By Rhys Baker

The Rex Theatre in Clay Center continues to show afternoon movies when USD 379 Clay County Schools have an early release day. This Friday is the first one of the school year. Manager of The Rex Theatre Renee Langvardt says that following the 2018 renovations, she heard many stories about people meeting at the theatre or spending time with friends and family there. Those stories and her love of watching after-school specials with her sister gave her the idea of hosting movies on early release days.

“I wanted to re-create something along that line, and early dismissal is a great thing for the teachers and students, but for working parents, that could pose a challenge. Early dismissal can throw a wrench in things if you’re working, and taking off early is hard.”

Langvardt says she has missed one early dismissal since managing the theatre, and multiple kids let her know she missed it! She wants others to know that early dismissal movies don’t just happen. Due to movie studio rights, she can’t just show any film she wants; the event takes some planning. “Anytime I show a movie at the theater. I have to have a license. I have a contract fee I have to pay because the studios will always want their money. I can do one of two things: certain titles are released for movie theatre play, or I’m showing the wild robot this upcoming week because I still have a contract for it, but they are always family friendly.”

As Langvardt stated, this week’s early dismissal movie is The Wild Robot, which will play on Friday at 12:30 p.m.