Youth group reopens Kansas City, Kan., shopping mall multiplex

KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- It has a "Hey, let's put on a show" ring.

A youth group in Kansas City, Kan., is reopening a multiplex movie theater at the Indian Springs shopping center. But there's nothing amateur about the plan: Members of the Ravens Youth Organization, with help, will screen first-run movies, put on professional smiles and offer a clean, comfortable movie experience so lacking in the central city.

It's called Ravens Community 6 Theater. The Ravens, a junior police cadet program for ages 5 to 21, also runs sports and cheerleading programs and holds "safe zone" parties. The idea is intriguing, even if success is hardly assured.

Some 35 members of the youth group will work the box office, take tickets, work concessions and usher. Besides earning paychecks, they'll learn job skills and get an education on running a business. And Kansas City, Kan., residents will get a first-class movie house at an attractive ticket price, $6.50 for adults, $4 for seniors and children.

"I don't think anybody's ever tried it before," said Michael Simmons, president of the non-profit Ravens and a Kansas City, Kan., police officer. "We're going to give the same service they give everywhere else -- and maybe better. We knew if we went into this, it would have to be first-rate everything."

Except for a four-month period earlier this year, the theater has been closed since the mid-1990s. It was revived as Springs Cinema 6 but shut down in April because of small crowds.

Crystal Booker, general manager of Ravens Community 6 Theater, said the organization's roots in the city will help bring customers and success. Some extra services will help, too, she said. Because security is important, Ravens members will serve as escorts, walking patrons to their cars. Security patrols will keep watch on the parking lot.

A place for youths to go

In the works is a plan to offer Saturday bus rides to the movies, Simmons said. For $8, youngsters will get a movie ticket, a ride to the theater and a treat. Since the project began in July, the carpets have been cleaned, floors painted or waxed, chairs reupholstered, and, of course, lots of gum scraped.

"That was pretty gross," Booker said.

Booker, a former AMC theater manager, said the business office could use several donated computers. Lockers for the employees would be nice, too. To the left of the lobby, past the glowing arcade games and the concession area, a storage room has been converted into a staff break room.

"The kids can do homework in between shows and on their breaks," Booker said. "It would be cool to have a computer in here, too."

Training employees has been one of the biggest jobs, from how to run a cash register to how to handle frustrated customers.

"The kids are very sharp and eager to learn," said Booker, who added that employees are required to maintain a "C" average in school to keep their jobs.

"A lot of our youth get a bad rap. I think the public will be impressed."

Fifteen-year-old Chatara Oliver, a student at Schlagle High School, plans to work a couple of days a week in concessions and has been learning about customer relations.

"You have to be calm and courteous, just make sure you're respectful," she said. "And remember that the customers are always right."

Princeton Summerville, a 14-year-old who attends Sumner Academy, said he and other employees made certain the place sparkled, down to scrubbing bathrooms and trash receptacles.

"It was a lot of work," he said.

At a Ravens "suggestion" meeting several weeks ago, Princeton voiced the hope that concession prices wouldn't be "so outrageous." Others agreed. Candy bars will be $1 and hot dogs $2. Simmons said the idea to operate the theater originated at a brainstorming session.

"They were telling stories about how they had to go to Johnson County to go to the movies, and how they really don't want them there," he said. "It was basically, 'What could we do to give kids someplace to go?' All kids love movies."

John Trevor, general manager at Indian Springs shopping center said the theater idea was creative and the Ravens' business plan solid, enough that the group was given a reduced price on the lease.

"We felt like we could give them a situation where they could grow into it, without taking a big bite," Trevor said. "And having a good theater operation is good for us."

The mall still needs retail anchors, Trevor said, but now has a decent mix of office use and retail with about 30 shops. About half the shops are Hispanic businesses, including a Mexican bakery. So far, loans and donations have kept the Ravens' theater project going. They hope eventually to have all six theaters operating, with one theater dedicated to Hispanic films.

The financial goal is modest: Generate enough money to pay the bills.