About Capri Theatre

The mission of the Capri Theatre is to preserve the Capri Theatre for the use of film, arts, culture, education and entertainment.

Capri Theatre • 1045 E Fairview Ave • Montgomery, AL 36106 • 334.262.4858

HISTORY
The Capri Theatre is in the heart of the Cloverdale neighborhood of Montgomery. It is owned and operated by the Capri Community Film Society, Inc., a non-profit organization.

Opened in July of 1941 as the Clover Theatre, it is now the longest continually operating movie theatre in Alabama.

The Clover was remodeled and became the Capri Theatre in December of 1962.

Originally built as part of the Wilby-Kincey chain, the Clover/Capri has had many owners and operators over the years. Finally in 1982, a group of neighbors formed the Capri Community Film Society to save the theatre. Their opportunity arose when the theatre was raided and closed by the district attorney who objected to it being a softcore porn theatre. Fearing the loss of their cherished, but rundown, neighborhood theatre, the Capri Community Film Society took over the lease and operation of the Capri Theatre.

Over the years the struggling non-profit managed to keep the theatre operating thanks to donations and memberships - and the work of its volunteer Board of Directors. During that time the theatre developed a reputation for its eclectic blend of Independent, Foreign, Popular and Classic films. Other groups, often with the support of the Capri, have aspired to similar programming, but none have successfully operated a full-time art house in a historic movie theatre.

In 2010 the Capri was unexpectedly put up for sale by its landlord. The Film Society had to conduct its biggest fundraising effort to date in order to purchase the building. The fundraising was successful and the Society was able to purchase the building in 2010, and own it free and clear by 2013.

Just in time for the conversion to digital.

The conversion to digital cinema was a major threat to the smaller theatres of America. Investments of up to $100,000 per screen to convert wiped out many small theatres and drive-ins, and strained the budget of many more. The Capri was no exception. But, once again, the people of Montgomery and fans of the Capri rallied to its support. The Capri conducted what was then the biggest Kickstarter campaign in Montgomery. The "DCI or DIE" campaign raised the money necessary to purchase and install a digital projector and supporting system. The Capri was saved once again.

The installation of the digital projector does not mean the Capri abandoned 35mm film. Although few current films are available on actual 35mm film, the theatre does occasional screenings of classic movies when prints are available.

With the ownership of the building secured, and the conversion to digital achieved, the Film Society was, after 30 years, ready to refurbish the theatre itself.

The Capri Theatre had not had a major renovation since its transformation to the Capri in 1962. The infrastructure was challenging - 1941 electrical and plumbing. The restrooms were inadequate and design flaws from the 1940's and 1960's affected the operation of the theatre.

In 2014 the Capri launched its first ever capital campaign - Lighting the Heart of Cloverdale. Again, the people of Montgomery supported the Capri with over $800,000 in pledges and donations, allowing the theatre to do complete major renovations in time for its 75th Anniversary.

In 2018, the Capri’s seats were all replaced. Capacity is 200.

The Capri Theatre’s brand new marquee was unveiled in May 2025.

In 2018, the Capri Community Film Society was leading up to the Marquee Magic Campaign, which was derailed by COVID.

Finally, in May 2025, the CCFS unveiled the brand new marquee.

There is still much work to do to the Capri, and the Film Society is gearing up to get it done. As always, the Capri needs your support to survive and prosper. Come to the movies. Become a member. And support the Capri Community Film Society.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Anton Jackson - President. The current director of the Montgomery Film Festival. He's held close ties with the Capri through various film festivals screenings and special events since 2009. Born and raised in Montgomery, he graduated from Huntingdon College with a BA in Art & Graphic Design.
Carol Barksdale - Is an artist represented by Gallery One Fine Art in Cloverdale. She also teaches watercolors, oils and acrylics. Carol loves our community and all it has to offer.
Wanda Howard Battle – is the Tour Director of Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama. She shares the history of the church, the work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the evolution of the civil rights movement. Human Rights and Social Justice have been shared with diverse international audiences. Wanda reminds them to do the work that Dr. King lived, to love and serve humanity. She is also Founder and CEO of Legendary Tours LLC which offers engaging online tours to visitors around the world.
Sara Elizabeth Burnham - Vice President of The Bloom Group, Inc and a realtor at Bell and Corwin. Married to John with three boys and a native Montgomerian.
Josh Carples - is a musician, actor, filmmaker, photographer, and the founder of Terrible Master Films. He has multiple albums out, has acted in a number of independent films, and has directed multiple music videos and films, including a short documentary about the Capri Theatre titled "Clover/Capri."
Anne Catherine Curtis
Chris Echols – is a native of Birmingham, AL, and has been serving as the Director of Event Technology at the Renaissance Hotel and Spa at the Convention Center in Montgomery since 2014. He also serves as Production Manager at First United Methodist Church and lives in Cloverdale-Idlewild with his wife Ivy and two dogs Ella and Bloo.
Alfredia Ford
Jeff McKinney - Jeff is an accomplished film actor, director/producer, photographer and founder of Early Riser Films, LLC. He is also the Manager of Event Operations for Backstge Productions, LLC at the Renaissance Hotel. He and his wife Carrie have been married for 24 years this November 2025 and have two sons, Noah and Nathan.
Sara Powell
Maurice Robinson
Ryan Wes Shaw
Karkie Tackett - Karkie Tackett is retired from Medical Education and has lived in Montgomery for 12 years. She's active in three book clubs, a food pantry and mmanuel Presbyterian Church. She's been a member of the Capri Community Film Society for several years.
Collette Williams – is a barista with Prevail at locations in downtown Montgomery and at Maxwell Airforce Base. She has only lived in Alabama since 2018, but is excited to see the growth and development shaping Montgomery's future. In her spare time she is an avid podcast listener, enjoys reading books, and of course, loves to watch movies.

MEET THE STAFF OF THE CAPRI

Adrian Lee Bush

Organization Director

Adrian brings a diverse background in performing arts, playwriting, and nonprofit leadership. Most recently, she served as Director of 50 PLUS & Sacred Arts Ministries at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery, where she developed vibrant community and intergenerational arts programming. Currently pursuing an MFA in Playwriting from Hollins University, Adrian also brings extensive experience in arts administration, education, and creative production. She is passionate about using the power of storytelling and community to expand access to the arts. A native of Alabama with deep ties to Montgomery’s cultural identity, Adrian is thrilled to join the historic Capri and help lead it into its next chapter.

Richard Sherman

Theatre Director

Richard has worked as the night manager of the Capri Theatre since March of 2015. Richard Sherman brings over ten years of experience and intimate knowledge of the Capri and its history. As a seasoned manager, he understands the unique needs and possibilities of the theatre. A Montgomery native and long time resident of Old Cloverdale, the Capri Theatre was instrumental in fostering a deep appreciation and love of film at an early age. He is an ardent cinephile and believes in the importance of the theatre experience as well as the sense of community movies can nurture. Richard is excited to enter a new role and help build upon and expand the Capri Theatre’s legacy as a Montgomery institution.

Eve Harmon

Marketing & Membership Manager

Eve Harmon is the third generation of her family with ties to the Capri. She first began volunteering at the Capri as a child at the Children’s Matinees in the 1990s. After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in English Literature, she returned to volunteer in 2007 and was hired to manage the Children’s Matinees in 2009, soon after taking on additional duties as Night Manager before becoming Assistant to the Director in 2014. As of 2026, she is the Capri’s Marketing and Membership Manager. She looks forward to continuing her support of the Capri, and getting others to support it as well.