Edmond Town Hall Theater is about to cap off a year of extensive theater renovations with the installation of an NEC digital movie projector. The historic Main Street building, celebrated for its theater with $2 movies and family-priced concessions, has been working to install technology that will keep 21st Century audiences coming back.

“We began the digital conversion this month and have already installed energy efficient LED lighting, wi-fi, and a quality sound system,” said James Juliano, chairman of the Board of Managers, an elected board that manages Edmond Town Hall. “The new technology will provide a much better audience experience and will let us generate advertising revenue.”

Now, Ingersoll Auto of Danbury, which has forged a strong relationship with the theater as the sponsor of a free Saturday night movie each month, starting in January 2013 and continuing through at least the end of 2014, has stepped forward with advertising payments made in advance that will help the board complete the installation of the digital projector. Ingersoll will have the distinction of being the first sponsor to advertise using the new technology.

“We’re proud to be among those who helped the Theater make these changes,” said Todd Ingersoll, a Newtown resident and the owner of Ingersoll Auto. “We’ve received thank you cards from movie goers who appreciate the free Saturday night movie. With the digital projector, they’ll enjoy the movie that much more.”

Mr Juliano was in Danbury on January 21, where he accepted a check for $17,540 from Mr Ingersoll on behalf of the board of managers.

“All this support is a testament to the special place this building holds for the community,” said Mr Juliano about the 85-year-old landmark with annual maintenance costs of half a million dollars. “This new technology will help us generate additional revenue through advertising , presentations and meeting capabilities.

Edmond Town Hall, dedicated in 1930 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was a gift from Newtown benefactress Mary Elizabeth Hawley. It has served as the heart of Newtown since its inception by providing residents with governmental services space; affordable family entertainment through its theater; sports opportunities in its gymnasium; and, elegant space rentals to help residents gather or celebrate life events.