San Marcos’ Only Dollar Theater Now Permanently Closed

By Clayton Kelley

Showplace Theater is permanently closed, leading students and citizens to look elsewhere for a cheap cinematic experience.

Mitchell Roberts, principal investor of EVO Entertainment and former owner of Showplace, stated in a press release that, despite years of effort to maintain the theater as a discounted movie house, the company could no longer sustain itself.

“I am very disappointed and shocked to see that Showplace has closed down,” said Julia Hartman, sociology freshman. “It sucks knowing that seeing a movie won’t be walking distance from my apartment at Sanctuary Lofts anymore.”

In the press release, Roberts stated he was sad to see Showplace go because it was an “iconic venue” in the city of San Marcos that held “sentimental value” to himself, his family and EVO.

Roberts stated he still currently owns the vacant theater’s land, and is looking at alternatives for the space.

Mitchell Almanza, exploratory professional freshman, said Showplace was convenient for students who do not own vehicles because of its proximity to Texas State.

“It’s also a great location for those who are drinking on the Square and cannot drive all the way to Starplex for a movie,” Almanza said. “I remember seeing Planet of the Apes about a year ago there and we were all intoxicated and had a great time.”

Rio Rodriguez, owner of San Marvelous, said upon opening his own business, he was excited to hear he would be located next to the site of what was Showplace Cinema.

“I remember when we got the store here a year ago,” Rodriguez said. “I thought it was cool because I could have the luxury of watching a movie after I got off work.”

Rodriguez said Showplace did not get as much business as he initially expected, and it was declining with time.

“I feel like they didn’t do that great of a job at marketing their business,” Rodriguez said. “I feel like if more people had known that they had 50-cent movies on certain nights, then they would have seen more people.”

Kristen Torres, public relations junior, works at Smoothie Warriors, which is located across the street from the vacant movie house. She said locals are sad and confused by the news of the theater’s closure.

“A lot of locals agree that this is such a sudden change to downtown and many are sad to see it go,” Torres said.

Torres said while participating in the San Marcos Wine Walk for Family Weekend at Texas State, just two weeks prior to Showplace’s closure, she encountered a parent whose child recently landed a job at the discount movie house.

“I’m not surprised to see this place go, but I am a little taken back at how sudden this change is,” Torres said.

Torres believes Showplace closed because the business was lacking.

“As somebody who is not a huge movie-goer, it was nice to see a relatively recent movie in a cheap and comfortable place with not as many people,” Hartman said.

Hartman said she particularly enjoyed Tuesday nights, when ticket admissions were 50 cents a movie.

“I remember thinking it was so awesome to be able to see 50 Shades of Grey for just 50 cents before it came out to home video,” Hartman said.

This article originally published by the University Star.

Previous Comments:

Ron Kulik: The few times ive been in there it was dirty.  Not sure management cared rather the theater lived or died.
In fact i honestly thought it had closed a long long time ago. Now its time for change.  Once The Spot opens no one will even remember Showplace.

Melissa Jewett: Ron, I never went and saw a movie there, but my daughter has from the time she was in 8th grade. But, just from looking at it from the outside, I would have to agree with you.
In a lot a little towns throughout the United States you see developers and investors come in and remodel, create a new and profitable business, while keeping that little old town quaint feel and look. Why don’t we see more of that around here?
I wish we knew that answer, then maybe, we could build a better downtown. But until out citizens and local government know that answer AND act upon it, I think we will be stuck with some great and some not so great downtown areas.