Montpelier’s Savoy Theater is facing drastic cuts in staffing and hours of operation.
The Savoy is an independently owned arthouse theater that’s been in operation since 1981.
The cuts also affect Downstairs Video, a rental store that specializes in classic films.
The Savoy has approached the brink of closure in the past, but community fundraising efforts at the time were successful.
Savoy owner Terry Youk says the Savoy had to raise funds to pay for a digital conversion, which is also affecting how films are delivered to theaters.
He says studios are less likely to distribute their films to independent movie theaters.
Youk adds that audience attendance for independent films is down industry-wide.
