Tough introduction New theater manager battling sparse audiences, new releases

WASHINGTON - Kaylin Vibbard has had a tough introduction as manager of the State Theater in Washington.

She started in September and has had to contend with sparse audiences and even sparser new releases from the studios.

Vibbard is originally from Marshalltown and graduated from East Marshall High School in 2013. She is from a family of seven with two older brothers and two younger sisters.

Vibbard has worked for Fridley Theatres nearly 10 years, working her way up from a janitor. Before moving to Washington, she was formerly a manager at the Oskaloosa Penn Centre Theater in Oskaloosa for two years.

When the manager in Washington put in notice she was leaving, the new opportunity was appealing.

'I get tired of repetitiveness,” Vibbard said. 'I'm always up for a new challenge.”

Being the longest continuous running movie theater in the world, Vibbard said she has a lot to learn about the history.

'I have this massive binder that is 5-inches thick that is full of history,” Vibbard said.

Vibbard said the transition was smooth and the former manager, Crystle Christner, still helps her with various tasks such as tours.

The State Theater is owned and operated by Fridley Theatres.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Vibbard said business for Fridley Theatres has dropped by nearly 90 percent each month since March. While viewers are staying away because they are concerned about catching COVID-19, Vibbard said the lack of new movies is a factor, too.

Vibbard said Fridley has been applying for funding grants.

'We anticipate additional federal stimulus dollars in the coming weeks and months,' she said.

Vibbard said the biggest challenge is making sure everything is clean and people are following the policies.

'Thankfully everyone has been really nice,” Vibbard said.

The theater has been offering to-go popcorn, gift card sales and more deals to keep afloat while attendance is low. They also have been renting the auditoriums out for birthday parties, gaming nights, meetings, company outings and other events, Vibbard said.