Frequently Asked Questions

  • The theater needs an incredible amount of work. We are currently in the architectural and structural design phase and have begun fundraising. This is an essential part of reaching our goal. With full community support we are working diligently to reopen the doors in time to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2028.

  • Long time Radnor resident Steve Bajus owns the theater building and many other Main Line properties including the iconic Wayne Hotel. We have a robust 10-year lease with two 10-year options to renew with the option to purchase the building. This long-term agreement ensures the theater will remain a community asset for decades to come.

  • While previous decades have left little of the original architecture intact, we are dedicated to honoring its historic spirit. Because the legacy electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems must be entirely replaced to meet modern safety and environmental standards, we are taking this opportunity to reinvent the interior. Inspired by original builder Harry Fried's vision, we are designing a beautiful, state-of-the-art space where you can comfortably share a movie with your parents today and your grandchildren tomorrow.

  • The original Anthony Wayne Theater was designed to be a premier destination to see the latest entertainment - movies and live performances. Coming to a show in this beautiful space was an event. We are returning to and expanding on that model adding speaker series, performances, and live podcasts. The community room will be available for people to rent to create events of their own.

  • Like many historic small theaters, the venue fell victim to an industry trend that favored the model of generic mall multiplexes. Stripped of the elements that made it special, it couldn’t compete on screen count alone. By the time the pandemic forced a temporary shutdown, the theater was ready for a completely new chapter—one that rejects the cookie-cutter multiplex model in favor of a curated, high-end community experience.

  • People are going to theaters when the experience is worth it. While binge watching on a living room couch is convenient, it cannot replicate the magic of the big screen, or the pristine audio and shared energy of a crowd. Sharing laughter or a jump scare with a room full of strangers is inherently pleasurable. Across the country, boutique cinemas that prioritize cleanliness, comfort, and a sense of occasion are thriving.

  • There are over 500 parking places within a 2 minute walk of the theater. Radnor is working on landscaping to make the walk feel safe and beautiful. We are creating a destination worth the stroll.

  • The board is made up of local community members who miss the theater. All of them live within 2 miles of the center of Wayne. Together they bring a broad set of experiences to this project from real estate and law, business and finance, restaurant and hospitality, arts and theater.

  • The theater belongs to the community. While major gifts are absolutely vital to launch a project of this scale, long term success will come from collective ownership. When our neighbors invest in this theater—whether through donations, volunteering, or buying a ticket—it represents a shared vote of confidence in the future of Wayne. Through broad community donations, we will ensure that this space remains vibrant, relevant, and loved for generations to come.