FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lake Theatre Inc. Forms to Revitalize Historic Clear Lake Movie Theatre
CLEAR LAKE, IA – July 8, 2025 – Aaron and Erin Donaldson, the current owners of Lake Theatre, have created a new not-for-profit organization, Lake Theatre Inc., with the mission to upgrade, modernize, and preserve the beloved historic movie theatre in Clear Lake, Iowa for continued enjoyment for decades to come. This exciting initiative aims to transform the current theatre into a vibrant cultural hub for the community.
For more than 90 years, the Clear Lake movie theatre, located at 4 N 4th Street, Clear Lake, IA, has served as a cornerstone of entertainment and community gathering. Originally converted to a theatre from an opera house in 1935 following a fire, the theatre has served as a staple in the community and a beloved symbol of the small- town charm with big city amenities that North Iowa residents appreciate. The theatre is often referred to as the “home of our first kiss” and a beloved icon of the community! However, time and changing circumstances have taken their toll, and the theatre is in urgent need of significant investment and care to ensure its future.
The Donaldsons bought the theatre in 2016 with the intent of preserving it and ensuring its continued operation for the residents of Clear Lake and North Iowa, but the economic realities of the costs of the needed renovations mean a new model is needed to realize that vision. The not-for-profit Lake Theatre Inc. was established to allow for the community to participate in achieving the goal of preserving this local landmark. "We believe the Clear Lake movie theatre is more than just a building; it's a vital part of our town's history and a key to its future vibrancy," said Aaron Donaldson. "Our goal is to not only save this historic gem but to transform it into a modern, multi-purpose facility that will serve as a hub for film, performing arts, educational programs, and community events."
Board members have been meeting over the past several months with community leaders, potential donors and city officials to present their idea earlier and the support has been overwhelmingly positive! After presenting a comprehensive report on the history of the theatre, the needed improvements, and the shared vision for the future of the theatre City officials voted to invest in this important community resource by becoming the anchor donor in the restoration/renovation, with a $600,000 forgivable loan investment spread out over the next three years towards the organizations $2.4 million goal.
“The Lake Theatre has been a cornerstone of culture and community in Clear Lake for over a century,” said Mayor Crabb. “Supporting this renovation is about more than restoring a historic building—it’s about investing in a vibrant downtown and ensuring future generations can enjoy this beloved space. We’re proud to stand behind a project that honors the past while looking boldly toward the future. I want to sincerely thank Aaron and Erin Donaldson for their vision, dedication, and continued commitment to preserving the theatre as a community treasure.”
The organization’s immediate priorities include:
- Fundraising: Launch a comprehensive fundraising campaign to secure the
necessary capital for restoration and improvement costs. - Renovations: Draw up final plans to renovate the former balcony into a micro- theatre, expand the lobby and restrooms, and renovate and upgrade the main auditorium to bring back the stage for concerts, spoken word and other community events. The hope is to begin renovations in January 2026.
- Community Engagement: Actively involve area residents and businesses in the planning and revitalization process.
- Executive Director: Undertake the search for an executive director who will be responsible for overseeing the operations, marketing, and community development efforts of the theatre.
"We envision a theatre that retains its historic charm while incorporating state-of-the-art technology and comfortable amenities," adds Erin Donaldson. "This project will not only bring families back to Clear Lake by having two screens but also create a dynamic space for live performances, workshops, and gatherings that will enrich the lives of everyone in our community."
Lake Theatre Inc. invites individuals, local businesses and community groups to join in this exciting endeavor. Opportunities for involvement include:
- Donations: Financial contributions are crucial to the success of this project.
- Partnerships: Collaborating with local organizations and businesses.
For more information, visit www.clearlaketheatre.com or boxoffice@clearlaketheatre.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates on our progress.
With the collective support of the Clear Lake community, Lake Theatre Inc. is confident that the beloved movie theatre will once again shine as a beacon of culture and entertainment for generations to come.
About Lake Theatre Inc: Lake Theatre Inc. is a newly-formed not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and renovation of the historic movie theatre in Clear Lake, Iowa. Its mission is to transform this local landmark into a vibrant cultural and community center, offering diverse programming and enriching the lives of Clear Lake residents. Its status as a 501(c)(3) organization is pending, making all donations tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Contact: Aaron Donaldson, President & Chairman aaron@clearlaketheatre.com 641-357-2414