Today we’d like to introduce you to Miranda Waldvogel.
Hi Miranda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was always a movie lover. Movie nights were a regular family activity growing up: We’d take a trip to Blockbuster or Hollywood Video once a week and pick up a film to watch. Some of my earliest memories includes renting Hitchcock’s THE BIRDS or watching the 1925 THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and watching it with my family.
I never considered pursuing film as a career until college. My roommate was a film major and would regularly invite me to watch his assigned films. Before long, I found myself obsessed, following the Oscars like March Madness, the playoffs, or the World Cup. I ended up graduating as an English major with a minor in Film Studies.
A few years ago, a friend of mine asked what my dream job would be. I responded: It would be running a small, independent, local cinema in a small town. She responded, “So, basically you want to work at Zoetropolis?” Turns out, I did. Several years later, I ended up meeting the right people at the right time, and provided me with the opportunity to take on the position as the theater manager. Looking back, it’s crazy how prophetic that conversation became.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Everything happens at the right time. I definitely struggled with self-doubt for several years. Could I make my “hobby” a career? Was it wise to pay thousands of dollars to study film studies in college? Even if I did enjoy that area of study, what would I even do in the film industry?
Furthermore, there was a lot of trial, error, and experimentation. I tried writing reviews for a time, but never published them. I started a podcast with a friend, but it fizzled out after a year. Honestly, there was a period where I accepted that I may not do anything with my degree except enjoy the art of filmmaking. So, I decided to just enjoy movies and watch as many as I could.
My period of self-doubt ended when I started becoming friends with other film buffs. Some of them invited me to plan an event at Zoetropolis. This planted the seed to being offered a position at the theater.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the theater manager at Zoetropolis in Lancaster, PA! Zoetropolis is an independent, arthouse cinema. We’re also a restaurant and we distill our own liquors. (Our liquor brand is ‘Lancaster Distilleries.’)
As the theater manager, I handle administrative tasks for the theater. I obtain film rights, schedule films, and manage the theater schedule, which includes live music events and private rentals. While I’m not a tech genius, it’s my responsibility to ensure that our movie technology is working and troubleshoot any issues that arise. Otherwise, I also maintain the website and email.
I’m known for my positivity and bubbly disposition; however, I’m most proud of the films I’ve brought to the Zoetropolis screen. Oftentimes, independent films don’t sell well, and WWW.RACHELORMONT.COM was one of those instances. However, it was probably my favorite film we’ve ever shown during my time at Zoetropolis.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest piece of advice when it comes to finding a mentor is to find mentors with the same values as you. One of my favorite parts of Zoetropolis is our involvement in community initiatives. Whether it’s partnering with the local YWCA for racial equality or partnering with immigration advocacy organizations, Zoetropolis is a space for the community to lean on each other. This is largely due to the culture ownership has established at Zoetropolis and the freedom they’ve given me to support causes close to our hearts.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our LGBTQ+ customers. They are the backbone of Zoetropolis, and we are proud to be Lancaster’s unofficial gay bar. Again, this comes from aligned values and creating a culture of love and acceptance.
Pricing:
- $20 monthly membership (optional)
- $10 monthly membership (optional)
- $5 monthly membership (optional)
- Yearly membership (prices vary)
- Drinks range from $4-$15
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zoetropolis.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoetropolis
