Krissy Smith beams when she talks about her purchase of the Callicoon Theater, and former owner Jim Kayton couldn’t be more pleased.

At a meet and greet at The River Reporter on Tuesday, Jim said that Krissy was a perfect fit for the Callicoon Theater, a single-screen venue that has been continuously operated since 1948. 

With a background and 20 years of experience in live theater, Krissy is excited to be the proprietor of what she sees as “community space.” She looks forward to selling tickets and being behind the concession stand counter, just like Jim and Barbara Kayton have done for the last 32 years.

Jim’s excited for the new energy that Krissy will bring to the theater and admits that he and Barbara, in the past decade, have not been innovative.

Innovation is exactly what Krissy seeks to bring. While keeping the core product of showing first-run movies at small-town prices, Krissy plans to offer a few “curatorial surprises.”

On September’s schedule is a “Back to School” series that will feature “American Graffiti,” “Ferris Buhler’s Day Off” and “Back to the Future.”  She’s looking forward to special offerings: Halloween movies in October and holiday movies in December.  Also in her thoughts are seasonal items at the concession stand, some healthy snacks, local chocolate bars and, perhaps, some astronaut ice cream to accompany the new movie on Neil Armstrong, opening in October.

Krissy, who has had a home in Callicoon Center for the last three years, was looking to get out of New York City and start a small business of her own. “It’s my own mid-life crisis all be myself,” she said.

Jim commented that Krissy is about the same age that he and Barbara were when they purchased the theater and with Barbara’s background in HR management the Kaytons are leaving the theater and Krissy with a well-trained and knowledgeable local staff.

“The staff at the theater is excellent,” she said. And that’s a good thing as there’s much to learn in terms of the technological side of the theater.

“I saw the space and got excited. I feel that I understand the operations part of it. I understand how to read a box office report. I understand concession, ticket selling and running the house, but the whole process of licensing a film from the motion picture studios, and the technology is all new to me and, basically, I have been learning under Jim for the last couple of weeks.”

Jim notes that Krissy is a quick study and they laugh as Krissy repeats the mantra “hook and snap,” as the method of changing the marquis.

The two have been in conversation about the theater for the last several months and Krissy has been intrigued by the responsibility and the opportunity there is in holding this public space in the community.

As this is a theater that has been continuously operated for the last 70 years, she’s heard stories of second and third generation moviegoers who have memories of coming to the theater.  On the list is a first date, a first kiss, and coming to the movies with a parent as a child.

And she takes her role in these stories very seriously. “It’s very important to keep it the same. And while I will be wanting to make some changes, it’s a huge priority for me to keep it as the historical gem that it is and to honor the local history that it represents. I think it is very important because it is one of the few movie theaters in the whole county. And I think it’s important that it stays a lifeline to what the entertainment business is putting out there. It’s a special place. This space of the movie theater almost gives you hug. It’s giving you a little squeeze when you’re watching a film.”

“It’s one of 17 Quonset hut style theaters in the country,” adds Jim. “And it has a warm and welcome feel.”

And beyond the physical space, Krissy is reflective about the role of watching films with other people. “As we move into a technological space – and it’s easy for people to stay home and stream whatever they want to watch – it’s important to share space with other people. We are increasingly staying in segregated bubbles and the more we stay home and consume media – entertainment and press – in our own private tunnel vision, the less we are interacting with other people. It is an opportunity for humans to breathe the same air, and sit next to each other; it’s very important.”

Jim agrees.

“It’s one of the few venues where people can come together. People are so independent; they talk with their thumbs, more and more.  It’s a different kind of socialization. There’s nothing like being in a large room, all laughing, crying and emoting at the same thing,” he said.

Sharing lives and stories is one of the essential ingredients of the theater. When asked what he will miss the most, Jim said, “Interaction with the community. Barbara and I did a lot of our socializing at the theater either before or after the shows. Now I look forward to seeing people outside of the theater.”

For Krissy, being a part of the community is a draw as well. She is excited to be a part of the Callicoon business community, is thrilled with the warm and enthusiastic welcome she has received so far and looks forward to exploring her new life in the Upper Delaware River Valley as the owner and proprietor of the Callicoon Theater.

Welcome Krissy. Thanks, Barbara and Jim.

In closing, both Krissy and Jim said, “There’s always something more than a movie at the Callicoon Theater.”

With Krissy’s enthusiasm and ideas, layered with Jim and Barbara’s dedication and commitment, a team of local youth workers, and the generations of people who have made the Callicoon Theater part of their lives, we are blessed with a vibrant and beautiful vintage movie theater.

Congratulations all.

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To read more about the Callicoon Theater changing hands click here