The Project
When the Ashland Schine's Theatre first opened its doors to the Ashland community in March 1942, it was a source of pride, symbolizing the growth and promise of the community. Like many other historic downtown theaters of its age across the country, however, the Schine's Theatre entered into a period of decline and deterioration over the years, finally shutting its doors in 2009. In less than 70 years, this entertainment destination went from a vibrant amenity to a derelict property—and a likely candidate for demolition—with a gaping hole in its roof, a disintegrating exterior, and a mold-covered interior.
Renewed Hope, Optimism, and Potential
In the retreating shadow of the Great Recession, local business owners and entrepreneurs who recognized Ashland's potential joined forces with elected officials to create public/private partnerships focused on bringing back the vitality of Ashland's downtown district, including the Schine's Theatre.
Through the formation of the Ashland Schine's Theatre, Inc. in 2015, a group of dedicated community volunteers purchased and began to restore the theatre. Their work was bolstered by grants awarded in 2017, 2019, and 2020 totaling $1,300,000 from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission to repair the theatre's roof and repair and refurbish its exterior, and by the endorsement and enthusiasm of community stakeholders, which resulted in additional funding of more than $240,000.
In 2019, the Ashland Schine's Theatre Board of Directors voted unanimously to move forward with a comprehensive campaign to raise the $3 million required to complete the renovation of the theatre's interior and to provide funds for the first three years of operations.
More than Movies: A vision for the future
Once finished, Ashland Schine's Theatre will be a multipurpose entertainment destination, a home for local, regional, and national independent movies, community programming, and live entertainment. At a total of 20,500 square feet and with the capacity to accommodate up to 532 patrons, the theatre will offer a repertory of programs for people of all ages and tastes.
The theatre will be open seven days a week, 365 days a year with a diverse schedule of films, live performances, classes, and special events, including:
- studio and new independent films
- creative themed movie series (e.g., film noir, musicals, etc.)
- Saturday morning children's matinees featuring classic cartoons and family-friendly films
- film festivals
- educational collaborations with area high schools, colleges, and universities for students interested in the arts and film making
- space for community meetings of nonprofits and civic organizations
- film-focused summer camps for middle and high school students
- accredited student internships
- venues for student-directed films and animation
- displays of local artists in the lobby and reception area
- free screenings open to the public underwritten by sponsors
- concerts, plays, and comedic performance by local, regional, and national entertainers
- special film nights for Ashland University students
- rental opportunities for birthday parties, corporate events, and receptions
- a "one stop shop" for conferences and business meetings
- "dinner and a movie" promotions with area restaurants
You can help make the Schine's Theatre renovation a reality.