Destination Downtown -  Farmington Civic Theatre

More than movies, the Farmington Civic Theatre has become an investment in our community that helps fuel the economy and drive downtown revitalization. Soon after the City of Farmington purchased the Civic, the City, community-spirited donors, active volunteers and the Downtown Development Authority combined to bring to life a critical portion of the city’s master plan: Riley Park and the Walter E. Sundquist Farmington Pavilion. The park and pavilion now compliment the Civic as attractive destination venues in downtown Farmington.

The City assumed direct management responsibilities in the last quarter of 2006. Since then, both attendance and revenues have increased. More people are coming to the Civic to view great films and attend various functions and revenues have grown due to facility rentals plus ticket and concession sales.

We Need Few Show Business Volunteers

Are you interested in show business? If you are, the Civic Theatre has an opportunity for you! “We are looking for a few volunteers, perhaps a senior couple, or a service group, to help with guest services, such as meeting and greeting theatre goers, operating the mobility-limited person lift, possibly selling tickets, ushering, selling soda and popcorn, or generally being a ‘second set of hands’ helping the Civic management team,” explained Bill Richards, Civic Theatre General Manager.

“Serious janitorial services are not required – that’s done by the Civic janitor. But, guest services, such as cleaning an occasional spill or refilling supplies, may be asked. Most importantly, we plan for volunteers to become active in the ‘show business’ part of the Civic – helping the public to their seats or selling soda and popcorn. In return, as an integral part of our team, volunteers will get to enjoy the movies and events as well as providing needed help to theatre patrons. Our volunteer program is supplemental to our existing paid staff at the Civic. We are not replacing staff positions with volunteers.”

If you’re interested in volunteering, please call Bill Richards at 248-474-5500, ext 214.

Super Saturdays this September

Civic Theatre management is studying re-launching Super Saturdays this September. “In the past,” said Richards, “the Super Saturdays program was a sell out, bringing children and their parents to downtown Farmington for a few hours of family entertainment. It was fun and a great use of the Civic. We are reviewing the Super Saturdays concept for this fall. We’d like to coordinate it with the planned events taking place at Riley Park and the Sundquist Pavilion, giving families several reasons for staying in the downtown area and enjoying their Saturdays together as a family.”

Renting the Civic is Becoming Popular

Over the past few months the Civic has been rented for diverse purposes. “We have found the facilities are ideal for celebrating birthdays – both adult and youth – anniversaries, weddings, showing special interest movies and school projects. One school rented the Civic to preview film projects created by their students and, another group will be renting the Theatre this spring for performance practice,” commented Richards.

“Mondays through Thursdays are traditionally not well attended at theatres throughout the nation. And the Civic Theatre is not an exception,” he said. “To better utilize the facility, we are looking at new ideas, such as discontinuing showings on slow evenings or matinees in favor of other uses of the facilities, such as open mike music nights. We may offer the Civic as a venue for something like Farmington’s version of American Idol or consider showcasing church choirs.”

If you’re interested in renting the Civic Theatre, please call Bill Richards at 248-474-5500, ext 214. Visit the Civic Theatre website at: www.farmingtoncivictheatre.org

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