Edna Grant
Staff Writer
Patronage at the Idaho State University Bengal Theater has risen in the last two years, according to the theater’s manager, Charlie Littleton.
The Bengal Theater, which has recently undergone renovations, has been serving the ISU community for years, providing students and community members with free or discounted film viewings.
“I do know that movie theater participation has been steadily increasing for the last 2 years,” said Littleton. “It is a little difficult to get ratings during the week, as many students are still unaware of our service,” he said.
According to Austin Butler, the other manager at the theater, the films shown are picked by Jason Sperry and Lisa Gardner. It’s their job to choose which movies are shown, and which times would be appropriate to show them.
“Jason and Lisa try to get more student input on which movies to show, but they don’t have ways to get students involved in picking movies,” said Butler.
Sperry and Gardner are both currently brainstorming ways to improve the amount of student involvement in the picking process.
Clubs at ISU are also encouraged to use the movie theater to show which ever films they choose, according to Butler. The film, “Major Payne” was one of the last club-selected films played by the theater, and was put on by the Veteran’s Club.
“Jason and Lisa try to get more student input on which movies to show, but they don’t have anyway at the moment to get help on what to show,” said Butler.
There are movies, however, that can’t be shown in this theater — regardless of being chosen. According to Littleton, prices and popularity have a lot to do with the theater’s ability to show a film. Prices to show a film can range anywhere from $500 to over $1000. Factors, such as the film’s box office success or awards the film wins can determine that price. Littleton shared that the movie “FiveFeet Apart” had been chosen for the Bengal Theater to play, but was later nominated for an Academy Award, making it too expensive for the theater to acquire.
Every once in a while movies are sent to the Bengal Theater as promotional tools. Just last year, the production company for “A Star is Born” starring Lady Gaga and Bradely Cooper, sent the film to The Bengal before the film’s theatrical release.
“Small populations like ours do not have high rankings in priority movie showings, so this was an amazing experience to be a participant of the promotion,” said Littleton.
A few other films have been released to the Bengal Theater in the same way. According to Butler, “Game Night” and “Justice League” were also sent to the theater as promotions for the films before their release.
Many lesser-known titles have been gracing the screen at the theater, too. Independent films have always had a place the Bengal Theater, and the theater has always been proud to show them. The Pocatello Film Society, run by Bob Devine, is a community club that aims to show “insightful, inspiring, and thought-provoking films,” according to their website. Their mission is to share a small bit of culture with the community, and often utilize the Bengal Theater to showcase the films that they vote on.
This local club is responsible for the influx of independent films, such as “Yesterday,” and this last week’s showing of “Blinded by the Light.”
“Much of our attendance has come from them, and it’s a lovely experience,” said Littleton about the Pocatello Film Society.
“We have changed our times of showings, and that has definitely helped,” Littleton said about student attendance at the Bengal Theater.
The recent renovations to the theater, which included new seats and new showing screen, are also part of an effort to increase student traffic.
