Summer Films 2005
The summer is almost over and it has been eventful to say the least. Our Summer Film Series has not done as well as predicted so we are looking to regroup, change days, change advertising and in general try to change whatever is wrong and make the necessary changes so our 2006 films will be more successful. Your suggestions are always appreciated.
The one bright spot about the summer is that the three children's matinees we had were barn burners. They were well attended by young and old alike. You will see the Saturday afternoon matinees expanded in 2006.
We did a survey this summer and several thousand of you responded with answers to our questions. This will help us with our advertising placement and films you would like to see on our screen. With all of the thousands of dollars we spend on advertising, the overwhelming response was that you hear about the films from your friends or our website. We will let you know the outcome of the survey after we have time to read and absorb the answers.
If you have any suggestions for the summer films please let us know by e-mail at alatheatre@aol.com.
NEW PROJECTION EQUIPMENT
Regal Entertainment Group out of Knoxville, TN, the largest theatre chain in the world, recently provided the Alabama Theatre with new projection and sound equipment to replace the equipment we had been using for the last 51 years. Since its installation, the statements from our many movies goers is that this is the best thing that has ever happened to movies at the Alabama. The picture is bright and steady and the sound is crisp and clear.
NEW BALLROOM PROJECT
The new ballroom and elevator project is moving along great. Architectural plans are complete and the contractor has been selected. All we need now is the remaining funding which we hope will be received by year end. This 5,000 sq. ft. ballroom will be available for receptions, meetings and weddings as well as a support space. When you attend the theatre for the opera you could attend a VIP or cast party in the new ballroom.
HORROR WEEK
We are pleased to announce our 2005 horror week events
3-D MOVIES
- ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
- PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
With the new projection equipment we will be able to show the 3-D films better than ever with greater 3-D definition. This will be the 2nd annual showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show for the Alabama and the 25th showing of the 1925 silent film Phantom of the Opera Starring Lon Chaney and Mary Philben, accompanied by the Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe organ under the musical direction of the famous Phantom Organist Tom Helms.
Check our web schedule for dates, times and ticket prices.
EVENT BOOKING
Make your next event historic, have it at the Alabama Theatre. The Alabama Theatre is now booking for holiday events and weddings. Check with our event coordinator Anthony Mitchell (205-252-2262) for details and cost.
HOIDAY FILMS
Our holiday film series, which has become an annual Birmingham tradition, will be December 16th through December 22nd, including a Children's matinee on Sat. afternoon December 17 at 2pm.
- Dec 16 National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
- Dec 17 White Christmas
- Dec 18 White Christmas
- Dec 19 A Christmas Story
- Dec 20 Elf
- Dec 21 It's A Wonderful Life
- Dec 22 It's A Wonderful Life
We offer discounts for groups of 20 or more and areas to have a pre show party are available for an additional charge.
A NOTE OF APEAL
Contributions
The Alabama Theatre for the Performing Arts has been in business downtown since May 6, 1987, almost 20 years, and during that time we have not had but one capital fundraising campaign where we pleaded for funding. During the last 18 years, the Alabama theatre has paid off the tremendous debt we assumed when we saved the theatre in 1987 from an unknown fate. We have invested an additional $6,000,000 into the theatre for new air conditioning, new wiring, plumbing, new seats, new stage equipment, complete cosmetic restoration of the theatre including the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ console and many other things that make your visits to the Alabama Theatre better and more comfortable. As we move to the end of the year and you look for worth while organizations to contribute to, please remember the Alabama theatre.
We try not to come to you over and over again like so many other non-profit organizations do, but it is getting harder and harder to operate and pay all the bills with every cost increasing. Our electric bill is over $5,000 monthly, and while that is our largest single cost, all the other smaller cost are just as burdensome.
We ask you to consider a REGULAR contribution either quarterly, semi- annually or annually that would help us operate without concern. Each year, if we have a surplus, the money will go to an endowment fund to draw interest and ease any future financial concerns.
Donations can be mailed to the theatre office, 1817 3rd Ave. North, Birmingham Al 35203, or charged to your Master Card, or Visa. All contributions are tax deductible to the amount allowed by the IRS.
Your contribution will be greatly appreciated.