Members of the DeKalb community are coming together to restore the Egyptian Theatre to its original magnificence.

The volunteer committee is fundraising to restore the original seating in the theater that dates back to 1929.

This historical landmark is celebrating its 80th year of existence, and in order to maintain its importance in the community, the restoration committee has been working around the community to promote interest in the project.

Life-size figures of the Egyptian pharaohs and queens have been placed in well-known locations around the county. Also, on Sept. 17, Truman’s Ridge, a bluegrass group, will present a concert in the theater in support of this project. Guests will be presented the opportunity to donate new seats which will bear a nameplate in honor of the donor.

“[The theater] is an important part of DeKalb history as well as a great asset for DeKalb, as it is still used on a regular basis,” said Ron Klein, a volunteer for the restoration committee.

Mary Beth Van Buer, chair for the restoration committee, said 1,400 seats will be restored in the theater. About one-fourth of the needed $400,000 in funding for the overall renovations of the theater has already been donated.

Seats are going for $500-$1,000 each, and donors can have written whatever they want on their donor nameplate on the seat. DeKalb native and actor Richard Jenkins has already donated $1000 to a seat in the theater, Van Buer said.

“We are hoping that even though the economy isn’t the best, people will still come forward and help us on our venture to restore this theater that has meant a lot to so many people,” Van Buer said.

Denise Rode, director of orientation and first-year experience and volunteer of the restoration committee, has grown up going to the Egyptian Theatre and has some very special memories of the landmark.

“Like many others who have grown up in DeKalb, the Egyptian Theatre is part of my history. It’s where I saw some great movies like “To Kill A Mockingbird” as well as live theatre and dance productions, lectures, school concerts and recitals,” Rode said.

Van Buer said small amounts of renovations have been going on in the theater for about 30 years now. In addition to renewing the seats, the restoration committee is also working towards restoring lighting, a new sound track, stage curtains and implementing air conditioning into the theater. These renovations, including others, aren’t expected to be complete for a few years.

“I’m glad to join the effort to restore this 80-year-old jewel so that current and future generations will be able to enjoy for years to come,” Rode said.

Tickets for the Sept. 17 benefit can be bought online and all proceeds will go toward the seating renovations.

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