FFWD REW

The Uptown and Marquee Room to officially close

While we can’t say we’re surprised after they closed their doors in November the management at The Uptown Stage & Screen and the Marquee Room have officially announced plans to shut down for good.

In a post on their website the company issued the following statement:

The Uptown has made the business decision to cease operations of the Uptown Stage and Screen and Marquee Room and is vacating the Barron Building.

In light of movie piracy and the popularity of internet services such as Netflix industry prospects are poor for cinemas specialising in "Art House" product.

We are intensely proud of our past programming and many contributions over twenty years to film music live theatre dance visual arts and other artistic and cultural programming.

We thank the people of Calgary for all the years of support. We are grateful to all of the film and music fans the artists the event organizers and our many partners who contributed to our award-winning programming. Particular gratitude goes to our many staff who have helped realise the dream of reviving the historic venue.

The Uptown Stage and Screen was built in 1951 and operated as the Uptown Theatre until 1988. Current management purchased the historic theatre and building above it in 1992.

The Uptown management remains committed to supporting the Arts in Calgary and hopes to remain active in its’ support.

Naturally this is a huge blow to the city’s independent film community so take a moment and pour out some popcorn for the fallen Calgary staple. Here’s hoping The Plaza doesn’t face a similar fate though rumours suggest it could.

Tags: