Hello Members of the Morris Theatre Cooperative and Movie Lovers,
If you’re receiving this email, it’s because you’re either already a coop member or have an interest in the movies. Your contributions and patronage are keeping a special community asset going. If you’ve been to the theatre recently, you may have noticed many changes, nearly all of it done by volunteers.
Since we moved to an all-volunteer model, we’ve had a terrific response from people who wanted to help. Now we are hoping to interest at least some of you in staffing concessions and running the projector. Right now, we are making do with a handful of regular projectionists with a few in training, but a few more would be very helpful. Even if you aren’t in a position to volunteer often, that’s ok. A shift every two weeks or once a month would be a big help.
Here are some important details:
1. If you agree to give projecting a try, you will be paired with an experienced projectionist until you are completely sure you are ready. You won’t be on your own until you say it’s time.
2. You’ll always have a designated person to contact if you need help. That person will be on call for you by text or phone and will come in if needed.
3. You won’t be pressured to volunteer more than you wish to. You won’t receive last minute texts or phone calls (unless you agree to be one of our emergency volunteers).
4. You’ll be able to sign up for the shifts you choose as far in advance as you like. We normally have a four-week running schedule, but if you have a date in mind that’s farther out than that, we’ll make it work.
5. There are rewards! Projectionists get movie passes and free soda and popcorn when working. We are also getting Morris Theatre Merch so you can let the world know you’re helping to keep the theatre operating.
6. You’ll be involved with great people. It’s fun!
7. Full disclosure: projectionists arrive at the theatre an hour before the show and can leave as soon as the last patrons leave the building, the equipment is shut down, and a bit of office work is done. For an average-length movie, the total commitment about three hours. You’ll be free to relax for much of that time. We have wifi.
If you can’t or aren’t ready to volunteer as a projectionist, we can use lots of other kinds of help: concessions, cleaning, office work, fund-raising, all kinds of projects. All contributions are welcome, large and small. Right now, though, what we need most is projectionists. If you can run your TV at home, you can run the projector.
If you are interested, send a message to manager@morristheatre.net. We hope to see you at the movies!
Your Morris Theatre Board