EAST kids want to tackle theater project

Central High School EAST Lab students have thoroughly researched the possibility of re-starting the Twin Cinema movie theater (the old Gene Boggs Twin Cinema) in Helena-West Helena.
Sheila Fox, who is in charge of the East Lab program at Central High School, told Phillips County Quorum Court members Tuesday that her students range in ages 14 to 18 and would like to see the old theater open.
“These kids would like to feel they are part of something positive in the community and plan to do the repair work themselves,” said Fox.
Fox presented the students’ proposal to the JPs.
Fox reported that the first seven months rent on the building would be waived.
“These kids are ready to begin work on the theater and have had several businesses say they will help with donations or materials,” stated Fox.
According to Fox, most of the building’s wiring would have to be replaced, as would many seats and restroom facilities. The project would include a lot of other major renovations since the building has been vacant for the past 15 years.
The students are not planning to take anything away from any other business in town because at this time there is no movie theater in Phillips County. The nearest theater is in Clarksdale, Miss. and the other is 35 miles away in Forrest City.
Quorum court member C.R. Walker suggested Fox and the students get some figures on how much the wiring would cost. Walker also suggested that Fox get approval from the school board before taking on this mammoth project.
 “We actually helped with the idea of starting a Boys & Girls Club,” said Fox. “We realize that the students can not run the theater. However, they would like for this to be one of their projects they get started.”
“I feel like this is a wonderful idea. However, the kids can not be liable for the theater,” said Justice Teresa Morgan.
“It would be a good idea to get the city, county, Boys & Girls Club and other organizations in the community to participate in the project,” added Walker.
County Judge Don Gentry said he would have to check with the county’s lawyer to find out how much and to what extend the county could participate in the project.