Activism | February 12th, 2025
FSU Film School Buys Regal Theater
By: Justin Lloyd
Florida State University’s film school has found a new home for its students to learn. The university has purchased the Regal Theater by the Governor Square Mall, and it will be used for the College of Motion Picture Arts, according to an FSU news release.
The Regal Theater closed on Dec. 3, 2024, and went on the market for $4.6 million. The same month, FSU was confirmed to be under contract as a buyer. The university officially purchased the property in late January for close to $4 million.
FSU Film School Expands with Regal Theater Purchase
In recent years, the FSU film school has been recognized as one of the best film programs in the nation. In 2024, The Wrap ranked FSU as the No. 11 film school in the nation while The Hollywood Report placed it No.17. The move to purchase the Regal Theater signifies an effort to stay among the elite film programs.
The new facility will enhance “the college’s production facilities and support its commitment to innovation by providing essential space for virtual production, production design and a new entrepreneurial feature film program, in addition to opportunities for screening films,” said FSU in a news release.
The new facility will also be home to Torchlight Studios, FSU’s Center for Cinematic Innovation. Students will have access to state-of-the-art production equipment and opportunities to network with alumni and film professionals.
FSU Leaders Celebrate New Theater for Students and Community
Reb Braddock, dean of the College of Motion Picture Arts, was among those excited about the purchase of the theater.
“This visionary move transforms the Governor’s Square theater into a true center for film appreciation and production, with a strong focus on community engagement,” Braddock said in the news release.
Braddock also recognized FSU first lady Jai Vartikar for her support in the purchase of the theater.
“We are profoundly grateful to Dr. Vartikar and the incredible leadership team of President Richard McCullough, Provost Jim Clark and Vice President Kyle Clark for making it possible for Florida State University to acquire the theater facilities,” he said.
FSU’s New Theater Boosts Film Opportunities and Community
The theater will create a plethora of opportunities for students, giving them a lot to be excited about. They will have a chance to use high tech production tools such as a virtual production stage which features an LED screen. Additionally, they can participate in exhibitions by Torchlight Cinematheque along with the rest of the community.
Paige Roberts, the head of recruiting for the College of Motion Picture Arts, said she’s most excited for the opportunity that students will have to connect.
“The new theater is going to present a lot of opportunities for screening and community involvement,” Roberts said in the release.
Roberts is a 2012 graduate from FSU’s film school. She said it’s important for students to take advantage of the opportunities the new theater will present.
“The alumni that are going to get to come and speak to the students will be invaluable,” she said. “The growth and potential is limitless.”
FSU is hoping that the theater will eventually transform into a new home for film appreciation within the community and a place where they can mold future filmmakers.
