Austin Area Arts completed a $56,000 upgrade to its movie projector and screen and you owe it to yourself to come see a movie on the big screen at the Paramount Theatre.

In 2017, Austin Area Arts was able to purchase and install a $38,000 state-of-the-art digital projector into the projection booth in the Paramount Theatre with funds from the estate of Cleo Softing and Norcostco, Inc. Weekly Wednesday movies began showing in June 2017 as soon as the projector was installed.

In May 2018, Austin Area Arts was able to purchase and install a $18,000 state-of-the-art movie screen to the Paramount Theatre stage. The retractable screen is made of material that reflects light for a crisp, bright projected movie image. The screen was funded by the Austin Area Foundation, Jim and Milly Burroughs, Liesl Schindler and Norcostco, Inc.

Enjoy the new projector and screen, plus our air conditioning and fresh popped popcorn at a movie this summer. There are 10 summer movies scheduled, each offered in both a 3 p.m. matinee or a 7:30 p.m. show for $5 per person.

The summer movie slate opens on the last day of school — Wednesday, June 6 with Disney’s “The Lion King” (1994), the musical cartoon that inspired a hit Broadway show. Next, Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor star in the classic “Singing in the Rain” (1952) on June 20. The music keeps rolling on June 27 with “Grease” (1978) starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton John.

Take a break from the Freedom Fest heat with an air-conditioned movie on July 4. We’ll show “Mary Poppins” (1964) with Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The late show will release at about the time for fireworks.

Follow the antics of your favorites like Kermit, Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear in “The Muppet Movie” (1979) on July 11. On July 18, we’ll celebrate porcine accomplishment with “Babe” (1995). That’ll do, pig. No matter the weather, the sun will come out at “Annie” (1982) on July 25. Singing along will be encouraged.

August rounds out the summer movie season with fantasy in “The Never Ending Story” (1984) on Aug. 1, Disney’s classic boy-and-his-dog story “Old Yeller” (1957) on Aug. 15 and Pixar’s animated tale of a house carried away by balloon power, “Up” (2009) on Aug. 29.

No advance tickets are offered for movies; purchase $5 tickets at the concession stand. We’ll see you at the movies.

Coming soon at the Paramount Theatre

•May 30: $5 Movie: “A Streetcar Named Desire,” 3 and 7:30 p.m.

•June 6: $5 Movie, “The Lion King,” 3 and 7:30 p.m.

•June 13: World Music Series, La Victoria (mariachi music), 7:30 p.m. Free.

Coming soon at the ArtWorks Center

•June 9: Family Art Studio, 1-3 p.m.

•June 11-15: Creative Clay and Art Summer Camp with Jesse Smith, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.