New era begins for Seattle Central’s Egyptian Theatre
The doors to the historic Egyptian Theatre on Seattle Central’s campus recently opened to a new era. After signing a long-term lease with the college, SIFF has transformed the nearly 100-year-old theater into a year-round venue for independent film. It recently held a grand-reopening celebration, with much more exciting programming in the works.
“It’s important for Seattle Central to maintain the cultural value of the Egyptian Theatre for the benefit of the residents of Capitol Hill and the city of Seattle. We look forward to partnering with SIFF for many years to come,” said Paul T. Killpatrick, Ph.D., president of Seattle Central.
SIFF, short for Seattle International Film Festival, has been using the Egyptian as a venue for its annual film festival since 1980, when it converted the building into an Egyptian-themed cinema. This long history made SIFF a natural fit to assume year-round operations.
Located at 801 E. Pine St., the Egyptian was originally constructed in 1915 as the Masonic Temple and has been a part of Seattle Central’s campus since 1992. The theater will be known as the SIFF Cinema Egyptian and will screen a wide range of films nightly. SIFF has raised funds to renovate the theater with improved lighting, sound and projection equipment. Long-term plans including adding a new bar and concessions area, expanding the bathrooms and other improvements.
“This is a win-win situation,” said Jeff Keever, director of auxiliary services for the college. “SIFF gets to stay in a historic, centrally-located venue, the public will be able to see world-class films year-round, and the college will receive funds that benefit students.”