It’s been over a year now since our last show at the Pickwick Theatre Classic Film Series. We miss seeing our patrons before and after each movie. We miss hearing Jay Warren on the Mighty Wurlitzer. And we miss our staff. This month I thought I’d check in with our Movie Hostesses (past and present) to see how they are doing. I asked each of them 1) What do you miss most about the film series? and 2) What have you been up to since?
Rebeka
2019-present
Overall, it was one of my favorite jobs I’ve had. What I miss the most is being able to see the same faces and crowds during the screenings, and seeing certain people’s excitement on a particular movie we’re showing.
I’m currently still in online classes at DePaul, working, and only a handful classes away from being done with undergrad! Whenever we’re able to start the classic series back up, I’ll be there.
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Allison C.
2018-2019
I absolutely loved being a hostess for the Pickwick Theater Classic Film Series. It was the most special thing to be a part of and I am so glad I got to be involved in it. I got to meet so many amazing people and always had a ton of fun at the showings. I got to make a lot of good memories with some important people in my life while being a hostess and I still look back on them today. I most miss getting to see everybody and interacting with people whether it was the people I was working with like Matthew, who always put a smile on the faces of those around him, the regulars who I got to know through seeing at every movie, or the wonderful guest speakers I got to meet along the way.
Now, I am attending Illinois State University and studying to become a Physical Education teacher and coach. I am also involved in a club at my school working to train service dogs for people who need them.
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Monica
2017-2018
It was a HUGE honor to be hostess of the Pickwick Theatre Classic Film Series and I miss everyone! Matthew is a rare gem who is quite talented at bringing communities together to celebrate life, film and history. I always enjoyed the magical energy in the air and getting to say Hi to everyone coming through the doors. Amazing humans! Dressing up to the theme of each movie was something I looked forward to each month – but what I think everyone couldn’t wait for was to see the big reveal of Matthew’s outfits! He knocked it out of the park!
What I miss most is being immersed in a buzzing experience. Matthew doesn’t just invite you to watch a movie – he creates an exciting experience the moment audience members arrive – and many of you feel like family because I’ve gotten to know you over the years. The Pickwick theatre is absolutely gorgeous, and adds to the ambience of each memorable classic film event.
I work full time at NorthShore Hospital in Glenview. However, on nights and weekends you can find me coaching amazing clients from my newly launched business called InnerSoul Communications. I teach women about conflict-resolution, boundaries and self-love, and provide personalized empowering strategies so women can access fulfilling relationships with friends, romantic partners and themselves.
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Shannon
2014-2019 (ticket taker/hostess)
I’ve had a great experience with the Pickwick Theater Classic Film Series. I have had the honor of helping since (almost) the very beginning. The thing I miss most is seeing all the happy faces come through the doors. My favorite part was hearing stories about how some of our customers haven’t seen some of the films since they were a kid when they saw it in theaters.
I just got engaged on Christmas Eve and my fiancé and I are talking about moving to his hometown in Mississippi over the summer.
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Allison
2013-2017 (with guest appearances since)
My experience as a hostess was surreal. It was humbling to be there from the beginning of the series and I am honored to be a part of what a success it has become today. I am so proud of Matthew and how he has built this series from the ground up. I am lucky to have been a part of so many cool experiences and met so many interesting and prominent figures. It is a part of my life that I will treasure forever. The fans always made the series what it is, and in saying this, I miss interacting with the people the most. Also, dressing up was fun!
Currently, I am fulfilling my passion for traveling and am working as a travel nurse. My next assignment will be in Miami, Florida. I am looking forward to the sunshine 🙂
Christmas 2019: Allison, Allison & Beka