Dear Friends of the Rose, Click here to Donate!

    The restored Rose Theatre celebrates its 20th anniversary this summer. Originally built as a vaudeville house in 1907, the Rose ushered in silent films, talking pictures, and the glorious splendor of Technicolor, which gave us Judy Garland's ruby-red slippers in The Wizard of Oz.

    The next historic transition has arrived: digital projection. Transitioning to digital will enable the Rose to continue showing movies – and operas, plays, concerts, benefits and special events – well into the 21st century. And for the first time we'll be able to present movies in 3D!

    Even in these challenging economic times, we are proud to note that the Rose is a sound business with steady attendance and a bottom line that remains healthy. And now, the Rose must convert from film to digital to remain open, viable and a cultural center for future generations.

    While the digital revolution has been taking place for many years, I quietly hoped that the Rose would comfortably escape it, and continue to exist in the world of 35mm film for years to come; but such is not the case. Film is rapidly disappearing as movie distributors ramp up their complete conversion to digital distribution and projection of movies. This major historical shift is presenting a serious challenge to independent theatres like the Rose. Existing equipment must be retired, and new computer-operated projectors installed. Theatres unable to make this transition are facing closure.

    The exciting news is that digital projection produces a stunning image. Gone will be annoying scratches, shaky movement of film in the projection gate, and sound that is often compromised by the constant handling of film prints.

    Unfortunately, the cost to convert both projection booths is so steep - $200,000 - that the Rose does not have the ability to finance this major capital expenditure out of annual earnings. Our best option is to ask you, our loyal Rose patrons, to help us keep the doors open by making a contribution toward this historic transition. This will ensure the same quality of programming and allow us to continue offering the latest movies and popcorn at small-town prices.

    The Rose Theatre began with a dream of bringing the finest contemporary American and foreign films to Port Townsend. With the help of numerous people and the support of you, loyal patrons, the Rose has become part of our cultural landscape in a way that none of us anticipated. Transitioning to digital projection is a rare opportunity to create a Rose Theatre which twenty years from now will successfully be celebrating its 40th anniversary.

    Thank you for your support over these many years, and for considering a personal contribution to Port Townsend's cultural future. Rocky Friedman

  Click here to Donate!