Today we’d like to introduce you to Hillary Mclaughlin
Hi Hillary, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My husband, Justin, and I started as a home theater company and were in business for over 10 years but decided to leave it as it was very demanding for our young family. After reading the letters published in the newspaper about the need for a local movie theater, we entered discussions with the city of Highland about the recently closed Lory Theater. After three months of building a business plan and nine months of negotiations the sale was completed in August 2012. Three months of major renovations began and included new speakers, a projector, all new electrical, and a complete restroom overhaul. With help from the city and with the support of the community we were able to reopen in 2012. Since then, there has been a focus on family films, affordable ticket prices, and local talent providing a theatrical experience for all to enjoy! It has been a whirlwind of an adventure that continues daily!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the last few years, the dynamics in the industry have shifted to focus on streaming which impacts movie theaters like us directly. When films go directly to streaming or have a very short theatrical window, this means your local theater will not be benefitting from the foot traffic that comes in. In addition, the constant ebb and flow in movie releases means that business is not always as steady as we may need it to be and result in some very slow seasons. Meaning that the money may not always be there for doing repairs to a very old, very beloved historic building. We are currently trying to find ways to create a steady and consistent supplemental income to help assist us in the maintenance and upkeep of the building.
In addition to other industry challenges, health and COVID measures have also wreaked havoc on our business. Six years ago, I was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer. After two years of chemo, radiation, and surgeries – we thought that we were on the other side of those challenges, then COVID shut down the world. COVID did provide an opportunity for us to learn to pivot quickly in the face of adversity as we had to figure out (almost overnight) how to stay open when no one could come see films. We sold popcorn and drinks to-go and eventually started selling custard out of the lobby of the theater until we could eventually re-open.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The Lory Theater originated as a Vaudeville – era live stage and has moved with the industry over time showing live productions, silent films, talkies, and now first-run films. Our building is over 100 years old! We currently serve our community in a plethora of ways mainly through entertainment and the ability to make memories. We love serving the community with the escapism offered by cinema as well as the communal experience of being together and making memories together. We show new movies, some old classics, hold an interactive Rocky Horror Picture Show, and serve the community through field trips and private events. Beyond showing movies, the Lory is a training ground for young people. We hire the youth of the area and get to watch them grow and develop after learning what it is to serve the community with a smile and humor. Unlike other theaters, instead of putting a graphic up on the screen we incorporate our own dramatic spin on asking people to turn off their cell phones by singing a cell phone song or doing skits for the customers.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
As a couple and business partners, we are unusual in terms of risk assessment and dynamics. Justin is 100% emotion and gut. I tend to look at things more pragmatically, so we balance each other very well. We have taken risks, like the initial purchase of the building itself, and trying to renovate it ourselves was a large risk. It sometimes feels that because of the shift in dynamics in our industry (aka battling streaming, studio requirements, strikes, and gaps in film releases) continuing to show first run films serve as their own risk. However, that risk is very much worth it for the privilege we have in serving our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thelorytheater.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelorytheater/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lorytheater
