History of the Greebriar Theater at ASU

The Greenbriar is an intimate, first class movie theater located in the Plemmons Student Union. It was made possible by a generous gift from John McElwee of Wilkesboro, N.C. The theater made its debut on February 20, 2003 in a space once occupied by the PSU Game Room and later by Outdoor Programs.

Greenbriar offers a state-of-the-art movie experience that harkens back to the great American movie houses of the Art Deco period in the 20^th Century. It is equipped with the latest in digital projection equipment and has the finest Dolby digital sound experience found anywhere.

The theater accommodates 74 in oversized leather chairs with articulating backs. The lobby contains a concession stand with freshly popped popcorn and all concessions at retro prices.

Multiple display cases house one-sheets and pictures donated from Mr. McElwee’s personal collection of film memorabilia from the golden age of American film. Mr. McElwee worked with Dave Robertson and Phil Arnold on the design, which was thoughtfully carried out by Lee Nichols Hepler Architects of Charlotte.

John McElwee first suggested the idea for the theater in early 2002, after showing films from his private collection in conjunction with the APPS campus film series in I.G. Greer, before it was renovated and updated. Hoping for an improved viewing experience that would do justice to his fabulous collection of vintage American classics, John decided to give the students and faculty of Appalachian one of the best film theaters that exists on any college campus.

Today, the Greenbriar hosts the APPS “Cinema Vintage” series, as well as films for the English department’s various film studies classes and many other departmental film series each year.