Egyptian Theatre over halfway to donation goal
The Egyptian Theater, 135 N. Second St., is holding a fundraiser to replace the current seats at the theater, which are over 80 years old. The current seats have old and malfunctioning mechanics to go along with a less than ideal comfort level for patrons.
March 1, 2011
DeKALB | The Egyptian Theatre is more than halfway to its $400,000 goal to install larger, more comfortable seating.
The theatre, located at 135 N. Second St., is currently having a fundraiser to help replace all of the original seating in the theatre.
The Egyptian Theatre has been an attraction for DeKalb since 1929 and remains a major player in the downtown scene.
“Last week there was a show and all of the restaurants were full,” said Mayor Kris Povlsen. “There were a lot of people downtown.”
Alex Nerad, Operations Director at the Egyptian Theatre, said the seating layout will be nearly identical.
“We will lose some seating capacity as some of the new seats will be wider than the ones we currently have,” Nerad said. “Overall the seats will look nearly identical to the existing seats, which are the original seats from when the theatre opened in 1929.”
Nerad said those who donate $500 will have their name engraved onto a plaque which will be on the seat and those who donate $1000 will have their plaques in the front of the theatre or in the balcony seating.
The Theatre Restoration Committee has been targeting some of DeKalb High School’s alumni for the donations.
“Nearly everyone in the DeKalb area has a connection to the Egyptian Theatre whether it is a memory of performing on stage or attending a movie here as a kid,” Nerad said. “The high school alumni classes are a great way for people to get involved with this fund raising campaign on a personal level.”
Dave Watson, a former resident of Rochelle, said he used to come to DeKalb just to visit the theatre.
“I remember going to the theatre when I was a kid to see movies,” Watson said. “It was a long time ago, but I always really enjoyed it.”
Polvsen also fondly remembers the theatre.
“Having grown up here in the ’50s, I can remember the Egyptian Theatre as a kid, watching movies and I was always impressed with the elegance the theatre brought to Dekalb,” Povlsen said.
Those who wish to donate to the renovations can do so in person at the theatre or online at www.egyptiantheatre.org.
