A Vision and a Plan for the FutureIn 2007, The Russell Theatre Corporation developed a business plan that outlines the best uses for the Theatre and formulates a plan for maintaining its value for future generations. The Business Plan was developed through careful market and financial analysis and information gathered through meetings with managers operating similar theatres in both Kentucky and surrounding states. The League of Historic American Theatres was also a valuable source of advice and information.
The Plan includes start-up costs, identifies programs and services to be offered and projects income and revenue during the first three years of operation. The primary sales and marketing strategy will be to revive The Russell as a movie and film venue, with emphasis on themed movie marathons, classics, documentaries, art films and other movies not available at mainstream cinemas.
Additional plans for the Theatre include presenting live sports events via satellite, hosting motivational speakers, special exhibits, live-feed musical concerts, educational tours, business conferences, workshops, and other activities that support local and regional tourism. The Russell Theatre Corporation is committed to cultivating partnerships with tourism and entertainment organizations in its market area. The focus will be on developing programming that complements rather than competes with these entities. The Theatre’s operating budget will be supported by a combination of earned income (ticket sales, facility rentals, program fees, concessions and merchandise sales) and funding from private and public sources. The Russell has already secured its place in the philanthropic community and will continue to build on that momentum by seeking funding sources to maintain and operate the Theatre. The Russell Theatre Corporation Efforts to save The Russell Theatre and restore it to its former brilliance began more than 10 years ago when a group of Maysville residents decided they were no longer willing to watch the continued demise of one of the city’s most distinct architectural gems. The group formed Russell Theatre Corporation and quickly raised money to purchase the building for $41,000. Over the years, with the help of community donations, fundraisers and public funding, the group has slowly worked toward its goal of restoring The Russell to its rightful place as a prominent and fully functional entertainment venue in downtown Maysville. The stated mission of the Corporation is to “restore the rare, historic Russell Theatre - one of the few remaining atmospheric theatres in the United States - to its original splendor serving as a screen arts, performing and educational center for Maysville, Kentucky and the surrounding region.” Since first embarking on its mission in 1995, the group has successfully:
| ||
 |
The original movie projection equipment is still intact at The Russell Theatre and will be used as an educational resource.
During the Theatre’s early years, box seating was available for “privileged patrons.”
|
|
|
