It’s the end of an era for the Moxie Cinema, downtown Springfield’s nonprofit independent movie theater. Longtime executive director Mike Stevens recently announced he is stepping down from the position. Stevens, known to Springfield cinema-lovers as “Moxie Mike,” has been a fixture of the theater and the downtown scene since 2010.
“It has been the best job in the world, but I am ready for a new challenge,” Stevens said in the release. “I will be around to make sure the transition goes smoothly, but I am very excited to see what a new leader will have in store for my favorite movie theater in the world.”
The Moxie Cinema was founded in 2005 by Dan and Nicole Chilton. In 2010, a newly formed nonprofit entity purchased the theater, and Stevens was hired as executive director. While the Moxie decides on a leader to usher in its next era, here’s a look back on Stevens’ 14 years at the only nonprofit theater in Springfield.
‘We wouldn’t still be here without members. They’re invaluable.’
Stevens faced two problems when they decided to come back to the Ozarks from New York about 14 years ago. One was what to do for work, and the other was what to do for free time. Then, Stevens heard about a new nonprofit entity forming to buy the Moxie. The new Moxie would adopt the nonprofit model of many other independent theaters in the country. But the one in Springfield needed a leader.