The Byrd Theatre Foundation

Programs: Restoration and improvements to the theatre:listed on the state and national registers of historic landmarks, the byrd theatre opened ninety years ago on december 24, 1928. It has remained operational and nearly unchanged since the day construction was completed. In 2011, the byrd theatre foundation launched a bold initiative to raise the first $1,800,000 for phase one restoration projects, mortgage reduction and capacity building. Significant achievements included replacement of the roof, replacement of the theater's heating and cooling systems, installation of a digital server, installation of a new state-of-the-art, 4k projector, ongoing maintenance and repairs on the mighty wurlitzer organ. More recent work has included repair and restoration of the theatre's historic plasterwork, installation of a point-of-sale-system at the theater, replacement of the theatre's center section of seats in the main auditorium, creation of a wheelchair accessible seating area and construction of and ada family restroom on the first floor of the theater.

evolving the byrd as a center for film, film literacy and program expansion:the plan calls for capitalizing more on the byrd as an experience, as an historic and cultural resource and as a museum of cinema, based on its unique collection of historic film equipment, projectors and wurlitzer organ. In addition, the foundation has been expanding partnerships with universities and other organizations on film offerings, testing various film series, and introducing more public education and scholarship into our offerings. Steadily, the byrd is evolving as the region's public center for film and film literacy.

capacity building for growth:the foundation is engaged in reducing and refinancing the mortgage held by the previous owner. A former donor in phase one of restoration has now committed an additional $500,000 -- $250,000 of which is to reduce the mortgage to $750,000 for refinancing purposes. An immediate impact includes monthly cash flow relief and about $25,000 in annual revenues. The remainder of the $500,000 gift will be used for capacity building and growth. A dedicated and diversely skilled volunteer board of directors leads the foundation. While there is not yet staff directly employed, the foundation has engaged a contract who manages development and provides foundation support. Additionally, the foundation is developing a contractor position to manage marketing.