Membership Update
What's New
A Note to Nightlight Members About 2026
Members of The Nightlight,
Your support has carried us through a year of significant changes. You shape so much of what The Nightlight is, and where we're going next.
As we have settled into life with two screens and a much fuller programming schedule, it's become clear that our membership program needs to grow with us, so I want to share openly about what's changing and why.
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With unprecedented growth comes the responsibility to keep The Nightlight sustainable for the long term.
This past year brought more attendance, more showtimes, and more special events than ever before. It's been exciting, but it also means higher ongoing costs, more staff on site, more wear and tear on the building, and more day-to-day work to keep everything running smoothly.
That's why we're looking to expand our small but mighty team — because the pace of two screens and a growing community deserves the proper support behind the scenes. They are the people who welcome you at the box office, serve popcorn, run projection, and host filmmakers — and they are a big part of why this place feels the way it does.
There's also a piece that many people never see. On average, about half of every ticket — even tickets that are free through memberships, guest vouchers, and passes — is paid directly to film distributors. We cover the distributor cost for every ticket redeemed. It supports the filmmakers and distributors we love, but it does add up quietly in the background.
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Half of every ticket redeemed is paid directly to film distributors — including free ones through memberships, guest vouchers, and passes.
We knew our model would need to shift once we became a two-screen cinema, but we didn't want to rush the process. We needed time to see how people were actually using the space and to understand the new patterns that came with expansion.
So we are incredibly grateful for the thoughtful feedback you shared in our recent membership survey: your responses helped confirm what needed to evolve and guided us as we shaped this updated structure.
With all this in mind, we're updating our membership tiers for 2026 to reflect how people actually use the theater today and to keep The Nightlight sustainable for the long term.
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New tiers
Our New Levels:
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Bronze
- $6 / Monthly
- $60 / Annual
(2 months free) - $3 off each ticket
- Free popcorn refills
- Member Monday
Guest discount:
$3 off - 5% merch discount
Silver
- $12 / Monthly
- $120 / Annual
(2 months free) - $6 off each ticket
- Free popcorn refills
- Member Monday
Guest discount:
$3 off - 10% merch discount
Gold
- $25 / Monthly
- $250 / Annual
(2 months free) - 5 free admissions per month;
$6 tickets after cap - Free S/M popcorn per visit, or $4 L + free refills
- Member Monday
Guest discount
$6 tickets - 15% merch discount
Platinum
- $40 / Monthly
- $400 / Annual
(2 months free) - Unlimited free admission
- Free popcorn any size + free refills
- Member Monday Guest discount:
$6 off - 20% merch discount
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What's Changing
Starting this Saturday, updated prices will apply to anyone joining as a new member or renewing a monthly plan.
Updated Pricing for Each Tier
Member ticket pricing is being adjusted to reflect the real cost of operating a two-screen, year-round cinema — while keeping strong member value at every level.
BRONZE & SILVER
Bronze remains 25% off every ticket.
Silver remains 50% off every ticket.
Monthly Bronze membership increases from $5 to $6.
Monthly Silver membership increases from $10 to $12.
Annual membership pricing for both Bronze and Silver stays the same: all annual plans now include two months free.
GOLD
Gold is evolving to better reflect how members actually use the theater, while keeping the experience valuable and sustainable.
Gold now includes five free movies each month without rollover. After the first five films, additional tickets are available at a discounted member price of $6.
Gold also includes:
• One free small or medium popcorn per visit, or
• $4 off a large popcorn
Monthly Gold membership increases from $20 to $25.
Annual Gold membership pricing increases by $10, which includes two months free.
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Current Annual Gold Members
If you currently have an annual Gold membership, you keep your full twelve-month term exactly as purchased.
To honor the unlimited access and benefits included in your current plan, your membership will be upgraded at no cost to our new tier Platinum for the remainder of your annual term.
No action is needed from you, and this upgrade will not auto-renew.
As your membership approaches renewal, we’ll reach out to help you choose the tier that works best for you moving forward.
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Introducing Platinum
For those who want the fullest access or can support the cinema at a higher level, Platinum offers unlimited movies and popcorn and is the closest match to the former unlimited Gold plan.Guest Passes Are Being Retired
We're phasing out free guest passes and vouchers to keep the system transparent and manageable. Member Monday guest discounts will continue in a simpler tier-based format.
An Expanded Membership Experience in 2026
As our theater and community grow, so will the opportunities to connect and to enjoy cinema together.
These additions are designed to make membership feel more rewarding, more social, and more connected. They are the foundation, and we will continue building on them with your input throughout the year.
