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Priest Theatre Now Has New Digital Projector

The Priest Theatre will undergo renovations that include included adding stability underneath the floors, repairing the infrastructure, fixing some loose bricks and getting new lights.
The Priest Theatre will undergo renovations that include included adding stability underneath the floors, repairing the infrastructure, fixing some loose bricks and getting new lights.

After setting up a Kickstarter Program and receiving more than $87,000 from across the nation, Priest Theatre in High Springs prepared for the renovations ahead.

“Our community expressed concern for our theatre. They made petitions and really rallied behind us. I thought to myself we at least have to give it a chance because the least we can do is fail,” said Janet Alligood, Priest Theatre owner.

The biggest renovations included adding stability underneath the floors, repairing the roof, getting new lights, and fixing some loose bricks. But the most costly renovation was switching out the movie projector from 1944, to a digital server and computer-based projector.

“We spent over 80 hours that week switching everything out because it wasn’t simply the projector," Alligood said. "In order to have the best quality, we had to switch the screen, speakers, lights and projector all simultaneously.”

Alligood family has future plans for Priest Theatre.

After a few smaller renovations like carpeting and curtains, the Alligood family is hoping to add balcony seats and using a former Vaudeville stage for community shows and concerts.

Kathryn is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.