Varsity Theatre Over 50% to Goal for Digital Conversion

Technology can lead to amazing spectacles, but it also brings the possibility of turning some of our favorite experiences into memories.

The Varsity Theatre, with its historic marquee, has been a staple of downtown Chapel Hill for over 50 years. But technological advancements in movie making have threatened the future of the Franklin Street cinema. Paul Sharesian owns the Varsity Theatre and says the theatre needs major upgrades because of a transformation in the movie-making process.

“We hit the point where, if we didn’t convert to digital, we wouldn’t be able to show films anymore,” he says, “because they’re not producing them on 35 millimeter [film].”

That problem, and some helpful ideas from the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership, resulted in a Kickstarter page to help the Varsity with the renovation costs.

“We did a blast campaign during the Chapel Hill parade,” he says. “Then we sent a major e-mail blast. That was done through the Downtown Partnership, and that did a big bulk on the front end.”

With the goal of raising $50,000, Sharesian says they are well on their way.

“So far it’s been great,” he says. “We’re over 50%.”

They settled on $50,000 because, based off of estimates, that is how much it will cost to convert one screen from 35mm to digital.

Sharesian says that they have special offerings for anyone who wants to donate to their campaign, including concessions items, movie tickets, and t-shirts. And, of course, the more money you give – the more you get.

Sharesian says that any money raised above their $50,000 goal will go toward converting the second theatre.

He adds that they have been overwhelmed by the support from the community.

“We really thank the community, obviously, for the donations,” he says. “When we introduced it at the parade, people were all over it. They were behind us. That was a nice positive feel to get to that.”

As of January 1, the Varsity Kickstarter had over 450 backers, totaling over $30,000 in donations, with just over 40 days remaining in their campaign.

You can help the Varsity Theatre covert from 35mm to digital – and get some great offerings – by visiting the Varsity’s Kickstarter page.