When my husband and I moved to the Mad River Valley in 2004, the Big Picture Theater was just opening its doors. From the start, it was so much more than a place to watch movies – it was a gathering place that brought people together in meaningful ways.
Over the years, we spent countless evenings there with friends and neighbors. We learned about world events through the Green Mountain Global Forum, watched sneak previews of Eugene Jarecki’s documentaries before they went on to win major awards, and took part in community discussions and local candidate debates. The café was the perfect spot to meet friends for dinner, grab a drink before a film, or simply catch up. The Big Picture wasn’t just entertainment – it was connection.
Then came COVID. The pandemic changed everything. We got used to streaming movies at home, and many of our old community rhythms faded away. Isolation crept in quietly, even as our Valley grew. During that time, many new families moved here – families who never had the chance to experience what the Big Picture once was, or to see how it brought people of all ages together.
Now, we have an opportunity to rebuild this community hub – and to make it even better than before. With the restaurant and bar open again, a nonprofit foundation, The Bigger Picture Community Fund, supporting the theater and programming, and volunteers pouring their energy into revitalizing the space, the Big Picture can once again become a part of The Valley’s cultural and social life.
Already, there’s a new sense of excitement. The Mountainfilm Festival drew a packed house this past weekend, Daybreaker Dance Parties bring people of all ages to their feet, and local musicians, comedians, and families are filling the space with laughter and energy. It feels like the spark is back – and growing brighter each week.
But to keep this momentum going – and to ensure the Big Picture thrives for years to come – community support (through membership) is needed. Annual memberships help sustain the nonprofit side of the Big Picture, allowing it to host films, performances, and programs that bring people together. It’s a simple but powerful way to invest in the place that invests in connection, creativity, and community.
Learn more or become a member at bigpicturetheater.info/support.
McDermott lives in Waitsfield.
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