Theatre N will reopen this fall under new management this fall, with first-run independent films every weekend and classic cinema events throughout the year.
In early 2016, Robert Herrera, founder of The Mill, the community-driven workspace and the theatre’s upstairs neighbor in the Nemours Building, approached Zach Phillips, filmmaker and founder of the Kitchen, about possibilities for the theater at the Nemours Building in downtown Wilmington.
“The first thing I said is we need to call Bev Zimmermann and Bob Weir,” said Phillips. Zimmermann, an original founder, ran Theatre N during its most successful years, when showtimes would regularly sell out. Weir, a projectionist and technical director at The Playhouse on Rodney Square, became friends with Phillips through their shared interest in 35mm film collecting and projection.
The partnership would later gain the support of The Grand Opera House. “The Grand sees Theatre N as a wonderful asset to the downtown entertainment scene, and we’re happy to partner with The Mill and the Kitchen to maximize its impact,” said Mark Fields, executive director of The Grand and The Playhouse.
“Neighborhood movie theatres are an important feature of any modern city, and as the film industry rapidly changes, we think independent cinema will have a growing role,” said Phillips. “Our plan for Theatre N isn’t just to be Wilmington’s indy theater. We want to be a leader in the reimagination of what an independent theater be, and make Theatre N a cinema destination in the region.”
The theatre is currently undergoing renovations. “Theatre N is being equipped with a brand new state-of-the-art digital projection and sound system,” said Weir, who will serve as technical director. “One of the features of this new system is that we will now have access to films from every independent studio, not just a limited subset.“
“As an indie film enthusiast, I am looking forward to having the opportunity to once again program Theatre N’s film schedule,” said Zimmermann.
“Since opening The Mill six months ago, I have met and worked with dozens of organizations. This is the most exciting collaboration I have taken part in. I can not help but feel like there is momentum building in and around downtown Wilmington,” Herrara said.
The theater had been under the management of the City of Wilmington and there had been scattered complaints about the inability of the city to return phone calls regarding the use of the theater for corporate and other events.
The Mill, meanwhile, has thrived as the co-working/accelerator site expands its footprint in the building.
Those who wish to sign up for email updates about showtimes and launch news can visit http://theatren.com.
