Wisconsin small town theaters stuggling to survive

posted by CSWalczak on March 17, 2011 at 7:52 am

MADISON, WI — Although the situation is hardly unique to Wisconsin, small town theaters in the Dairy State are finding it increasingly dfficult to keep their marquees lit and the popcorn popping. Many have closed; survivors are increasingly implementing alternative programming, personnel reductions, and live performances to reduce operating costs and to increase revenue.

One movie theater company has a program that allows video game enthusiasts to use their PlayStation and Nintendo systems on the big screen for two hours. The $65 fee for four people includes unlimited soda and popcorn.

“It’s all about finding other revenue sources,” said Jeremy Patnaude, general manager of State Theatres in Platteville, which also operates theaters in Boscobel, Lancaster, Dodgeville and Menomonie. “It’s utilizing what you have.”

The story appeared in the Wisconsin State Journal.