Newtown Theatre Undergoing $1.1M Summer Renovation Project

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — The aroma of buttered popcorn and the flicker of the movie screen have been replaced this summer by the sound of construction inside the Newtown Theatre.

The latest round of renovations are moving forward at the historic movie house on North State Street where work is progressing on a $1.1 million project to enhance the community jewel.

The latest round of renovations will see enhancements to the balcony, expansion of the basement bathrooms, the purchase of a new video projector, and the addition of video and concert lighting systems.

A $600,000 project will add brand new seating, new hardwood flooring, and enhanced aisle lighting to the balcony, according to the theatre’s executive director Andy Smith.

When it’s done, the balcony will mirror the main floor of the theatre with comfortable seating and plenty of legroom.

As part of the project, the projection booth is being removed and replaced by an open area for a soundboard. And a new $50,000 digital projector will be embedded into the balcony, said Smith.

“The projection booth took up a ton of room up there so we will actually be able to add more seating,” said Smith, bringing the theatre’s capacity up to 250 seats.

Renovations underway in the theatre's balcony area. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

“This wasn’t so much about adding new seats, but making it more comfortable,” said Smith. “The old seats were uncomfortable. There was no lighting. You will now get the same experience up here then you get down there.”

At the basement level, new unisex toilet rooms are being added. The space has also been enlarged, said Smith.

A major addition to the theatre will be a half-million dollar concert lighting system and video wall that will be added to the front of the auditorium along with new curtains and a new movie screen. The new lighting and video wall are being donated by one donor.

The latest in lighting and video technology is designed to enhance the concert experience at the theatre, which has been become a popular place to see smaller tribute bands.

“This is going to allow us to project some really amazing videos on the back wall of the stage while bands are playing,” says Andy Smith, the theatre’s executive director. “It’s going to add a whole new dimension to the experience.”

Fundraising continues for the renovation work, including the dedication of the new balcony seating. For a donation, patrons can dedicate a seat in tribute or in memory of someone. There are 107 seats in the balcony area. The renovation work is expected to be completed by the first week
in September. To follow the renovation process, follow the Newtown Theatre on Facebook.

The nonprofit theatre is managed and overseen by the Community Welfare Council, which also oversees Pickering Manor and Lighthouse Hill Cemetery.