Hippodrome Cinema

Hippodrome Cinema is the film exhibition programme of the Hippodrome State Theatre, a professional theatre company based in Gainesville, Florida. The cinema operates within the Hippodrome's venue and presents a curated mix of independent films, foreign-language titles, documentaries and timeless classics, positioning itself as a community-oriented art house rather than a mainstream multiplex. It is closely tied to the theatre's broader mission to engage, challenge and inspire its audience through storytelling in all its forms. The cinema offers a membership programme priced at $25 per year, which provides a $2 discount per ticket for every Hippodrome Cinema programmed movie and one complimentary small popcorn. Tickets for members are available exclusively through the box office or by phone reservation. The cinema also maintains a dedicated newsletter to keep patrons informed about upcoming screenings and events. As part of the Hippodrome State Theatre, the cinema benefits from the theatre's long history in Gainesville. The parent organisation was founded in 1972 by six artists and has grown into a cultural anchor for the region, presenting professional theatre and educational programmes. The cinema extends that mission to film, offering a communal viewing experience that complements the live performances on the theatre's stages. While the Hippodrome Cinema brand is distinct from the historic Hippodrome Cinema in Ashington, England — a former cinema that is now defunct — the Gainesville operation remains active and continues to serve local film lovers. Its programming emphasises stories worth seeing together, reflecting the theatre's commitment to community engagement and artistic excellence.

The Hippodrome Cinema is the film exhibition programme of the Hippodrome State Theatre, a professional theatre company founded in Gainesville, Florida, in 1972. The theatre was established by six artists — Bruce Cornwell, Gregory Hausch, Mary Hausch, Kerry (McKinney) Oliver-Smith, Marilyn Wall and Orin Wechsberg — with the goal of presenting challenging contemporary theatre. By its official founding date of April 18, 1973, the Hippodrome had acquired its name, established a home in a converted hardware and convenience store, and selected a season of plays and theatre classes for children. During its first season, it presented seven mainstage productions and toured two productions for children. In 1975, the theatre moved to a larger space, an empty warehouse that served as its home for the next five years. These years saw significant professional and artistic development, with the company gaining national prominence and statewide support for its creative approach. In 1979, the Hippodrome moved again, eventually settling into its current location in downtown Gainesville. Over the decades, the organisation expanded its programming to include not only live theatre but also film, education and community engagement. The cinema component emerged as part of the Hippodrome's broader mission to engage, challenge and inspire the community through storytelling. By the 2010s and 2020s, the Hippodrome Cinema was regularly screening independent films, documentaries, foreign-language titles and classic movies, often with thematic programming. It introduced a Cinema Membership programme, priced at $25 per year, offering members a $2 discount per ticket for every Hippodrome Cinema programmed movie and one complimentary small popcorn. The cinema also distributes a dedicated newsletter to keep audiences informed. Unlike the historic Hippodrome Cinema in Ashington, England, which is a former cinema and no longer operating, the Gainesville Hippodrome Cinema remains an active venue. It continues to serve as a cultural hub for film lovers in North Central Florida, complementing the theatre's live performances with a diverse film slate that emphasises stories worth seeing together.

• 1979

  Theatre relocates again, eventually settling in downtown Gainesville.

• 1975

  Theatre moves to a larger warehouse space, its home for five years.

• 1973

  Official founding date of April 18; first season with seven mainstage productions and two touring children's productions.

• 1972

  Hippodrome State Theatre founded by six artists in Gainesville, Florida.

• Hippodrome Cinema introduces Cinema Membership at $25 per year with ticket discounts and complimentary popcorn.

Community-oriented art house cinema within a professional theatre, focused on independent and classic films.

• Independent film screenings

• Classic film screenings

• Documentary screenings

• Foreign-language films

• Cinema Membership

1. 1Cinema | Experience Films Now – Join Us — The Hippodrome State Theatrethehipp.org
2. 2About | Explore Theater Today — Join Us — The Hippodrome State Theatrethehipp.org
3. 3Hippodrome Cinema - Wikidatawikidata.org