The Delta Egyptian Theater has launched an emergency fundraising campaign to raise $70,000 for a new digital cinema projector after the theater’s system suffered a catastrophic failure and could no longer be repaired.
The nonprofit theater announced the “Save the Screen — Project the Future” campaign this week, with a goal of raising the money by June 30 to restore movie screenings at the nearly century-old downtown venue.
According to a release from the theater, weeks of troubleshooting, replacement parts and consultations with technical experts confirmed that the aging projector had reached the end of its service life. The failure forced suspension of movie screenings.
“The Delta Egyptian Theater has been a cornerstone of our community for generations,” Board President Kelly Anderson said in a statement. “We explored every possible repair option, but replacement is now our only viable path forward. We are asking the community to help us keep the screen lit for future generations.”
Built in 1928, the Delta Egyptian Theater is one of Colorado’s few remaining Egyptian Revival movie palaces and serves as a cultural hub for movies, concerts, educational programs, festivals and community events. According to the nonprofit, the theater attracts more than 10,000 visitors annually and seats approximately 400 people. The theater is preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2028.
Because the Egyptian operates as a single-screen theater, the projector is essential to its daily operations. Without it, movie programming cannot continue. The theater board said in a release they considered used replacement equipment but determined that many available systems are nearing the end of their own service lives and may not be compatible with the theater’s historic auditorium and projection requirements. A new projector is expected to provide reliable service for the next 20 to 30 years.
The theater has already raised more than $13,000 through individual donations and is now seeking support from businesses, foundations, civic organizations and community partners to reach the campaign goal.
According to campaign materials, the $70,000 fundraising target would cover the purchase and installation of a new digital cinema projector, lens package, server and sound system integration, testing and commissioning, and staff training.
The theater estimates that its closure has further economic impacts on downtown Delta. Campaign materials state the venue normally attracts hundreds of visitors each week who dine, shop and spend money at nearby businesses.
Delta Mayor Ron White called the theater a treasured landmark and urged community support.
“Built in 1928, the Delta Egyptian Theater is a treasured landmark of western Colorado and one of only six remaining Egyptian Revival theaters in the United States,” White said in a statement. “This historic community asset has served generations of Delta residents, and with your support, it can continue to do so for generations to come.”
Delta City Manager Elyse Ackerman said the theater’s importance extends beyond entertainment.
“Replacing the projector is not simply an investment in equipment — it is an investment in preserving an important community asset and ensuring that this historic theater remains vibrant and accessible for years to come,” Ackerman said.
Donations can be made through the theater’s website or by mail. Theater officials said every dollar raised will help restore movie programming and secure the future of one of Delta’s most recognizable cultural landmarks.
