Changes happening at Dragonfly Theatre

Patrons of the Dragonfly Theatre may notice some changes now and in the future.

Patrons of the Dragonfly Theatre may notice some changes now and in the future.

“We’re going to show all classic movies during October,” said Allison Stuart, theatre manager.

Stuart said next month the Dragonfly will show classic movies from the 1930s, along with some children-friendly movies for the Halloween season, such as “Goonies” or “Ghostbusters.”

“This is the 30th anniversary of Ghostbusters,” Stuart said. “We’re hoping we can get it.”

Stuart said she is hoping to show “The Shining” during the weekend of Halloween.

During October, Stuart said plans for her employees to be dressed in costumes — mostly for the Halloween season.

She said normally the theatre shows main-line movies and independent films, along with a classic once a month.

Stuart, a 2000 graduate of Bothell High School, has been the theatre manager since December 2013 after six years working with Coffee Oasis. She managed all of the non-profit’s express locations in Kitsap County.

“I felt like it was time to go,” she said. “I loved working for Coffee Oasis, but it can be stressful working for a non-profit.”

Stuart, who has lived in Kitsap County since 2002, said she received a call from longtime friends Gryphon and Sharalyn Shafer, who own the Dragonfly. Stuart’s father was raised in the Bremerton area.

“I’ve known them since I was in junior high school in Seattle,” she said. ‘They migrated here and I migrated about five years later.”

Stuart said the job is perfect for her — because she is a self-proclaimed “movie geek.”

“I love all things related to movies,” she said. “I’m passionate about movies and coffee.”

During the week, Stuart said she works Monday through Friday at the theatre doing things “behind the scenes.”

“I have four employees who work the weekends,” she said.

The theatre still uses a 35-millimeter projector to show films.

“We are one of a few theaters in Washington that still uses a 35-millimeter projector,” she noted.

She said sometimes its hard to find most of the movies on film because of the digital age and blue-ray technology.

Stuart said it would cost about $80,000 to change both screens at the Dragonfly into a digital theatre, including sound equipment.

“If we did it, we would have to do a fundraiser,” said Stuart. “It would be a whole overall.”

She is hoping to collaborate with a restaurant for a Valentine’s Day dinner and movie package.

The Shafers purchased the theatre three years ago and decided to open it Friday through Sunday to keep costs down.

Stuart said next month, the theatre will open Friday through Tuesday.

“Their commitment is to make the movie-going experience available to people without the crazy prices,” she said.

The theater has a VIP program that allows a family of four to attend a movie and get snacks for $30. The VIP program is a one-time $2.50 charge and from that time on all movies are just $5.

Stuart said hours will vary because of movie schedules, but typically Fridays are 2-10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday are 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Monday and Tuesday are 6:30-9:30 p.m.

“We recommend people check the website for showtimes, our doors open half an hour before the first showing each day,” Stuart added.

The website is www.dragonflycinema.com.

 

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