Renovations at Leitersburg Pike movie house wind up helping community theater, too

Recent renovations to benefit local movie buffs also will help fans of live theater in Washington County.

And more renovations are in the works at both venues, Warehouse Cinemas at 20145 Leitersburg Pike and The Potomac Playmakers at 17303 W. Washington St.

'We're excited about it': Potomac Playmakers find a new home thanks to purchase of former church building

It started when Barry Harbaugh, president of The Potomac Playmakers board of directors, learned that Warehouse Cinemas was renovating its theater spaces.

The nonprofit live theater group moved into a former church a few years ago. It's been producing shows in that building while gradually revamping the structure to suit its purposes.

But the building lacked proper theater seats. Audiences had been sitting in church pews.

Harbaugh said he contacted Warehouse Cinemas, hoping the business would part with some of its used — but more modern — theater seats, perhaps at a reduced price.

Instead, he said, he was told to "pick out the ones you want, and you can have them."

The Playmakers asked for 100.

They were given 130.

Delivered.

"That saved us about $45,000, because theater seats are not cheap," Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh said he was "overwhelmed" by the donation. He also said the willingness of Rich Daughtridge, Warehouse Cinemas CEO, and Greg Mills, the chief operating officer, to help with the move "was above and beyond what we could have expected.”

The Potomac Playmakers also received a $2,000 grant from the local Rotary Foundation to help refinish the hardwood floors, which had been carpeted, so the seats could be installed.

Auditorium can seat 94

The community theater company is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization. Harbaugh calls his role as president his "unpaid second full-time job."

The Potomac Playmakers acquired the building in 2017. Since then, Harbaugh said, the group has produced several shows. The next production, the musical "All Shook Up," is scheduled to take the stage in September.

The group also has tackled several renovation projects at the building.

Part of the attic was remodeled to accommodate the booth for operating lights and, for some productions, audio equipment. Restrooms and showers were installed for use by cast and crew members. Dressing rooms have been provided. The stage area was enlarged.

Currently the auditorium can seat 94, he said. There are plans to install a few more of those seats.

"It's a nice-sized audience — not too big, not too small," Harbaugh said.

And there are other plans for the building, including updating the heating and cooling system and creating an area to store costumes.

Eventually, Harbaugh said, he'd like to see the building used most weekends, including times for theater classes and other activities.

Renovations continue at Warehouse Cinemas

Work has been happening at Warehouse Cinemas, too.

In addition to structural and auditorium renovations, Warehouse Cinemas will have more updates coming by the fall, according to a news release from the company.

Outside, plans are to paint the building and update the signs.

Inside, movie-goers will see an expanded kitchen, new lobby, a 28-tap self-pour beer wall, an expanded food menu, a finished bar and self-serve stations.

The lobby, when completely renovated, will have new decorations and seating.

On the big screen: With a new format and approach, movies will return to Leitersburg theater

Comings and goings: Goodwill opening 'flagship store'; bank expands in city

These renovations will also help provide visitors with a much larger extended menu of options, including movie-themed comfort foods and snacks, the release states.

Some of the most popular items on the menu include funnel cake fries, flatbreads and grilled cheeses.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Updates at Warehouse Cinemas mean comfy seats at Potomac Playmakers