Small-Town Theatre & CommUNITY

The classic movie theatre experience is timeless.

The big red curtains, freshly popped popcorn, and buzzing film reel have captured people’s attention for nearly 100 years.

“Going to the movies” is a time-honored and classic American experience. Strangers, sitting in a dark room, sharing the experience of the characters on screen.

The Vassar Theatre has been providing those experiences for more than 80 years. In the theatre’s rich history, ownership has shifted several times, but the small theatre has always been home to many fond memories for its customers and community since its opening on Christmas Day 1937.

The owners of the theatre fell on hard times after downtown Vassar flooded in 1986. Serious water damage was sustained after the natural disaster and the theatre had to close.

In 1995 Tim O’Brien purchased the theatre and started a 10 year renovation project to restore the theatre to its former glory.

In 2005 the Vassar Theatre re-opens its doors to the community and presents its first film in over 20 years. “Walk the Line”, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, sells out all three nights and launched a new beginning for the theatre.

Following the passing of Tim O’Brien, Andreas and Susan Fuchs purchase the theatre and resume operations. As the current owners, of the theatre, they have been working hard to continue to upkeep their upstanding reputation.

While the theatre has been around for more than 80 years, the interior remains in pristine near-original condition. The previous owners have maintained the classic art deco design while also incorporating the newest film technology. Including a state of the arch sound system and a new digital projector.

Part of the reason the Vassar Theatre has been able to be such a longstanding business in a small town like Vassar is the terrific relationship they have developed between the theatre and the community.

The current owners of the Vassar Theatre, Andreas and Susan Fuchs, are newer Vassar residents but remain committed to bettering the community of Vassar and the surrounding area.

Since purchasing the theatre, the owners have held a variety of fundraisers for non-profit businesses and charities. They seek to present community-focused opportunities in conjunction with films and storylines. These films speak to the cause and/or help to promote the work of the supported groups.

This incorporates financial contributions, collecting much-needed supplies and sharing their missions, calling attention to the organizations. That partnership usually incorporates free on-screen messages.

Some of the beneficiaries include Vassar Military Veterans Support Group, Christmas for Kids, Woman’s Life Blessing Bags, Food Pantry, 4-H Education, and Foster Care. This support typically comes from creating prize packages for a donation-based raffle or matching funds on donations.

The Fuchs are particularly proud of the eight Pet Supply Drives and adoption outreach events they have put on with Tuscola County Animal Control & Adoptable Pets, Leggo’s Animal Haven, Project Underdog, and Pet Angel Rescue.

Alongside raising funds for outside groups, the Vassar Theatre also donates ‘Movie Night Out’ ticket-and-popcorn vouchers to area schools, churches, and other community groups across the Thumb for their fundraising events.

Working with other businesses and their #downtownvassar neighbors is another part of community involvement. The goal is to promote cooperation and joint support between the businesses in Vassar and the community.

For films based on books, the theatre offers prizes for libraries to giveaway and extends discounts on popcorn and pop to library cardholders.

COVID 19

This year has been difficult for everyone, especially those who are in the film industry. Theatres in Michigan closed facilities along with many other businesses, following Governor Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order on March 23rd.

During the shutdown, the Vassar Theatre staff offered take-out services for their popcorn and on weekends sold fresh popcorn at the farmer’s market. Despite not being able to maintain normal business practices. They continued to stay open in support of their community.

Theatres were opened again briefly starting October 9th. The owners entered an agreement with hundreds of other theatres in the country to adhere strictly to the CDC guidelines for resuming business. This included not directly handling money without gloves, ensuring seating remained six feet apart, and wiping down and sanitizing between every customer visit.

With the announcement of a second lockdown going to effect November 18th, Vassar Theatre prepares again to close its doors again. Many small businesses in the state have been frustrated with this development and protested the actions of Governor Whitmer. When speaking to Andreas following the announcement, he had a different view to share.

The Vassar Theatre owner cites that while these are hard times, he does not blame the government. Andreas goes on to say that he feels responsible for making sure his customers stay happy and healthy when they come to his business.

It is the hope of the staff at the Vassar Theatre they that will be able to resume operations at the end of the lockdown on December 9th. In an interview with ABC’s Channel 12, he said that he sees his business as an oasis from everyday life. His customers come into the theatre when they need a break from their daily struggles. He says that people especially need that escape this year.

In the meantime, the Vassar Theatre will continue to sell popcorn on the weekends and help out those in the community.

The Vassar Theatre offers a variety of compelling stories and thrilling tales to its customers and valuable support to its community.