Note: the following item is a sponsored content post for The West Cinema. We thank owner Michael Tinney for his support of Polk.Today. Go check out the changes that he’s made in person and go see a movie, or participate in an upcoming event. -KtE

A landmark in downtown Cedartown that has provided entertainment for the community for nearly eight decades is finding even more ways in recent months to give patrons a chance to have fun. The first chance for that is coming up on Saturday, August 29 with a concert being put on by owner Michael Tinney for the community to come enjoy at the West Cinema.

Tinney has in recent weeks and months been making changes within the historic theater since the COVID-19 pandemic forced movie theaters to shut their doors to customers. He’s come up with multiple ways for people to enjoy not just the screens, but the space as a whole.

First opened in 1941, West Cinema was for many years offered just a single screen, followed by a renovation in the 1980s to transform the historic theater into two screens to increase revenue. When Tinney bought the theater a few years ago, he undertook at $500,000 renovation and further increased capacity with four screens, opening back up the balcony space and splitting it into two additional theater spaces.

Now the theater has even more to offer with recent additions that turned West Cinema into a multipurpose space.

“We are becoming an event center where you can rent the theater for different events, we are also adding monthly events that we will host as well, our new logo and website reflects the updates, go to http://www.thewestcinema.com,” Tinney said.

Events to enjoy at West Cinema

COVID-19’s social distancing guidelines have thrown a wrench in the traditional way families celebrate together. Previously people were able to gather at home, or in spaces where all could sit together and enjoy time together as a group. Now with six feet of space required and events limited to a certain number of people, the more open the space can be for a small gathering, the better.

The construction of stage areas in the larger theater spaces at West Cinema now make it one of those perfect places where people can still enjoy the comfort of being indoors together, but be able to social distance without having to worry about staggered seating.

Even in normal times, West Cinema can provide the perfect place to host a birthday for all ages – with opportunities for kids to take over a screen for movies or video games – plus other milestones in the lives of families.

The list of celebrations West Cinema is happy to host includes weddings, wedding rehearsals, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, corporate meetings, training seminars, multiple-day conferences, employee appreciation award ceremonies, corporate holiday parties, marketing events for product launches and brand activation, gaming tournaments (more on that below,) group meetings, anniversaries, theater-based churches, private movie showings and even live performances.

“You can also rent the theater to watch any Live TV show in the big screen,” Tinney said.

A concert coming up

As a way to showcase what the West Cinema has to offer, the first concert in the historic theater in decades is coming up on Saturday, August 29.

The event being held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is $10 per person and will feature a mix of original and cover songs from country, classic and southern rock.

“We are very excited about our Concert coming up with Route 5, the lead guitarist and founder member is my good friend Fred Trout, he is one talented guy and can put on a show!” Tinney said.
 
The band is comprised of Tyler Carson on bass and acoustic guitar extraordinaire and also serves as the lead vocalist for the band; Bassist Bob Barron, who was awarded the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame for his performances on pedal steel guitar and drummer Robbie Barron, also a member of the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame. There’s also Five Foot Fred Trout, who play guitar and shares lead vocals.

Experiencing video games on the big screen

West Cinema’s screens and stage won’t be limited to just music and movies in the near future. Tinney is also planning something that will bring in a new generation of theater patrons.

“We will host our first Gaming Tournament with the Classic Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch,” Tinney said. “Playing on the big screen is really something else, and is nothing like you’ve experienced before. We’re hosting this is for all ages, not just children. You are never too old to enjoy a good Mario game.”

That event is planned for Saturday, September 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The entry fee is $10, and registration may be completed for those interested in playing at www.thewestcinema.com.

“We will choose 16 players for four rounds, who wins 3 races will advance to the next round,” Tinney explained. “The four winners will play to win the game! The final winner gets our VIP room for one of the upcoming movies (a $160. Value).”

West Cinema is still showing movies despite the lag in new releases from Hollywood as well. Tinney has screened several blockbuster hits from years and decades past, and finally got the chance to show the first feature released in several months in “Unhinged.”

Make sure to check out the West Cinema website to purchase tickets and learn more about how to book the theater for your upcoming special event.