Claflin theater launches Throwback Thursday movies

The Claflin University theater in the student center seats 172 people and has the amenities of commercial theaters. (Panther photo by Savannah Jefferson)

Claflin University's public theater is adding a little nostalgia to complement its lineup of first-run movies.

The theater is beginning a new program called Throwback Thursday and is also providing children's deals for the community. The opportunities are designed to foster more engagement from the student body and the community, which is encouraged to see films at the Claflin facility.

Throwback Thursday is a biweekly program created to give students something different. It offers movies that have been popular in the past, and these movies are free of cost for students.

Jammarrea Shephard, a senior at Claflin who works in the theater as one of the building managers, said, “We try to make sure we value everyone's opinions since the student center is a public space. I think students obviously have just a little bit more input as they are more tapped into the social media space, so we do take into great account what they may enjoy, but overall, we try our best to see how those in the minority of our community feel about things.”

Referring to the community and student involvement, Shephard said, “It is usually a solid mix. It also often depends on the day of the week; weekends are good because locals will have something to do during an off day. Whereas on the weekdays, many students enjoy a movie after class.”

Although there is a steady flow of people attending the theater, Claflin's management encourages a broader number of students to take advantage of the theater.

Students were given an anonymous poll questioning why more have not taken advantage of the theater, with 341 students responding. They were given three options: cost, not enough movies playing and the need for better advertising.

The leading option was a desire for more than one movie to play throughout the day. The second-leading option was the need for better advertising. Cost was the lowest voted option.

As to further feedback, management encourages students to use their online pages.

“We are conducting surveys and gathering feedback from students at Claflin as well as State to stay involved with the students and hear them out," Shephard said.

“We have an official Instagram website @claflintheater free for all to use and we try to work with Claflin’s Student Engagement and Leadership as well to promote upcoming showings and events.”

Students were given an anonymous poll questioning why more have not taken advantage of the theater.