The Isis Theatre was first opened in Crete in the 1920s, during the early history of movies themselves. The theater wasn’t updated or refurbished until the last couple of years.
Today, the Isis Theatre, at 139 W. 13th St., is updated with the newest technology in the audio/visual world and still retains a lot of the old charm of the Isis Theatre. The theater now boasts Dolby Atmos 7.1 Surround Sound, which is a system that uses eight speakers to create a three-dimensional sound stage for the viewer.
“This theater has been under construction for about the last six years. It’s all been community-based, community-led by volunteers. We all have day jobs, so during the weekends, or weeknights, for the last six years we’ve been working on the renovation, construction,” Vice President of the Blue River Arts Council Kristi Chapek said.
The theater does not have employees but rather volunteers. The volunteers can use this experience to help them with volunteer requirements for organizations at Doane.
“The screen in our theater is now retractable. Meaning that we can roll that screen up and use the full stage, for full-stage events, like bands, theater, or any other performer that we can get in here,” Chapek said.
The theater is now hearing disability accessible via a hearing loop which transmits sounds to the t-coil in hearing aids. Restrooms are now also handicap accessible. They also added a platform for handicapped individuals.
A lot of the original structure of the old Isis Theatre, such as the brick walls and the beams, have been preserved. They have also added new lights and new additions to the walls while keeping those classic movie-theater style seats.
They are looking to add more programs to the theater in the near future.
