Our patrons love the films we show — and the fact that they can see them in Uptown Athens. We play films that would not otherwise be screened in our region.
What many people don’t realize is that the theater relies on support from donations and memberships to continue to bring in this exceptional and exciting programming.
As Southeast Ohio’s Premier Arthouse Theater, we cultivate unique experiences — from live Met Opera broadcasts to free educational events featuring engaging speakers and discussions.
Our commitment to cultural diversity and serving our community are core to our mission. Please help ensure that Athens retains an alternative to the corporate multiplex experience. Support your local arthouse theater today, and keep the Athena thriving for years to come.
As a gesture of our appreciation, we will shower you with perks including delicious local Shagbark Seed & Mill popcorn on every visit, year-round discounts and high visibility acknowledgment on our pre-show slides
Membership Levels
Our first membership level pays tribute to The Varsity Theater, which was located at 41 S. Court Street and operated from 1949-1989. The Varsity was a one screen theater and operated during a time when there were actually four theaters on Court Street, including the Ohio Theater at 34 N. Court and the Court Theater at 37 N. Court. The Varsity Membership is available in three varieties:
individual ($55), couple ($105) and senior 65 + ($50)
Benefits :
- Discounted admission of $4.00 to any regular admission show (does not include special events)
- One complimentary small Shagbark Seed & Mill popcorn or small soda on every visit
- Free admission on your birthday
- Membership benefits at other art house theaters across the nation (AHVMP)
- On-screen recognition for Varsity Level contribution before every show and on our website
Senior GiftIndividual GiftCouple Gift
Have you passed a Schine’s theater, or did you grow up with one in your town? For some time the theater was “Schine’s Athena” named for the brothers who emmigrated from Latvia to America in 1902 and started the largest independent theater chain in the country. The boys pulled themselves up by their bootstraps in a true American story of success. We honor the golden era of old Hollywood and our place in a rich history of theaters’ adaptation and resilience with our Schine’s Level. The Schine’s Membership is available in two varieties:
individual ($110) and couple ($210).
Benefits :
- Includes all benefits from our Varsity Level plus:
- Two free admissions annually
- One complimentary small Shagbark Seed & Mill popcorn and one small soda on every visit
- On-screen recognition for Schine’s Level contribution before every show and on our website
The Athena Cinema hosted its Grand Opening on June 3, 1915. Back then, it was called “The Majestic” and admission was 5 cents. This level honors more than century of keeping the “lights on” over Court Street. The Majestic Membership is available in two varieties:
individual ($220) and couple ($420).
Benefits :
- Includes all benefits from our Schine’s Level plus:
- Athena Cinema T-shirt in your color and size of choice
- Discounted member pricing for one accompanying guest to any show
- On-screen recognition for Majestic Level contribution before every show and on our website
The first film ever shown at the Athena Cinema was Mary Pickford’s Cinderella. Mary was a pioneering actor and influential producer at a time when few women held such power in the film industry. We honor our history and Mary’s legacy by naming our highest level in her honor. Any donation of $500 or more qualifies for a Pickford Membership.
Benefits :
- Includes all benefits from our Majestic Level plus: Two free passes for all regular admission films for the year (does not include special events)
- Up to two names per membership Pickford
- On-screen recognition for Pickford Level contribution before every show and on our website
Join today to add your name to our “thank you” slide.
All Membership Options
All Membership Gift Options
RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Login with your membership ID number and your last name to renew your membership online.
To renew in person, please visit the box office. Questions? We are happy to assist. Please call our office at 740.594.7382 and leave your name and number and a staff member will reach out as soon as possible.
The proceeds from your membership assist us in expanding our programming and reaching out to the community. The Athena is a mission-based cinema and has been showing film continuously since it opened in 1915. We thank all the film lovers who support our goal to be the finest premiere art house cinema in the region.
Membership benefits are not transferable. All memberships are valid for one full year.