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Local News

Monday, November 02, 2009

Curtains to reopen soon at NB's Virginia theater
By ERIC SCHAADT

Staff Writer

NORTH BALTIMORE -- Jayson Wickard spent his formative years working at North Baltimore's lone movie theater. As an adult, he plans to reopen the closed cinema.

Wickard said he wants to bring family entertainment at a reasonable price back to North Baltimore's Virginia Motion Pictures theater, when he reopens it this month.

In addition to first-run movies, the new owner said he will bring classic films and independent films to the Main Street theater, which has been shuttered since September 2008.

"I want to give the citizens an affordable, movie-going experience," the North Baltimore High School grad said.

Renovations are under way at the single-screen cinema, which seats about 380 people, he said. Repairs and painting are being completed.

A significant upgrade will be a Dolby stereo system, a "big improvement" over analog stereo, he said.

Wickard, 25, has been involved with managing theaters in Ohio and Virginia.

His interest in the Virginia theater goes back 12 years. As a middle school student, Wickard was hired in 1997 at the theater run by Michael and Jennifer Posh.

In 2005, Wickard departed to start a general management career with another theater company.

In January 2006, Matt and Erika Clark of Findlay became owners of the theater, closing the doors in 2008, and eventually selling it to Wickard. Terms of the sale were not revealed.

Wickard said he initially will hire six or seven employees at the business, which is expected to open on Nov. 14.

Wickard said he hoped the anticipated improvement in North Baltimore's business climate would help sustain his business.

Wickard indicated he wants to avoid R-rated movies, instead giving the theater "a more family atmosphere."

He also said he is "tired of seeing high prices" at multiplexes.

The mayor of North Baltimore welcomed the revived theater.

"I think it's a great opportunity for the kids again," Mayor Ned Sponsler said, adding that families can enjoy a dinner and a movie in the village.

Regular-priced tickets at the cinema will sell for $5 for those age 12 and older, $3 for children age 2 to 11, and free for those under 2.

Tickets for seniors 55 and older will be $3.

Virginia Theater will be open at 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and noon to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Early bird, Tuesday family night, and other specials will be offered.

Wickard said he will expand the concession stand menu with nachos, hot dogs and other offerings.

The theater first opened July 11, 1937 by Ernest and Viola Walter.

On the Net:

www.VirginiaMotionPictures.com



Schaadt: 419-427-8414,

Send an e-mail to Eric Schaadt


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