It’s been a busy five months for St. Michael Cinema. The theater opened on June 11 and the community has rallied their support behind it.
“So far it’s going really well,” owner Nathan Block said in a recent interview. “We’re almost at the point that the previous owners were at [in terms of numbers], and we did it in just four months.”
Block and his business partner have two theaters between them aside from St. Michael. One in Woodbury and Riverview in Minneapolis. The two aren’t new to the theater business but Block says the space at St. Michael is what makes it unique.
“The space here is so amazing that we can do so many events that other theaters can’t. It really opens up the opportunities for us,” Block said.
Since the theater has been open they’ve hosted a myriad of special events and promos both related to films playing and not playing at the theater. Events have included: Minion Carnival, The Martian promo and a St. Michael Elementary PTO family night. The theater also screened USA Women’s National Team World Cup games last summer to draw in crowds. 
Currently St. Michael Cinema is running films on 11 of the screens with plans in place for four more screens. One of which will become a live music venue sometime in November.
Other upcoming events include a swap meet on November 4, Knights Marching band night on November 11 where a proceed of sales will go to the marching band and paint nights.
“We want people to know that we’re more than just a theater,” Block added.
But movies and movie promos will still remain a big part of their business. They are already planning events for the upcoming Star Wars movie. The most-aniticpated movie event of the last decade, as judged by most critics, Star Wars “The Force Awakens” should smash box office records for not only 2015, but could become the highest grossing film of all time.
“Advanced tickets are on sale and we’re working on getting costumed characters here for the open,” Block said. Opening night is sold out, of course, but people can inquire about dates beyond Dec. 18.
The St. Michael Cinema currently employs a staff of 25, and Block isn’t hesitant to credit their success to the community.
“It doesn’t work if people don’t show up, buy tickets and the community has helped us keep it open and keep movies on the screen,” Block said.