News
The World Theatre Aims to Reach New Heights With Balcony Renovation
The World Theatre has launched a fundraising campaign for an upcoming balcony renovation project along with other exciting behind-the-scenes upgrades. After re-opening in 2012, The World quickly became Central Nebraska’s favorite art-house movie theatre, curating independent, classic, and family feature films. The World also hosts live musical performances, stand-up comedy, and an eclectic array of visiting actors and filmmakers.
“When we first launched, our idea was to simply dust the place off, vacuum the seats, and show some unique films,” said Jon Bokenkamp, founder/creative director at The World and creator of the NBC series The Blacklist. “But once we saw the scope of the community support, we realized we had an opportunity to do something really special.” The result was a million-dollar renovation, and a new, thriving, volunteer-run business in the heart of downtown Kearney. “After six years of exceptional attendance and support, it’s time to take The World to the next level,” Bokenkamp said.
In addition to the luxury balcony seating and VIP booths, The World plans to update its heating and cooling system, refinish the stage, upgrade its dressing rooms, install new and improved theatrical lighting, and add a world-class preparation kitchen to support weddings and events. “During our first renovation, we spent money on high-quality finishes and equipment, doing things the right way,” said President Mark Orr. “That meant leaving a few areas, like the balcony and dressing rooms, to be refurbished later. We’re excited to now embrace this second phase.”
The campaign, which aims to raise approximately $500,000, already has support from the Peter Kiewit Foundation, the Ron and Carol Cope Foundation, the Theodore G. Baldwin Foundation, the Kearney Area Visitors Bureau, the Union Pacific Foundation, Ace Irrigation and Mfg. Co, as well as the City of Kearney through a Kearney Community Redevelopment Authority grant. Additionally, select private lead grants have been secured. “We’ve had tremendous support in the planning phase of this project, but we still have a long way to go,” stated Orr. Every dollar raised that exceeds the theatre’s construction costs will go toward establishing The World Theatre Endowment. “We plan to be around for a long time,” said Bokenkamp. “We’re building for the future. It’s about darn time we finish what we started!”
To learn more or to donate to The World Theatre Foundation’s renovation projects, text WORLD to 44321 or visit TheWorldTheatre.org.
About the World Theatre
The World Theatre is a nonprofit, volunteer-run theatre. Our goal is to bring to central Nebraska a better alternative to commercial Hollywood fare by celebrating the motion picture as art. The World Theatre marks a revival in the lost art of showmanship, delivering all the modern bells and whistles of a state-of-the-art theatre along with the style of a legendary movie palace. Experience The World in Kearney on The Bricks and check us out at www.theworldtheatre.org.