Within just a few years, members of the community convinced the city to purchase and restore the Majestic, and the doors reopened in 1990 as an entertainment venue. With the city's purchase of the space, the Theatre's mandate became accessibility for the entire community and the development of education programs, and Majestic Theatre Management was formed to see to the operation of the theatre and its programs.
Since reopening, the theatre has gone through a number of renovations; the most recent remodel, completed in 2000, added a technical booth to the theater and a glass donor marquee over the main entrance, and converted the apartments and offices above the theatre into rehearsal space, a classroom, and a community room. The lobby was repainted just last month.

"We are trying to restore the romantic, golden age of movies feel," said Education Director Amaya Egusquiza. The next major renovation will take place in 2009, when the theatre will be closed for six months for seismic upgrades. During that time, the staff also hopes to upgrade the sound system and replace the stage floor and the fly system, both of which may be original to when the theatre was first built.

The Majestic's mission is to provide for civic needs and serve the larger community. The space has primarily been used by the theatre community in recent years (upcoming performances include "Little Women," March 6 - 8, and "Beauty and the Beast," with school performances April 30 - May 2 and public performances May 2 - 3), but a number of dance companies also make use of the space (Knock ... On Wood, a tap performance, takes place on March 14). In fact, throughout the day the sound of dance classes can be heard from upstairs.
"I want this to be a place for fun," Executive Director Tim Flowerday said. In addition to drama and dance, Flowerday would like to bring in a wider range of performances, including live music, and bring film back to the Majestic, with a focus on older films and cult classics. Their first film event, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," was a huge success, with costumed fans filling the auditorium and acting out scenes.

Additionally, the Majestic staff are looking forward to beginning a monthly concert series, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. on March 22 with Kelly Thibodeaux & Etouffee, followed on April 5 by the band It's a Beautiful Day. Later in the year the Majestic will welcome the Sugar Beats and Big Brother and the Holding Company.

"This is a great venue for a lot of people who want to give time to the community," Flowerday said.

MTM would like to expand the Majestic's offerings beyond the walls of the theatre. They already have formed a partnership with Corvallis City Parks to provide Wednesday night concerts on the Corvallis waterfront, beginning in June, and a fine arts festival at Starker Arts Park, beginning in late August or early September. MTM is also in talks with the Downtown Association to plan larger downtown events -- one idea being tossed around is a toga party.

"Life is more enjoyable when you can have some fun," Flowerday said, and the Majestic brings fun to Corvallis.  

Visit majestic.org for more information on the Majestic Theatre and a schedule of events.