For people of all ages, the Portage 16 IMAX is one of the most popular spots to frequent in the city for a few hours of relaxation. Head manager Kevin Morgan spends much of his time digitally running films, deciding which screens movies should play on, determining show times and coordinating a staff of 100 workers to make those hours of enjoying a film possible for the theater’s patrons.
Morgan has been with Goodrich Quality Theaters for 11 years, running the Portage 9 from 2003-2007 before the theater expanded to the Portage 16 IMAX and changed locations.
“That was a big transition,” he said. “We went from a nine screen theater that was too small for this city; we were often sold out. That’s what necessitated a move to a larger location and as we made that move, we had the opportunity to add an IMAX to the mix, which is something that Northwest Indiana didn’t have, so obviously that’s a big draw for the city and a great draw for the company.”
There was about a year and a half worth of growing pains before the staff grew accustomed to the new location. Since then, it has been smooth sailing for the most popular entertainment source in the city of Portage.
“Portage is a vibrant town and it is very much a movie-going town,” Morgan said. “The right titles, particularly on the IMAX screen, rock.”
Morgan’s path to his post as the manager of a movie theater was not exactly a typical route for someone in that position. His interest for movies developed during his days writing movie reviews for the student newspaper in high school, but he initially went to Ball State to pursue a degree in journalism.
By the time his tenure as a Cardinal had concluded, he had broadened his major to communications with an emphasis on sales and management. He spent two years in radio sales, a time in his life that he considers “a blast.” However, he eventually moved back to Muncie, where he could not find a radio sales position. At that point, he rekindled his love for movies that began in high school writing his reviews and continued when he worked in theaters during college.
Morgan started his career at Applewood 9 Theater in Anderson, Ind., where he joined the company in a management position. He listed his college degree and experience working in theaters as the attributes that helped him earn the management duties.
When he is away from the theater, Morgan can be found spending time with his nine-year-old son Grant or running. He is currently training for the Chicago Marathon and is signed up to run the Disney Marathon in January as part of his after-the-holidays vacation.
Morgan and the Portage 16 IMAX make every effort to make a positive impact on the community.
“Throughout the community, we’ve tried to be directly involved in concession donations,” he said. “On a larger scale, this year we held a benefit and candlelight vigil for a former employee who took her own life.”
Morgan attends Real Life Community Church, where he works with middle school students and has developed a partnership with the IMAX that allows high school students to stay overnight watching movies and playing videogames on the big screens.
The IMAX has worked with other community organizations including the Port Authority, the Boys & Girls Club and various churches.
“We really try to use this location,” Morgan said. “As you can tell by looking around, this is a beautiful building. We’re the fun place to go. You can see the ‘Lone Ranger’ in Schererville, Merrillville, Michigan City or Valpo, but if you’re really going to watch it, this is the fun place to do it. That’s what makes the IMAX cool.”