FRIENDS OF THE MIDWEST THEATER

Our performing arts season has become very popular – a survey showed that our members trust the quality of our programming. Each performing arts season features a mix of popular and classical music, dance and theatrical performances that cater to both younger and older audience members.

Because we have both digital and 35mm projection capabilities, we can show a wide range of current and classic films. Our regular mix of films screened includes Independent/Arthouse, documentaries, children’s films, and mainstream films. Our mainstream films provide earned income that enables us to program documentary and art house films, and also meets several needs in our community. Our movie tickets are priced lower than the local commercial theater, and our low-cost summer children’s movie series and free family holiday movie series provide affordable opportunities for families. Our specialty films introduce our audiences to in-theater film experiences and art and ideas they might not otherwise encounter. During Oscar season we endeavor to show as many nominated films as we can. We screen documentary films through film festivals.

This program encompasses physical and operational preservation (revenue, community support). The National-Register-listed 1946 modernist-style Midwest Theater, and all the fond memories it holds, is important to our community identity and the economy of downtown Scottsbluff. In 1998, supporters resurrected the then-closed theater and raised funding from individuals, businesses and foundations to preserve and enhance the theater’s structure and operations. Volunteers remain a key support for this community-owned-and-operated, mission-programmed theater, with teams of volunteers providing guest services during movies and performing arts events and helping with building maintenance and administrative tasks.