Despite the challenges, there are many instances across America and the world that show independent theaters surviving and thriving. Oftentimes, this is a result of the theaters willingness to adapt and transform in certain ways in order to keep up with the times. It is also the result of a certain fan culture and groups of patrons that support the independent theaters that provide a cultural center for their communities.
The Four Facets of Small-Town Theaters
In my search for scholarly works regarding independent theaters, Kathryn H. Fuller-Seeley’s book entitled Hollywood in the Neighborhood: Historical Case Studies of Local Moviegoing proved essential for me to begin breaking down the themes surrounding the roles of small-town theaters in their communities.
Based on her criteria and real-life research, where she provided the most common terms and phrases used by patrons and visitors of independent theaters, I have established four larger umbrella categories of themes. They are:
Please use the links or the drop-down menu at the top of the page to explore examples of how the Majestic Theater embodies these themes and provides a cultural impact to Gettysburg and Adams County.
