Open Source: What’s going on with the Schine Theatre?

ASHLAND— A reader recently asked us to find out who is paying for the lights to stay on at the old Schine’s Theatre on Center St.

That would be the Ashland Schine’s Theatre Organization, a non-profit that is working with Simonson Construction to renovate the theater and re-open it near the end of the year.

The theatre organization has raised around $4.5 million in grants and donations for restoration work, a process that started in 2015 when the organization first bought the theatre, according to its website.

Work on the exterior of the theatre was completed in December 2020, and work since then has focused on its interior.

Originally the plan was to have the theatre open this summer, but the opening had to be pushed back due to construction delays and material shortages. 

In particular, the theatre has struggled to find projectors, said Ashland Mayor Matt Miller, who sits on the board of the theatre organization.

“Those are held up or have been held up, so we’re hoping those get there soon,” he said.

Work on the interior reached a milestone this week when board members met with Simonson to discuss finishing the theatre, items like carpets, wall coverings, curtains, and light fixtures were part of the conversation, Miller said.

Up until this point, interior work has focused on basic infrastructure for the theatre like HVAC systems, wiring, and framing. Now that the infrastructure is mostly complete, construction should move “very quickly,” Miller said.

The board also recently selected a new executive director for the theatre. The announcement was made locally on Wednesday. The individual hired is Chris Skinner, a former theatre executive director from Newark.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris as our Executive Director,“ Ashland Schine’s Theatre Board President Scott Donley said in the press release.

“He brings with him the hands-on experience, enthusiasm, and energy that will be required to successfully open and manage the Theatre. This job requires a unique skill set and we were lucky to find them in Chris.”

When completed, Schine’s Theatre will have three movie theaters complete with vintage 1942 visuals echoing the theatre’s original design. Visitors can see art films, independent films, children’s movies, concerts, student films, and more.