Many people remember the days when they were kids and their parents used to drop them off at the historic Kent Theatre in Cedar Springs to see a movie. Residents will now get the chance to experience seeing first run movies, such as “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” “A Christmas Carol,” and “Twilight’s New Moon,” in the same theatre that is so full of childhood memories—and at an affordable cost.

In an effort to expand programming at the Kent Theatre, the Cedar Springs Theatre Association has been working since early spring to bring in newly released films.

“It has always been the intention of the CSTA to show movies at the Kent when other programming events were not scheduled,” said programming committee spokesperson, Mary Randall. “We are not going to cut out plays produced by local groups or bands that wish to perform on our stage. This is just another step in the development of the Kent Theatre as an arts and entertainment venue.”

According to Len Allington, of the Kent, they are now working directly with the movie studios and will be showing full 35mm surround-sound film on a sub run basis. “After a movie premieres, and it’s been out a week or two, we can then show it,” explained Allington. They can also now advertise the movies they are showing. That wasn’t possible with the company they were previously working with.

Randall and her husband Dan, both longtime volunteers for the theatre, have worked diligently, filling out pages and pages of paperwork to bring new films to the theatre. And at $3.00 each, tickets make a family outing affordable. Dan said that the plan is to show movies at least two weekends a month. “That means that if other organizations are hoping to book the theatre for their stage or concert event, they should call us as soon as possible,” said Dan. “Right now we are booking into September.”

Movies will start next weekend, December 11, 12 and 13 with “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” an animated feature from Sony Pictures. December 18, 19, and 20 The Kent will feature Disney’s “A Christmas Carol,” an animated film staring Jim Carrey.

Friday’s shows are at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday shows are 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.

December 26 and 27 will have different show times due to the length of “Twilight Saga: New Moon” by Summit Entertainment. Show times scheduled are noon, 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Tickets will be sold at the door, or if you plan to attend a showing, you can stop by when the theatre is open weekends to purchase tickets, or tickets can also be reserved on a “will call” basis. For any questions please feel free to call Len Allington, 616-696-3270, Dan Randall 616-520-3194, or Mary Randall 616-520-3195.