- Quarterly Member Mixers
Relaxed gatherings where you can meet fellow members, talk about films, connect with staff, and help shape this growing community.- Special Member-Only Events
... including filmmaker conversations, behind-the-scenes nights, and a few surprises we already have in the works.
- Advance Member Screenings
Early access to select films throughout the year, beginning this spring.... including filmmaker conversations, behind-the-scenes nights, and a few surprises we already have in the works.
- A Dedicated Member Coordinator
We are excited to welcome Saelyx Finna, a longtime volunteer and supporter, as our new Member Coordinator. Saelyx will help organize mixers, coordinate event opportunities, and keep members connected and informed through regular member-only newsletters.Hero Image
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Here’s What’s Changing
Members Make Our Mission Possible
Membership has always been essential to The Nightlight, but it’s more than a program — it’s the community that gives this place its character. You show up for independent films, you bring curiosity, and you help make the cinema feel like a genuine gathering space rather than just a theater.
Your support gives us the stability to keep going and keep growing, especially now as independent cinemas across the country face real challenges. These updates help us honor that commitment, support the people who make your experience possible, and keep The Nightlight strong for the long term.
If you have questions about the membership changes, please see the FAQs below or reach out to me directly at jkidd@nightlightcinema.com.
Thank you for being part of this community. ♥️
See you at the movies,
Jenn Kidd
Changes FAQs
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FAQs
Why adjust memberships now?
With two screens, more than double the programming, our costs have increased. Updating the tiers keeps membership sustainable without reducing the experience.
When do new prices and benefits begin?
New prices start this Saturday, December 13.
New benefits take effect on January 1 for all members.
How do Bronze, Silver, and Gold change?
All three tiers will see minor price adjustments.
Bronze and Silver discounts increase slightly.
Gold includes five free films per month, discounted tickets after that, and a free small or medium popcorn or $4 off a large.
Why put a cap on Gold?
Most Gold members already see one to five films per month. Setting a cap keeps the tier sustainable while still offering discounted tickets to our most frequent visitors.
What is Platinum?
Platinum is our new unlimited tier, offering unlimited movies, unlimited popcorn, and higher-level support for the cinema.
What about guest passes and vouchers?
We are retiring free guest passes and vouchers. Even when a ticket is free to the member or guest, we still pay about 50% of its value directly to film distributors. Simplifying this helps us stay sustainable while still offering an easy Member Monday guest discount.
I bought an annual membership recently. What happens?
You keep your full twelve-month term exactly as purchased. On January 1, your benefits automatically shift to the new structure. No action is needed from you.
Do I need to do anything?
No. Your account stays the same, and your updated benefits will apply on January 1.
Who can I contact with questions?
You can always reach me directly at jkidd@nightlightcinema.com.
FAQ Boxes
Why adjust memberships now?
With two screens, more than double the programming, our costs have increased. Updating the tiers keeps membership sustainable without reducing the experience.
When do new prices and benefits begin?
New prices start this Saturday, December 13.
New benefits take effect on January 1 for all members.
New benefits take effect on January 1 for all members.
How do Bronze, Silver, and Gold change?
All three tiers will see minor price adjustments. Bronze and Silver discounts increase slightly. Gold includes five free films per month, discounted tickets after that, and a free small or medium popcorn or $4 off a large.
Why put a cap on Gold?
Most Gold members already see one to five films per month. Setting a cap keeps the tier sustainable while still offering discounted tickets to our most frequent visitors.
What is Platinum?
Platinum is our new unlimited tier, offering unlimited movies, unlimited popcorn, and higher-level support for the cinema.
What about guest passes and vouchers?
We are retiring free guest passes and vouchers.
Even when a ticket is free to the member or guest, we still pay about 50% of its value directly to film distributors.
Simplifying this helps us stay sustainable while still offering an easy Member Monday guest discount.
I bought an annual membership recently. What happens?
You keep your full twelve-month term exactly as purchased. On January 1, your benefits automatically shift to the new structure. No action is needed from you.
Do I need to do anything?
No. Your account stays the same, and your updated benefits will apply on
January 1.
Who can I contact with questions?
You can always reach me directly at jkidd@nightlightcinema.com.
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Disclaimer
*Free or discounted admissions may be used only by the named member themselves, once per regular showtime. Exceptions may apply to special events or offsite screenings.
**Ticket vouchers are given upon sign-up and repeat with every 12 months of membership.
Membership FAQ
Membership FAQ
If you have any questions about your membership visit our FAQ page.
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