For the movie studios, digital technology and the demise of film will save thousands of dollars per film print, but for the theatres, digital conversion comes at no small cost. The average conversion of just one auditorium costs a theatre $80,000 to $100,000! For small, one and two screen hometown cinemas like The Clayton, this is an unaffordable expense. As a result, over 3000 "mom and pop" cinemas in small towns across America may have to go dark.

For over 60 years The Clayton Theatre has brought affordable, family film entertainment to Dagsboro and the surrounding communities. As Delaware's last remaining first run single screen theatre, it is not only a piece of Delaware history, but a local landmark... known for generations in the area and newly discovered every year by people passing through. Owning the Clayton has truly been a labor of love and we have worked hard to keep this wonderful theatre alive, but now we are asking for your help.

According to equipment estimates for our theatre, we need to raise $85,000 over the next few months. Your contribution, now matter how small, will go toward purchasing the new digital projection and sound equipment needed to carry the Clayton Theatre into the digital age. With your help, digital projection will assure that future generations will continue to enjoy this little gem in Dagsboro that has been such an important part of our local history.