The relationship between The Grand Cinema and its members is symbiotic: members enjoy films on our screens that are hard to find elsewhere, and enjoy all the extra bonuses that come along with membership. 

In return The Grand is able to keep providing high quality film art and programs to the Pierce County community.

To all those readers who are already members: thank you and please keep it up! 

And to anyone who has been wondering what membership at The Grand is all about, keep reading to learn what you get by taking an active role in The Grand’s community.

A Brief History of The Grand

Nearly twenty years ago The Grand became an official nonprofit thanks to the support of a small band of dedicated volunteers. 

 We’ve grown from a staff of few to ten full time, over 250 volunteers and nearly 7,000 active members. The Grand has survived – and thrived – over the years and through industry changes because of our dedicated donors, members, and volunteers.

Our members are partners in our mission to enrich lives and enhance the cultural vitality of the Greater Tacoma community through the art of film.

In addition to the sense of pride that comes with supporting The Grand, our members enjoy perks and benefits. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a member of The Grand? Check it out!

The Perks of Grand CINEMA Membership

The Grand Lobby ticket purchase

1. Discounted admission prices

Members always save $2.50 on the regular movie admission prices in theater. We also make sure to set special ticket prices for our members with each special event that we host.

Regular ticket prices are $10.50 General Admission; $8 matinee. Our members pay $8.00 for General Admission. Members who are over the age of 62, students, or armed service members pay only $5.50 for matinee screenings (before 6:00 PM on weekdays or before 2:00 PM on weekends and holidays).

Volunteers having fun at concessions

2. A free small bag of popcorn with every visit

We hear our popcorn is the best in town, but don’t take our word for it – treat yourself. 

Either opt for a FREE small member popcorn, pay $1 for an upgrade to a medium bag, or enjoy unlimited popcorn for $3 with our refillable bucket. The butter is real, folks!

Volunteers at the 2016 Party 3

3. Access to the members-only parking lot

Parking can be a challenge in our neighborhood on busy days. Members of The Grand have access to our first-come-first served lot just north of the theater on Fawcett Street. Optional parking passes are $5. 

Keep your membership current each year to enjoy this stress-saving perk.

Customers at The Grand in lobby 3

4. Member Mondays

A new advantage of membership that we kicked off just this summer, our members enjoy $5 movie tickets every Monday. A valid member ID must be presented at the box office for this discount (online discounts are not available). 

This makes Mondays one of the cheapest date nights around, especially if you have a joint membership ($10 admission + free popcorn). Not bad, right?

Customers in the Grand Theater

5. Invitations & discounts on special events

We like to give our members first dibs on tickets to popular annual events like the Tacoma Film Festival, the Film Awards Party, the 253 Short Film Party, and other signature events. We give you the lowest ticket prices to say ‘thank you’ for being a member.

Each year the VIP section of our Film Awards Party sell out weeks in advance. Our members get first option and discounted tickets for this coveted experience of the biggest night in the film industry with live local hosts and a catered dinner.

253 Film party filmmakers 1

6. FREE movie days

At least once a year (and sometimes twice), we pick a day to offer totally free admission ALL DAY to ALL regularly scheduled movies, just for members. 

Pick one movie or clear your schedule for a movie marathon day at The Grand. You’ll receive your one free popcorn or upgrade to a refillable bucket, and we often allow folks to bring in between movie treats from neighboring Corina Bakery or Infinite Soups if popcorn and mixed nuts from our concessions doesn’t offer enough sustenance between films.

Check your email and watch our social media pages for announcements of the next Free Member Movie Day.

Volunteers at the 2016 Party

7. Newsletters & Member Alert Emails

Provide your email when you sign up as a member and we’ll send you our weekly e-news with insider info about movie schedule changes and films and events coming soon to The Grand. 

Recently our members were the first to be in the know about our new Member Monday admissions perk.

Volunteers at the 2016 Party 2

8. Eligibility for voting & running for The Grand Cinema Board of Directors

Our members are an active part of our leadership; they get to approve our slate of new board members each spring, and have the opportunity to become more involved: membership is a requirement for anyone interested in leading as a member of The Grand Cinema’s board of directors.

Do you love The Grand and have experience in leadership, business management, real estate, or the film and media industry? Each January we accept applications from talented folks who want to lend their time and resources to The Grand’s success and strategic future. Potential board members are reviewed and then voted in each March.

Customers in the Grand Theater 6


HOW-TOs and Types OF MEMBERSHIPS

The basics: 

  • You can become a member online or at The Grand's box office. If you join at the box office, you receive your member cards and parking pass that day. If you join online, your card will be mailed to you. 
  • Your Grand membership is annual, we recommend you renew every year to enjoy all your benefits. 
  • When your membership is close to expiration, you will receive a mailed notification. You can either renew via post mail, online, or at the box office on your next visit to The Grand.
  • Keep your member card in your wallet! Show your valid member card at the box office and at concessions each time you visit The Grand in order to enjoy your member benefits! 
Individual - $45

Movie perks for one: includes one membership card, a free parking permit, and a free small popcorn with each visit.

$25 for 25 (and under) - $25

This special membership is for our supporters who are 25 years old or younger. Enjoy all the Individual membership benefits for just $25 a year.

Joint - $80

Save $10 when you sign up with a friend, partner or spouse. Anyone can share a joint membership as long as you sign up at the same time together.

Includes two membership cards, two free parking permits, and free small popcorn with each visit.

Family - $150

Does your whole family love movies? Consider expanding your membership to include your children of any age (adult or minors). Includes four membership cards, four free parking permits, and free small popcorn with each visit.

Silver Membership - $250

Invest a little more in The Grand. Includes two membership cards, 2 Grand Cinema T-shirts, 2 free tickets to one special event hosted by The Grand, 2 free parking permits, and free small popcorn with each visit. 

Some of your membership contribution may be tax deductible. Consult your tax adviser to learn more.

Gold Membership - $500

Go big with a donation and added perks: Includes four membership cards, a $50 gift card to a premier local restaurant, 2 Grand Cinema T-shirts, 2 free tickets to one special event hosted by The Grand, 2 free parking permits, and free small popcorn with each visit. 

Some of your membership contribution may be tax deductible. Consult your tax adviser to learn more.

Our Members are the Greatest!

Become a member online today or when you visit the box office. Our house manager will help you fill out the simple one-page form.

No matter how you are involved at The Grand you are essential. THANK YOU!

253 Film party attendees 1