DOUGLASS THEATRE ‘WRAPS’ DIGITAL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
The Douglass Goes Digital! campaign, launched officially last November, has reached its goal as of April.
Initially projected as a year-long campaign, the Douglass has raised the $130,000 needed to digitize the Douglass Theatre.
“It’s a wrap,” said Gina Ward, executive director of the Douglass. “With this sum, the Douglass can install a new digital projector, a 3-D compatible movie screen and audio upgrades to transform the Douglass into a 21st century theatre.”
In January, the Douglass raised the $50,000 needed to receive a matching grant from the Peyton Anderson Foundation, bringing the total to $100,000. This was a huge milestone for the campaign and covered the digital projector and 3-D compatible movie screen. Three months after announcing this achievement, the theatre raised the additional $30,000 needed for the audio upgrades.
Ward credited this success to the dedicated involvement of the entire Macon community–including foundations, corporations, organizations and individuals. The Douglass plans to fast-track the installation of the digital equipment and additional upgrades so the new digital features will be ready this summer.
“Once the new equipment is installed, we plan to have a gala introduction of the new digital experience to our friends and neighbors in Middle Georgia,” she added.
These changes will help the theatre to continue provide quality entertainment, such as the MET Opera Live in HD and National Theatre Live broadcasts. Events and performances at the Douglass will also be improved through these enhanced capabilities and by using a digital format, the Douglass will be able to expand its current programming.
Thanks to the support of various organizations and individuals, this 93-year-old theatre can remain a historic landmark. The generosity of the Macon community allows the Douglass to keep up with the fast paced changes of the cinematic world and service Middle Georgia for hopefully another century.
Check back for more details regarding the official Douglass Goes Digital event. Until then, we’ll see you at the Douglass!