There were about 200 people at the 12/18 meeting, many of whom expressed very strong feelings that the theatre remain as such. Most were community members, but I do not doubt that more prominent folks are being made aware of what is at stake.
John Lind of Venuetech spoke, in general terms, regarding ways this can and has happened by giving examples (via a slide show) of other theatres that his group has helped.
This was very encouraging, yet I have to echo the sentiment presented by some others at the meeting who felt that preserving The Senator means more than preserving its four walls. We’re also concerned for those who have been the soul of the place we’ve come to love.
Aside from what Tom stated in the local news coverage: “… its transition from my family’s stewardship & control over its day-to-day operation…”, very little has been said about what role, if any, the folks who have kept her going thus far will have to play.
Tom said he needed to “Get a life” outside of a seven day a week challenge of running the theatre. Whether that was so to soften the blow for us hardcore supporters or not, only Tom can say.
“Film clearance” was a big issue for a while.
The closest competition is The Charles Theatre (downtown Baltimore) and AMC Towson Commons 8(multiplex a few miles north).
Although, my impression is that there is some level of dialogue between The Charles and Tom these days.
Another, the closest, was The Rotunda Cinemateque (2 screens) which Tom bought several years ago. As I understand it, having the additional screens would help cushion possible losses incurred by hosting a film at the Senator that didn’t do well, continue viewings of films no longer being shown at the Senator and possibly other reasons.
There were about 200 people at the 12/18 meeting, many of whom expressed very strong feelings that the theatre remain as such. Most were community members, but I do not doubt that more prominent folks are being made aware of what is at stake.
John Lind of Venuetech spoke, in general terms, regarding ways this can and has happened by giving examples (via a slide show) of other theatres that his group has helped.
This was very encouraging, yet I have to echo the sentiment presented by some others at the meeting who felt that preserving The Senator means more than preserving its four walls. We’re also concerned for those who have been the soul of the place we’ve come to love.
Aside from what Tom stated in the local news coverage: “… its transition from my family’s stewardship & control over its day-to-day operation…”, very little has been said about what role, if any, the folks who have kept her going thus far will have to play.
Tom said he needed to “Get a life” outside of a seven day a week challenge of running the theatre. Whether that was so to soften the blow for us hardcore supporters or not, only Tom can say.
“Film clearance” was a big issue for a while.
The closest competition is The Charles Theatre (downtown Baltimore) and AMC Towson Commons 8(multiplex a few miles north).
Although, my impression is that there is some level of dialogue between The Charles and Tom these days.
Another, the closest, was The Rotunda Cinemateque (2 screens) which Tom bought several years ago. As I understand it, having the additional screens would help cushion possible losses incurred by hosting a film at the Senator that didn’t do well, continue viewings of films no longer being shown at the Senator and possibly other reasons.