[Hidden-tech] a plan to save Pleasant Street Theater

[Jon Reed]

Hey folks...

I have been a member of the Hidden Tech board 
since 2002, and have seen this list grow to more than 1,500 people.

Now, I'd like to see if the power of this list 
can have a major impact on the local community.

As many of you know, Northampton's Pleasant 
Street Theater is scheduled to close at the end 
of December. For some reason, this feels 
especially tragic given the other arts and movies 
venues that have closed in Northampton in the past couple of years.

Like a lot of folks, I was feeling pretty 
fatalistic about seeing any change in the fate of 
Pleasant Street Theater. But a very enterprising 
group of folks has come up with what seems to be 
a very viable plan - having the Amherst Cinema 
folks run the Pleasant Street Theater also. They 
need to raise $100,000 in short order to make 
this happen. The good news is that the outpouring 
of support has been excellent, and $45,000 has 
been raised already! So, we're almost halfway to the goal.

I will paste in the details below for anyone who 
wants to donate. But more important than even a 
donation is to see if the viral power of this 
email list will allow us to reach donors out 
across the country. For example, as a Hampshire 
alumn, I am trying to connect to some alumns in 
the film industry. The mission to support 
independent theaters is obviously one that goes 
well beyond a stake in the quality of life in 
Northampton. I don't have many film industry 
contacts, so I'm hoping those on this list that 
do, and there are a number of you that work in 
film, can forward this email along.

It's rare that we can see a triumph over these 
kinds of trends, such as the vanishing 
independent theater. It would be a sweet 
experience, especially during this holiday 
season, to make this happen. Thanks in advance 
for any help you are willing to provide.

Happy Holidays to all.

Jon Reed
Hidden Tech Board Member


-------Original Message-------
From: Silas Kopf
Date: 12/18/07 07:30:36
Subject: FW: Pleasant st.

Friends,

We have been astounded by the response we've had to our earlier email
about the Pleasant Street Theater. In less than a week, we have
received pledges ranging from $10 to $10,000 totaling over $45,000.
Responses have come from as far away as Maine, London, Puerto Rico,
and California (we even had an e-mail from Tasmania). The theater
clearly occupies a special place in the minds of many people.
We have asked the Amherst Cinema to undertake operation of the
theater and they are willing – provided the financial support is
there. With their tax-exempt status already in place, they will be
able to step in and run the movie house almost seamlessly. Our two
screens will increase their influence with distributors and their
operating expertise will help provide a secure future for the theater
in our community.

Amherst Cinema wants to be able to provide the same experience as
patrons have in Amherst. To accomplish this would mean new seats,
online ticketing, and other amenities, while preserving the character
of the original theater. They have assured us that Pleasant Street
would be treated as an equal partner, and they would need people from
our side of the river on the organization's board of directors. Much
to our surprise, this alliance would require a commitment now of only
$100,000 from Northampton supporters, to secure a lease and reopen
the theater. The amount needed to reopen our beloved landmark is a
fraction of the cost of building and equipping another theater!
We need the remaining $55,000 as soon as possible. We ask that those
of you who have already pledged to send your check, made out to
Amherst Cinema Arts Center, Inc. with a note in the memo
line "Pleasant Street Reopening." All contributions are tax
deductible and will be held in reserve until there are enough funds
raised for the reopening to go forward. If, for any reason Amherst
Cinema does not reopen the theater, your money will be returned.
Those who are interested but have not yet pledged should do the same,
but also send an email to 
<mailto:silas%40silaskopf.com>silas at silaskopf.com noting the amount so we
can keep a tally. The address is: Amherst Cinema Arts Center, 28
Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002.

We are almost half way to the goal and we hope you will forward this
letter and reach out to your friends who might be sympathetic to this
effort.

Many thanks for your support.

Bruce and Rita Bleiman Silas and Linda Kopf

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