Former theater to reopen, local nonprofit group says

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By Margo Rutledge Kissell, Staff Writer Updated 10:45 PM Tuesday, January 12, 2010

RIVERSIDE — A new Dayton nonprofit formed to rescue abandoned movie theaters plans to breathe new life into the former Page Manor Twin Cinemas near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Rick Martin, executive director of Nouveau Cinema Group, Inc., said Tuesday, Jan. 12, it has entered into a long-term lease with Schottenstein Properties of Columbus for the theater at 5584 Airway Road.

The renamed Page Cinema Arts Theatre would feature classic films, matinees for children, midnight movies and live entertainment possibly including local bands, plays, comedy and poetry readings.

The group hopes to re-open the theater in April, said Martin, who taught film classes at Sinclair Community College for eight years before he was laid off in 2008.

Nouveau will hold its first fundraiser on Jan. 21 at Cafe Monet in the Dayton Art Institute.

“We have a serious need to raise some funds,” Martin said, noting the nonprofit’s board hopes to raise $60,000 to $100,000 to renovate the facility and install new equipment.

Lynn Domescik, membership director and event planner for the Riverside Chamber of Commerce, is excited about the group’s plans for the theater, which closed in 2006. But she believes it will be difficult raising funds in this shaky economy.

“It’s going to be a big challenge,” she said.

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