Fallon Theater Continues Renovations

On April 28, the Fallon Theatre held its annual sustaining members meeting, providing members with an update on recent improvements and upcoming projects. The meeting is held for sustaining members who donate monthly or annually to help support the theater. Memberships are available for individuals, couples, and families, and include benefits such as discounted movie tickets and concession perks.

Several major projects were completed over the past year, including a large seating upgrade in the lower theater. Last fall, the theater traveled to Mesquite, Nevada, where they acquired over 250 movie theater chairs from a theater that had gone out of business. These seats include built‑in drink holders and were installed with additional space to improve comfort for moviegoers, especially taller guests.

The theater also recently installed two new laser-powered digital projectors, made in Belgium and installed by a technician from Los Angeles. The projectors provide improved picture quality and are expected to have a lifespan of roughly 20,000 hours.

Another improvement included renovations to the theater’s heating and cooling system. New mini-split units were installed in the entryway, concession area, and upper theater, improving the building’s climate control system.

Looking ahead, the theater plans to apply for a grant through Nevada’s State Historic Preservation Office to help renovate seating in the upper theater. Proposed upgrades include replacing the flooring and reconfiguring seating to provide the same level of comfort now available in the lower theater.

The Fallon Theatre was built 105 years ago and opened on Dec. 30, 1920. According to Dr. Stuart Richardson, president of the nonprofit Fallon Community Theatre, Inc., “It’s the longest running, continuously open theater in the state of Nevada.” The building was designed by architect Frederick DeLongchamps, one of Nevada’s most famous architects. He designed 30 buildings in Fallon alone, as well as courthouses throughout the state, including the Lovelock courthouse.