The smell of popcorn.. that hush of anticipation as the lights dim.. excitement growing through previews of coming movies… and finally, the opening frames of the feature film, an experience to be shared with family and friends, and cherished for a lifetime. That is what going to the movies is all about, and that is the legacy the Paradise Theatre has managed to resurrect and secure for its community.
Born of the desire to to renovate our historically rich, fondly remembered, but physically dilapidated structure, Paradise Community Theatre established its status as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation with the dream of bringing quality cinema and live entertainment to our community. Through thousands of hours of donated manual labor and the generous donations of movie lovers near and far, our dream has become a reality.
We now provide high quality, affordable entertainment for thousands of people of all ages and income levels. We serve not only the city of Mora, but the entire region of Pine, Kanabec, Isanti and Mille Lacs counties. In addition to first-run movies, we also provide access to the performing arts through live concerts (from bluegrass and Celtic to rock-n-roll), and live theatre performances ranging from community theatre productions to touring professional companies.
Our single screen auditorium remains the only cinema venue in Kanabec County, and is uniquely situated to do double-duty as proscenium performance stage. The Paradise Theatre’s digital projector and surround sound, brand new 16′ X 32′ large screen, extensive remodel of the entire auditorium, and new sound and lighting systems for live performances, combine to create a true state-of-the-art theatre going experience. In addition, the Paradise Theatre serves as an ideal community gathering point, and avails itself as a rental space for meetings, seminars, private parties, school functions and special events. We even offer options that include showing your own DVD’s and playing X-Box on the big screen.
We continually seek to expand our range of artistic offerings, as well as the range of services to our community. We have had two annual Film Festivals, and are organizing the third annual Film Festival for April of 2015. As always, we welcome your input, feedback and continued financial support (donations are tax deductible!) And we hope you join us on our ride.
Enjoy the show!
