A smorgasbord of people, young and old from many different cultures, have been taking advantage of Ames’ new art house during the past two months.

Varsity Theatre, 2412 Lincoln Way, went from a mainstream movie theater to an art house, showing foreign and independent films, in December.

Manager John Beavers said the change is going over very well.

“I think people are looking for something different and a little more cultured,” Beavers said. “They find that the subject matter is usually more profound than mainstream movies.”

There has been a change in demographics since the switch to an art house. More professors and professionals have been taking advantage of films, Beavers said.

Fern Kupfer, associate professor of English, is one of many faculty members who have discovered the theater since the switch.

“I try to go there every week to support this guy, and I think everybody should,” Kupfer said.

Beavers said there are occasional mainstream movies played at the theater.

“That way we can get high volumes in the door and spread the word,” Beavers said. “It’s working pretty well so far.”

Matt Denner, sophomore in liberal arts and sciences, said he agreed with Beavers’ decision to switch the theater to an art house. “I think it is a good mix to play lesser [known] movies with more popular ones,” he said.

Beavers has a few more plans for the future. He’s looking into displaying local art in the lobby and possibly selling coffee drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes. Currently, there are table tents in a few Campustown restaurants displaying the schedule of movies for the week.

“It is bringing both us and the restaurants more business,” Beavers said. “It’s helping the community of Ames and Campustown.”