1 of Saskatchewan's oldest cinemas is facing hard times

One of Saskatchewan's longest-running independently owned cinemas is facing some difficulties remaining open.

The Orpheum Theatre in Estevan is having trouble filling seats. Estevan is about 200 kilometres southeast of Regina.

The 110-year-old building it isn't just a cinema — it also hosts live performances from groups like April Wine.

Jocelyn Dougherty, co-owner and operator of the Orpheum, said the theatre is important for the community.

"We create jobs, especially for teenagers. It's usually their first job. And we do attract visitors from neighbouring areas who come into the community and spend money at local businesses," Dougherty said.

Dougherty has owned the Orpheum with her husband Alan since 1998. They bought it from friends they had previously helped out at the small cinema.

She said revenue is down 60 per cent compared to 2019. She said some of the factors include the pandemic and the Hollywood writers' strike, which led to a period of fewer big movies being released.

LISTEN | Dougherty spoke with host Stefani Langenegger on The Morning Edition: 

The Morning Edition - Sask4:22One of Sask.'s longest running movie theatres working to get people back in seats post-pandemic

One of Saskatchewan's longest-running theatres is the Orpheum Theatre in Estevan, Sask. The 110-year-old theatre is facing challenges with getting people back into seats but it hopes for better days to come. We hear from one of the owners.

She said more big movies are now being released, and they are hoping things will pick up in the fall and winter.

The building also needs roof repairs and new seats the original auditorium.

"We're still taking it day by day and hoping more people come back to the movies," Dougherty said.

Wilma Mantei, president of the Estevan Arts Council, which hosts events at the Orpheum, said it has been hard getting people to concerts and other shows.

"We don't get great attendance either, but we still are doing OK," she said.

Mantei said that if the theatre closed, it would leave a hole in the community.

"They're trying really hard. The community is there, but the economy is not the greatest," she said.

Mantei said these kinds of amenities are needed in small communities looking to draw people to come live there.

"I would feel very sad [if it closed]. It would make it difficult in our community. I don't know if anybody would take over," she said.