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I have an idea for my theater and am wondering if other theater owners have attempted similar projects. In two of our theaters, I am debating the creation of "small luxury boxes". They would be accessed via a separate spiral staircase that leads up to a mini-balcony (similar to that used in opera houses of the past). Those "premier" seats would be $10 a ticket (instead of the $6 that we charge now). I have also envisioned staff delivery of an order to the seats. This would be equivalent to a first-class seat on an airplane. What does everyone else think about this?

The big questions are fire marshall access / does one need two stairways? Is handicap access an issue? What's the cost vs the new seating? We have two theatres where this would work but head room becomes an issue. In general I think that whatever you can do to improve your theatre is a must do.

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Mike Hurley
www.bigscreenbiz.com

The stairway is a big issue. ADA may reqire an expensive ELEVATOR with more emergency exits with RAMPS!

Bureaucracy has its drawbacks, eh? Leaving aside the potential headaches of constructing balconies and making them legal, what do people think of the marketing concept? Would patrons pay more for the VIP treatment? Do you think a reserved balcony lounge seat would make people shell out a few extra bucks? It seems like it could work and represent a new level of comfort and style. It would probably even pay for itself, no?

This concept has been tried by a few of the big boys. The company I used to work for has tried this concept in a few of thier larger markets by creating a VIP viewing rooms with all recliners and personal wait staff. Gorumet foods and expensive wines etc. The charge for theses seats was I think 20 to 30 dollars plus no one under 21 was allowed. this did not include price of the meal.I don't think that these went over well but the cost was the main factor. Now if you provided some luxury away from pesky punk kids and some personal attention and did not make it too costly people might like the idea. It all depends on what your market will bear. You might get some complaints as to why everyone ca't sit in that section , but as you know someone in the world will complain about something at any givin time. In my personal opinion I don't think I would do it having seen others fail at it.