Take a Seat!

INVEST IN THE POWER OF FILM AND LEAVE YOUR MARK ON THE ORIENTAL THEATRE!

Milwaukee Film needs your help!

While we made great advancements and improvements during our initial Oriental Theatre restoration, there is still work to be done! Being stewards of a historic building means a lot to us, and we want to continue the upkeep and restoration of our majestic cinema palace that is recognized as a treasured landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.

We are re-igniting our TAKE A SEAT CAMPAIGN to raise funds toward this goal. By purchasing a seat in the Oriental Theatre you can help sustain the future of Milwaukee’s favorite movie palace.

SEAT PRICING:

  • Center Premium Main house floor: $5,000
  • Side Aisles – Main house floor – $2,500
  • Main house balcony – $1,500
  • Side houses – $2,000

Purchase

Cinematic Sisterhood Seat Section

As part of our ongoing Cinematic Sisterhood partnership with the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee, until March 30, 2026, we are dedicating 40 seats in the Lubar Cinema to a Cinematic Sisterhood section. Funds raised from these seats will be divided between the two organizations to support both of our ongoing missions in celebration of the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee’s 40th anniversary in 2026! This is a limited time offer, with limited seating available, so if you are interested, don’t delay!

Purchase

Highlights from the first round of Take a Seat inscriptions

To get your creative juices flowing:

  • Put the candle back. -Gene Wilder
  • Good luck exploring the infinite abyss
  • Fasten your seatbelts…
  • Popcorn4Supper
  • aaand . . . action!
  • Wednesday Dates w/my BFF XOXO
  • In honor of my Mother who was a movie ticket taker in the 50’-60’s I got to see a wide variety of films.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose my seat plaque location?

You CAN choose from four different locations within the Oriental Theatre. Each location is associated with a specific contribution amount: Main House floor, center premium ($5,000); Main House floor, side aisles ($2,500); Main House, balcony ($1,500); and Side House ($2,000). You can NOT choose the specific aisle/row location of your seat.

When will my seat plaque be installed?

Seat plaques will be installed in 2026 to be ready for 2027, the 100th anniversary year of the Oriental Theatre!

When and how will I be billed?

You can pay by credit card online here, or you may make a pledge to Milwaukee Film by contacting rachel@mkefilm.org. If you would like to pay by check, please make checks payable to: Milwaukee Film and send to our administrative offices at: 2230 North Farwell Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202

Is my gift tax-deductible?

Yes! All seat gifts are 100 percent tax-deductible

Will my named seat be reserved for me at any screening I attend at the Oriental?

Naming a seat does not reserve that seat for your use. Your generous gift will contribute to the upkeep of this historic venue for generations to come.

Tell me about inscriptions! What should I include on my seat inscription?

You are welcome to name the seat for yourself, your family, or to honor or memorialize a friend or loved one – you decide! We will be in touch with you in advance of the seat installation to confirm your inscription. Milwaukee Film reserves the right to reject any inscription text.

How long can my seat inscription be?

Seat inscriptions can be up to three lines of 15 characters (including spaces) each.

How long will my plaque be on the seat?

Plaques will remain on the seats for the lifetime of the actual seat.

Associated Bank logo
Associated Bank logo

Proudly Supported by Associated Bank

Associated Bank is the official bank of Milwaukee Film. Learn more here