According to a Facebook post from the Big Rapids Theatre, the venue is expected to open in the first quarter of 2026.
Job postings are anticipated to be available in early January.
Psychology junior Kya Adams expressed that the theatre would add to the college experience for students in the community.
“This will be a breakthrough and expand our sense of enjoyment and community,” Adams said. “This can make it much better for those students who really want to leave campus but are stuck due to a lack of friends or transportation.”
She further expressed that having a theatre downtown will provide her and her friends more opportunities to enjoy themselves and have fun.
She said that most students leave campus on the weekends, and for those who stay, the theatre provides an alternative option.
She explained that some students may have difficulty making friends, and an empty campus on the weekend can feel isolating.
A cinema can offer more opportunities for community and social engagement.
It has been several years since the Big Rapids theatre was in operation, with 2020 being the last year it was open before the cinema closed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Communications junior Tiondra McDaniel explained that with the stress of college, the movie theatre will provide a helpful break for students.
“It would be a great opportunity for me and other students to have a place to unwind, relax and have fun,” McDaniel said. “The theatre would be a special addition to my college memories.”
The reopening can give students a new place to hang out and enjoy their college experience.
Another important point that McDaniel emphasized was the opportunity for student autonomy and having something for students to be interested in off campus.
“Having a close entertainment option would definitely reduce how often boredom strikes as well as increase student autonomy,” McDaniel said.
Students are not the only ones on campus who are excited to hear the announcement about the movie theatre opening early in the new year.
Theatre professor Dennis Henry explained that having a theatre downtown will make it easier to go see movies on a whim.
“Since the nearest theatre is in Cadillac, having the theatre downtown will definitely have me going to the movies a lot more,” Henry said. “It will be a lot easier to just go on short notice.”
He further emphasized that having that convenience makes it easier to make plans with colleagues and friends.
Henry noted that Ferris does a good job creating events on campus and giving students the college experience, and added that having more activities in town, especially artistic ones, makes Big Rapids a better place to live.
“I went to a lot of movies with friends when I was in college in the 1990s,” Henry said, “I am glad students will again have that opportunity.”
He explained how important it is for college students to build those bonds and make those precious memories.
Adams echoed this sentiment, explaining that more options downtown open opportunities for students.
“Many students miss home due to minimal options in Big Rapids compared to their hometown,” Adams said.
She added that the theatre could really be an asset for students adjusting to life away from a larger city, where there are always more activities.
Adams noted that this lack of options can contribute to an empty campus on weekends, and bringing the theatre back could help students stay local while still enjoying social activities.
Many students said having a theatre nearby will make weekends more enjoyable and give them something to do without leaving campus.
The reopening will provide more opportunities for social and cultural activities in downtown Big Rapids.
Updates will be made available on the Big Rapids Theater Facebook page.