Ames is definitely a people place, or rather a People’s Place.

People’s Theatre, 2420 Lincoln Way, is scheduled to open Homecoming Weekend, in what was formally the Ames Theatre. But don’t expect to see your favorite stars on the silver screen.

Owner Tom Zmolek, who also owns People’s Bar and Grill, is transforming the old movie palace into a “performance hall.”

“It will be like a mini C.Y. Stephens,” he said. “It won’t be open like a regular bar … only when we have scheduled events.”

Zmolek said he hopes the 800 capacity venue will draw acts that overlook this area because of its predominately small stages. “There are a lot of acts that skip over our area,” he said. “There are 200 to 300-person clubs, then the next level is 2,800 like at Stephens.

“But there’s nothing in the middle. There’s no 800-seat venue in Iowa,” Zmolek said.

The combination of reserve seating and general admission will provide something for everyone. Zmolek said there will be room to dance, mosh or sit back and enjoy the show. Depending on the musician or act performing, elbow room will be a luxury smaller venues don’t have.

So, just who will be occupying the stage for all to gaze at? Zmolek said unconfirmed acts include Widespread Panic, Filter and Goldfinger.

“Acts that have outgrown People’s will be transferred there,” Zmolek said. “Stuff that sells out every time, like Tina (and the B-sides), would play at the theatre. And, big-sounding acts, like the Samples, shouldn’t be playing at People’s anymore.”

But the venue won’t be a showcase of only college alternative bands. Zmolek said he hopes to bring in all kinds of acts, from jazz, blues and reggae to comedians such as Pauly Shore. And, could it be that country will find its way to Campustown?

“Possibly country acts,” Zmolek said, though no performers are set in stone.

People’s Theatre will mark one more venue that will be available to the under-21-crowd, which may eradicate a common complaint among younger Cyclones.

Zmolek said the “beauty” about the theater is its balcony which seats 325 persons and can be used to accommodate younger audiences.

He said the balcony allows for a “variety of set-ups.” Because the audience easily can be divided into legal drinking age and underage sections, some shows will be combined. But, Zmolek said, not all shows will be open to all ages.

“Some will be 21 and up, some combined with a drinking section and some all-ages,” he said of the performances. “It really is suitable for all ages and it gives kids another place to go.”

Zmolek said he has had his ‘eye on the theater’ ever since he opened People’s Bar and Grill, which is located next to the theater. His efforts in jumping on the sale of the theater and restoring the one-time vaudeville stage to a “classic, gothic theater” are just a part of what he calls his “philosophy.”

“I’ve just always wanted to bring good music here for a reasonable price,” Zmolek said.

All shows for People’s Theatre will be ticketed and the People’s Theatre Box Office will also serve as a Ticketmaster outlet for shows other than those produced by People’s Productions.