BEHIND THE SCENES Many movie goers don’t see the behind the scenes of what they’re watching, and even less the back-work that maintains a theatre like the Varsity opened. Paul needed to reach a bigger audience to venture into the theatre, so he did what he thought would be best. Half of the business now is when he rents out the venue to somebody else. Just this month, the Varsity will be hosting about 40 different events. While some are as elementary as a children’s birthday party, other’s involve months of planning and preparation. Some upcoming events are the Rocky Horror Picture show by the UNC Pauper Players, Pop Up Chorus with the Carolina Ukulele band and Loreleis, NBC screenings, improv comedy, and after a 360 degree turn, the theatre will again partner with the Ackland Art Center to showcase their annual art festival. Paul is always happy to help out the community. It’s because of them this theatre is what it is. Many of the events they do give back to Chapel Hill. In recent years the Varsity has also hosted UNC vs. Duke watch parties, film festivals, and even a cancer benefit concert. “It’s part of that community thing: the university, the town, just everyone. Movies is the last thing we really do.” -Paul Shareshian
Valentina Arismendi