The Palace Theatre: A Student-Led Kansas Business
If you asked anyone in Oakley, Kansas, to name one of the town’s most unique treasures, chances are they’d direct you to the Palace Theatre. But what is it that makes this local spot so special? Aside from having a spooky secret, the theater is run entirely by the town’s high school seniors.
These aspiring entrepreneurs are gaining hands-on business management experience while providing a space for the community to enjoy. They handle everything from acquiring films and coordinating concession staff to managing finances.
Theater Operations
“The first student-led movie ran at the Palace Theater on November 7, 2003,” said Kim Munk, Oakley High School teacher. “The movie was Radio.”
Munk teaches the class of students who run the theater and serves as the manager to ensure everything runs smoothly.
The original Palace Theatre closed in 2001 and reopened in 2003 after being purchased by several community members. Every year, a new group of seniors takes over theater operations. At the end of the first semester, they swap roles so they can manage more than one position during the year.
Students must apply, and nine to eleven applicants are selected each year. Applicants are required to have passed Accounting I and are evaluated on previous attendance, overall GPA and a one-page letter explaining why they’re a good fit for the class.
This year, 10 students are leading the charge at the Palace Theatre.
- Movie playlist and trailers: Levi Renner
- Balance sheets and income statements: Ansley Moellering
- Checking and payroll: Madelyn Schiltz
- Website and marquee: Mariah Mildenberger
- Bills and invoices: Shanlee Beougher
- Accounting and moneybox: Kaylee Fink
- Sponsors and preshow: Audrey Holzmeister
- Advertising: Carter Krier
- Inventory: Taylor Sammons
- Scan cards: Ian Larshus
Sponsorships
With limited entertainment options in Oakley, going to the movies is a fun and affordable weekend outing for many, so keeping prices low is important. One of the student-led jobs entails obtaining sponsors. These sponsorships help cover the cost of procuring movies from the likes of Disney, Sony and Universal Studios to play at the theater.
“Our local businesses have been very supportive over the years,” said Munk. “Most of them will sponsor one weekend of the year.”
This support not only helps keep ticket prices lower but also helps students get involved in the financial aspect of running a theater.
Paving the Way
While the idea of opening a student-led business in your own community may be appealing, Munk shares that running the Palace Theatre is no walk in the park.
“It’s important to consider all the details that go into planning and operating this kind of venture. As the teacher and the manager of the theater, I work summers and holidays and am on call most weekends in case the students need me. But they do a great job, and we have a very successful business model that I’m proud to be part of.”
The students also take pride in their accomplishments at the Palace Theatre.
“I would recommend a similar concept to other communities because it teaches us a lot,” said Ansley Moellering, Palace Theatre student employee. “It’s great to get hands-on experience before entering the real world.”
Another student employee had similar sentiments.
“Other communities could use the same model, but with any kind of business or store,” said Carter Krier. “It would be exciting to see what ideas other places come up with.”
From serving the Oakley community to teaching students customer service skills and business management, the Palace Theatre business model is certainly one to emulate.
If you ever find yourself traveling through northwest Kansas along Interstate 70, stop in Oakley and visit the Palace Theatre for a movie and some delicious popcorn. And if you’re lucky, you might even hear a strange noise or two from the theater’s long-rumored friendly ghost.
