Through ups and downs over the years, the script of the Countryfest Community Cinema has had a lot of moments. The latest plot twist: a new general manager, with some fresh ideas of how to revitalize the Cinema.
Angie Neely's background isn't very theatre-related. After schooling and working in healthcare and hospitality, with recent focuses on mental health and counselling, and a much quieter small town she comes from, the Countryfest Community Cinema is presenting a new challenge, one she's eager to take head-on.
"I am new to the community, I just moved out here a year and a half ago, I grew up in a small town where there was very little, but I loved it, so moving out here, it was a little more fast paced, there's a little bit more going on, and being new to the community, I wanted to get involved, and I wasn't sure how to do that," said Neely.
One of the things that surprised Neely about the Cinema is how community-driven it really is. In recent years especially, the Cinema has relied on donations and support from businesses and organizations in the community.
Going forward in her tenure as General Manager, she hopes to strengthen community supports and make partnerships with clubs and businesses, so they don't have to rely on donations as much.
"It is a non-profit, we do rely heavily on the community to keep our doors open, and donations and fundraising, and all of that beautiful stuff, I didn't realize how much of it was included, so I think that's kind of been a bit of a shock for me...I don't want to always be asking for donations, I want a partnership. I want everybody to know in the area that the community theatre is here, it's a hub, it's a beautiful community hub where so many people can go and not only make memories, we're not just movies, we have space for so many other things," said Neely.
After working in the role for two months now, Neely has seen first-hand just how important a facility like the Countryfest Community Cinema really is to the community. She also plans to expand the Cinema's role as a social space and gathering hub, making it a lot more than just a cinema.
"The movie theatre is not just watching movies, it's making memories. Whether that be with your partner, your family, your children, it's a place where everybody can go in the community and be welcome. Very inclusive, it's gonna be a warm, welcoming, beautiful place, and I want people to know they are always welcome to come down, enjoy the space," said Neely.
Neely has also taken an interest in getting involved with the community on the non-professional side, becoming involved with Dauphin Rec and other groups.
