Upgrades help Fallon Theatres’ quality

After several months of operating with two new digital projectors, Fallon Theatres continues to make strides in improving its building.

After securing a $58,184 grant this summer through a Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program, the funding covered the cost of a second digital projector and its accessories, delivery charges, labor costs to install, and training for the operation of the projector.

Dr. Stuart Richardson, who owns the theater, said the grant was for the Fallon Community Theatre Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and owners of the projector who are currently leasing it to Richardson. Terri Schultz, a member of Fallon Community Theatre, Inc., applied for the grant.

Richardson said the grant now gives the theater two digital projectors.

“The patrons are very pleased with the quality, and if you look and see how many 35mm films are available, you will see zero,” Richardson said.

If Fallon Theatres would not have received funding for at least one digital projector, he said the building would have been closed.

Schultz also said the community theater group is applying for a $300,00 grant — with the city as a potential sponsor — to purchase Fallon Theatres from the current owner.

Fallon Theatres has undergone major renovation this year, and Richardson added upgrades to restore the cinema’s interior to its former glory with modern amenities.

Richardson said volunteers continue to work on the building to make it more comfortable and modern for movie fans.

In an earlier interview, Richardson said the theater covered the majority of seats with denim jeans and replaced the seat padding thanks to the volunteer group, Fallon Community Theatre, Inc. The floor and seats have been thoroughly scrubbed as well.