In 2013, the Old Greenbelt Theatre was on the verge of collapse. Now, it thrives as the only nonprofit cinema in Prince George’s County. Much of this success can be attributed to Dr. Caitlin McGrath, the theater’s executive director, who was honored with her picture on the Greenbelt Wall of Fame at Beltway Plaza Mall on October 18.
McGrath moved to Greenbelt in 2011, after receiving a Ph.D. in cinema and media studies from the University of Chicago in 2010. In 2013, she was brought on to revitalize the theater. Since then, she founded the Friends of Greenbelt Theatre (FGT) with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and transformed the space into a community arts hub.
Friends, family and residents of the city gathered to celebrate McGrath’s contributions to the local arts community and the city at large. The ceremony, led by Marc “Kap” Kapastin, included remarks by a number of public officials, some of whom know firsthand the extent to which the revitalization of Old Greenbelt Theatre has energized the community.
Kapastin said the decision to honor McGrath by adding her photo to the Wall of Fame was easy, describing her as “an outstanding role model and an inspiration to others.” He acknowledged her creative drive in spearheading endeavors like the Beyond the Screen Initiative and Save Me a Seat Campaign, which, he said, have “led to the development of the unique enclave Greenbelt represents today.”
Minister David Harrington, a previous recipient of a spot on the Wall of Fame, opened the event by reading from scripture and offering a blessing to McGrath’s family. Mayor Emmett Jordan offered congratulations and recalled being present for McGrath’s initial proposal of forming the FGT. He also spoke on the Beltway Plaza Mall’s deep roots in the Greenbelt community.
Dr. Joel Freeman, an award-winning motivational speaker and author, offered an inspiring call to action, encouraging the audience to channel McGrath’s commitment to service when navigating everyday life.
Councilmember Judith Davis spoke with admiration about McGrath’s takeover of the Old Greenbelt Theatre. Initially, she said, the local government “had very little idea of the large impact that she would make with a whirlwind, energy and passion.” During the hiring process, when McGrath introduced her business proposal to transform the theater into a community creative hub, Davis said, “It blew everyone else out of the water.” Economic Development Coordinator Charise Liggins rounded out the opening comments by citing the economic impact OGT has on the city; it averages about 40,000 visits per year.
After brief remarks from her children, Iris and Oscar, McGrath took the stage to accept the honor. She spoke on the achievements of the theater since her coming aboard – including the launch of its pop-up microcinema – and future goals for the theater. She encouraged everyone to attend the upcoming grand reopening of the main auditorium at the Old Greenbelt Theatre on Saturday, November 9. After unveiling her portrait on the Wall of Fame, McGrath told the Greenbelt News Review, “I like the focus to be on the work of the theater, and our role in the community. I like to see this award as a recognition of that, and I’m honored Kap chose me.”