Schine’s Theatre is preparing to open its doors at the end or at the very latest, beginning of 2023.
As the Ashland community is patiently waiting for the grand re-opening of the theater, located on 216 Center St, President of The Ashland Schine’s Theater Organization Scott Donley, many renovations have been completed during the summer and will continue until the doors open.
“Electric, plumbing, and HVAC are all finished,” Donley said. “Theater seats are being built as we speak.”
Schine’s Theatre was set to open in the summer months, but as new setbacks came forth, Mayor Matt Miller announced during his swearing-in for his second term that the theater would likely see a reopening during the winter season.
Attempts to reach Miller for more updates were unsuccessful.
According to Donley, when the Schine’s Theatre is restored to its full glory, it will provide the public with movies, comedy shows, concerts, and most importantly, a place to come together as a community.
According to a recent press release, Chris Skinner, former Executive Director of the Midland Theatre in Newark, has been hired to help with the remaining efforts of getting the theater open.
Skinner was quoted in the press release saying; “To have the chance to bring the theatre back to life as a thriving cultural and entertainment hub is really a dream come true. I am thrilled to lead a project that will have a significant impact on the vitality of downtown Ashland.”
The movie theater first opened its doors in 1942 and was known as The Ashland, according to The Ashland Schine’s Theatre Organization website. The small theater provided the public with a source of entertainment, especially during the height of World War II.
The theater has had its doors closed since 2009 and has been sitting vacant since.
The organization purchased the building in July 2015 with hopes the theater would have been restored by March 2019. Despite great efforts, setbacks have pushed this date farther back, but President of The Ashland Schine’s Theatre Organization, Scott Donley is confident the theater will be open for business by the end of 2022 or the beginning of 2023 as long as no major problems arise.