After sitting vacant for nine years, the Hollywood Theater celebrated its grand reopening on March 30th. Located at 1449 Potomac Ave. in
Dormont, the Hollywood has reinvented itself as a second-run theater with a community commitment.
The newly renovated 298-seat theater features a refurbished lobby and balcony, new seats, and a new screen and projection booth with 35mm and Dolby digital capabilities. Boasting “the region’s lowest concession prices,” the Hollywood drew more than 500 patrons during opening weekend.
The Hollywood is operated by the
Bradley Center, a non-profit that serves 166 neglected, dependent and developmentally-delayed children and youth in its Mt. Lebanon and Robinson locations. Youth ages 15-21 work as cashiers, ushers, ticket booth attendants, and janitorial staff under the guidance of theater managers. “We’re teaching them about resumes, interviewing and job applications,” says Jerry Sutyak, with the Bradley Center. “We want to create mentors, so the kids can become independent and have self-esteem.” Bradley Center CFO Garry McGrath conceived of the unique partnership five years ago.
“It fits in with everything we’ve been working on as far as revitalizing our business district, our
TRID program that’s up and running and the Main Street Program we’re planning,” says George Byoksy, Dormont Borough manager. “It’s been vacant for so long and is a huge anchor for surrounding restaurants, with access to the T and downtown.”
The Hollywood may have the power to influence future revitalization efforts. “Hopefully it will cause more excitement for the South Hills Theater," says Byosky, of a Dormont theater still vacant on West Liberty Ave. "It's started a lot of chatter."
Writer: Jennifer Baron
Sources: Jerry Sutyak, Bradley Center; George Byosky, Dormont Borough; Dan Bahur, Hollywood Theater
Photograph copyright © Jennifer Baron