New Ritz Theatre upgrades, goals

In 22 and one half years of residing in Adams County, this is my first letter to the Editor. There seems to be some confusion surrounding the New Ritz Theatre project that the Ritzville Downtown Development Association has undertaken. Hollywood movie studios are discontinuing the distribution of first run films in the 35mm format and going to the all-digital system. The cost for digital conversion is anywhere from $80,000 to $125,000 depending on what you purchase.

Herb and Shannon Benzel rescued the building in 1983 and reopened it in 1988, and either Dan Geschke or the Kramer family who leased the building has operated it. The Benzels did not wish to incur the expense and the Kramers (who do not own the real estate) could not secure the funding to accomplish this. The Benzels generously agreed to donate the building and its contents to the RDDA to gain the tax write off.

The RDDA is a 501-C3 nonprofit charitable organization recognized by the state and the IRS. Our ownership of the building allows locals to donate to us so that we can rejuvenate and restore the theatre as well as go after nonprofit grant money. Our long-term goal is to restore the building (paint, fixtures, curtain, neon signage, seats) and rejuvenate the theatre. This part will include the digital video and audio systems preceded by an upgrade of the electrical system (it still has screw in fuses and cannot be insured beyond liability). No new electrical means no digital upgrades.

There are several maintenance issues (it is 76 years old) we have been dealing with this spring before we start on some of the restoration. There are many ways to get involved besides directly donating money. Several work parties are planned this summer for cleaning and painting. The theatre will probably be closed during part of September so that we can upgrade the electrical system. There is a tax rebate system to get a break on your B&O taxes by donating to the RDDA (sorry, it does not apply to farmers). Bruce Benzel knows the most about this and can be contacted. The Kramers lease the building on a yearly basis to operate the theatre and will continue as they have for the past 20 years.

Our goal is to have a multi-use theatre that shows movies, programs, concerts and more downloaded by satellite for the public, the school and private groups. We are also planning to build a stage in front of the movie screen stage for theatre productions, school band concerts, live music, speakers and etcetera. We also would like to have a Blu-ray projector system for showing old/other films that area no longer in circulation.

This is the path we have chosen because similar single screen movie theatres are either converted, closed, repurposed or torn down. We do not want to see the movie theatre closed again because this time it might be for good.

Donations can be made to RDDA Theatre, PO Box 432, Ritzville WA 99169.

John Rankin, RDDA President