank you! We love our loyal patrons from Urbana, Blairstown, Shellsburg, Center Point, Mt. Auburn, Garrison, Van Horne and Newhall! Last week a donation came in from Colorado, and another from Texas.

We’re now at just under $70,000 pledged. Our goal for digital cinema is $80,000. We need $35,000 for the lift system required to move the silver screen in order stage ACT I productions. That number is higher than originally projected, so not all of that cost will be covered by the initial $80,000 raised.

I’ve spoken to several patrons who have encouraged us to continue our fundraising efforts in order to update the balcony and replace all the seating in the theatre.

We’ll keep going if you keep giving!

SMALL CHANGE Someone asked me last night if I’d emptied the change jar at the concession stand yet. We’ve been fundraising since mid-April. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve emptied that jar. Every cent matters and adds up!

KIDS AND FAMILIES We still have lots of $1, $5, and $25 cards left to sell. Kids, that’s your opportunity to contribute! Show your support anywhere on the lobby wall.

POSTERS Two “Shrek Forever After’s” available, “Twilight,” “Iron Man 2,” “Harry Potter” and so many more. Ten years worth! Donate $100 and choose a poster.

BUSINESSES Give $100 and be listed on our onscreen preshow donor screen for one year. Give $1,000 or more and be a part of our preshow video that will play before every 3D movie for one year.

“Letters to Juliet,” our last 35 mm film, opens Friday, June 18 through Thursday, June 24 at 7 p.m. nightly and Monday, June 21 at 2 p.m. This film is rated PG and runs 101 minutes.

Amanda Seyfried and Vanessa Redgravestar in this lovely tale set in Verona, Italy. Much of the movie takes place at the home of Shakespeare’s Juliet, where the lovelorn post letters asking for advice.

TICKET PRE-SALES NOW AVAILABLE AT THE THEATRE

You can now pre-purchase tickets for “Letter to Juliet” and “Shrek Forever After” at the theatre! There is a $1 surcharge (which includes your seat saver) for this convenience, and, like online sales, tickets are non-refundable. Stop in any time we’re open and buy your tickets now.

ACT I STAGE! SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS

ACT I Second Stage! Summer Theatre CampSPLASHTASTIC! is off to a great start in Van Horne.

After three full days of activities, campers received their casting assignments for the final full-length children's musical production, SPLASHTASTIC!, which will run June 25 and 26 at 7:00pmat the Benton Community High School Auditorium in Van Horne.

Tickets will be available at the door: $7 for adults and $5 for senior and students. Bring your family and dive in for a fun night of live theatre!

ACT I Stage! One theatre workshops are happening all summer long at the Palace Theatre. “Hey, Look at Me!” workshops, featuring skits inspired by Laurie Hyland’s third grade famous people profiles, are directed by ACT I veteran Erin Horst. Pictured are the aspiring actors who participated in Week One. Kids can still sign up for Week Three, Four, Five and Six. Pick up a registration form at the theatre or download one on the ACT I website, www.act1.org.