While several flock to the Selinsgrove Digiplex Theater to catch the latest blockbuster hit, what many Bucknell students do not know is that a historic and impressive cinema landmark is just a quick walk away from campus. The Campus Theatre, located in the middle of downtown Lewisburg on Market Street, is a rare, art deco movie theater, which is one of the few remaining in the entire country! This movie house contains a remarkable amount of history and is truly dedicated to genuine cinema and the appreciation of film and media studies. If you’re a film student, you are probably extremely familiar with the theater as you are going to screenings several times a week, but if you’re not, keep reading to hear about the historical gem of Lewisburg that you are missing out on!
This single screen art deco theater was opened in 1941, and the majority of the theater’s original architecture, murals, and décor are still existent today. The original opening of the theatre included a variety of upcoming amenities for 1941, which included a completely fireproof structure, advanced air conditioning and heating systems, a chrome turnstile for easier access without tickets, and seats containing springs, so that they could rise when no one was sitting in them. The building’s interior integrated opulent materials like bronze leafing and novel decorative designs. With just a few changes being made over the years, Lewisburg is dedicated to preserving this theater and keeping its uniqueness and history alive.
When you walk into the theater, it is not your standard mundane area with simple rows of seats and a screen in front of you. Rather, you are gifted with a unique experience. The two levels reflect two different styles of seating. If you are in the mood to sit in rows of typical movie theater seats, you have the option to sit on the lower level. But, if you are in the mood to sit on couches, large sofa chairs, or at a table, you have the option to sit on the higher level. The different seating in the theater creates an atmosphere of relaxation so you can sit in comfort as you watch the film. Also, the two person bench style seats on the lower level of the theatre, known as the “date seats” are the perfect alternatives for those who are wanting to get extra comfortable, but weren’t lucky enough to snag one of the coveted couches.
The Campus Theatre focuses on the art of both contemporary and classic film and cinema, from new releases to classic, rarely seen gems that make an impact on society and leave you thinking as you leave the theater. You will find a vast array of films, from popular Oscar winners, to low budget Indies, to documentaries that are culturally significant to current issues that are going on in the world today. More recently, a big hit with Bucknell students at the Campus Theatre has been the showing of Blackfish, the controversial and critically acclaimed documentary film that focuses on the devastating consequences of keeping wild animals in captivity. While the Campus Theatre is a source of entertainment for students, it can also be an outlet for students to reflect and think about current events and issues through film.
Next time you have some free time and are in the mood to kick back and watch a movie, head to the Campus Theatre where you can have a one of a kind experience that you will find at only a few other theaters in the country. If you are going to watch an interesting film, why not watch it in an authentic theater that is rich in history and right in downtown Lewisburg? Take advantage of all that the Campus Theatre has to offer for Bucknell students! For more information on special events, screenings, and other information, visit the Campus Theatre website at www.campustheatre.org.