Get to know the Artcraft’s supporting cast - Linda Bielawski and Mike Hill

Behind the scenes of The Historic Artcraft Theatre  and Madison Street Salvage is a group of outstanding supporting cast volunteers. These volunteers help Franklin Heritage, Inc (FHI) with everything from popping popcorn, salvaging properties, and decorating for the holidays. Their work ensures moviegoers always have a fantastic experience. Two of the Artcraft’s volunteers are Linda Bielawski and Mike Hill. Linda and Mike are the de facto leaders of the ‘Punch List Crew’ -- a group of behind-the-scenes volunteers who support FHI in historical renovations and managing show nights. They have worked on many restoration projects, including the theatre seat restoration and painting.

We sat with Linda and Mike to discuss why they enjoy volunteering at the Artcraft.

​Linda Bielawski

How long have you volunteered at the theater? 
I have volunteered at the Artcraft for about six years.

What do you do for the theatre when you volunteer?
I do various volunteer work for the theater and Madison Street Salvage. I have been part of the continued restoration of the theater. In the beginning, I started working with the crew on the seat project, replacing all the seats in the theater. I helped remove the seats, prepare the framework, paint, and reinstallation. I was on the volunteer committee, when we had one, and was a participant in maximizing the volunteer experience. 

I was also one of the paint/restoration project leaders for the inside of the theater. I led the crew in restoring the tile walls and painting the theater walls and the entire proscenium. I have done a lot of painting!
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I made the curtains for the hallways off the theater to backstage, as well. My husband, a board member, and I also do general maintenance for the theater and fix anything needed. I often work in the concession stand for events and movies and as a volunteer manager for movie nights. I love helping out! I also volunteer at Madison Street Salvage and have made some stained glass pieces that I donated for them to sell, which in turn helps the theater. I love working with the crew there; especially going on salvage jobs to recover items for them to sell.
 
If you could pick a movie to show at the Artcraft, what would it be and why?
I would choose to have another film festival that showcases several movies from the same director or writer! We sponsored the Tim Burton Film Festival and Alfred Hitchcock Festival and would love to see additional programming like these.

What is your favorite concession snack? 
My favorite concession snack is the fabulous popcorn and Snickers!

Why do you volunteer at the Artcraft?
I volunteer at the Artcraft because I support the mission of Franklin Heritage, Inc. I love working with all the staff and volunteers who give their time. I enjoy being part of the Artcraft community while restoring and preserving a historic theater and community.
 
What is your favorite part about volunteering?
My favorite part of volunteering is working with everyone and having a great time. Seeing the impact all the hard work brings while encouraging others to participate.

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Mike Hill

​ How long have you volunteered at the theater?
My wife and I moved here from Illinois about twelve years ago. We both started volunteering soon after we were settled.

What do you do for the theatre when you volunteer?
Most of my time has been focused on the restoration side. That would include the marquee, painting, the cottage next door, the seat restoration, and more. In addition to that, I volunteer for the film program from time to time.

If you could pick a movie to show at the Artcraft, what would it be and why?
That would be tough! It would be ‘Field Of Dreams’ or ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’. I would choose ‘Field Of Dreams’ because of the storyline, where it was filmed, the characters, and the nostalgia of it all. And ‘Monty Python’ because it’s just complete silliness from beginning to end.

What is your favorite concession snack?
That would have to be Diet Dr. Pepper with a shot of Triple XXX Root Beer. Try it!

Why do you volunteer at the Artcraft?
If we hadn’t moved to where we did, I don’t know that we would have ever considered volunteering at the theatre. But thank goodness we did, and the friendships that we enjoy now because of it are amazing!

What is your favorite part about volunteering?
The friends that we have there and seeing the improvements first hand.
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Are you interested in volunteering at The Historic Artcraft Theatre?  Get the details here!