In Neligh, local patrons of the arts are doing all they can to restore the town’s local cinema and performance center back to its former glory.

The theater has survived a fire in 1944, exchanged hands multiple times, and narrowly escaped demolition in 2018 when the New Moon Community Theater group purchased it.

But that was only the beginning of their effort to save the silver screen.

“When we were replacing the roof, which was in dire need, many materials was pieced together in a not-so-desirable way,” said Stephanie Lundgren, a board member for the New Moon Community Theater.

The brickwork supporting the face and facade of the building were found deteriorating, further complicating the effort to restore theater.

The leaking roof wreaked have on the inside. Which, in a weird twist of fate, gave the group a good opportunity to bring back the theater’s classic aesthetic.

“We’ve got a magnificent description of the original interior of the theater,” said Melanie Miller, Board President of the group. “We would love to restore the interior of the theater to its original magnificence.”

But that’s a job, and a dream, for another day. The outside work didn’t exactly come cheap.

“Where we find ourselves now in terms of exterior renovations is we’ve spent this money, and now we need to start paying that money back,” Miller said.

“One of the members of our board has agreed to donate  $10,000 if we can find ten more people who are willing to donate $10,000.”

It’s called the 10k Challenge, and it marks the latest step in the building’s tumultuous history.

The New Moon Community Theater group sees potential in the place as more than just a nifty landmark for the town.

“We really want to use this building and this space to enrich the lives of folks around here,” Miller said. “We believe that storytelling through the arts, whether it’s film or music, really connects us. And we recognize our shared humanity, and I think that’s so important right now. Especially during this pandemic and the times in which we live.”