Roxy Theater

Mike Blakesley is a long-time resident of Forsyth, Montana, and the owner of two local businesses — Valley Auto Parts and the Roxy Theater. He and his wife Lynn currently co-own the businesses and stay extremely busy keeping them up and running.

Mike purchased the Roxy Theater in 1979 with a business partner, and eight years later, he bought out his partner and became the sole owner. Before he and his partner purchased it, they were both employed as projectionists. This allowed Mike to take on the ownership with knowledge of the theater business and gave him the drive to pursue making it better.

Rich in historical value to the Forsyth community—it opened in the 1930s—Roxy Theater provides the wistful memory of theaters from the past. Mike’s goal now is to preserve the nostalgia while striving to provide the viewers with an amazing visual and audio experience. Since purchasing the theater, he’s made improvements that will rival the larger theaters while trying to maintain that old-time feel.

The theater also provides the perfect after-school job for six to eight high school students, who are beginning their working years. Mike said, “They’re just part of the family.” He loves that he and his wife can be there to listen during those moments when the kids decide to share about their days and life events. They’ve built a bond that brings many back to visit when they return home.

In their spare time, Mike and Lynn like to travel and attend store and theater conventions. Mike is involved in planning the annual fireworks display, serves on the fair board, and has a display of model trains that can be viewed at Valley Auto Parts.

Range provides a 3CX phone system that supplies service to both businesses. Mike said, “We’ve remained with a local company because it’s nice to know we have someone right here in Forsyth that will come and help us if we have any issues.” Chris Donnelly, Business Solutions Specialist, and her team have been there to offer support and continue to assist in any changes that need to be made.

Both businesses continue to prosper in the community. The Roxy Theater just debuted a new website and will be rolling out a new mobile app soon that will enable you to buy your movie ticket in advance. In the future, the option to purchase refreshments on the app will also be available.

You can check out the new website at roxytheatre.net to view the current movies and showtimes or call 406-346-7699.

Originally published in the December 2023 Customer Connections Newsletter