"Yes, it's movie night tonight."

Those are the words you want to hear.  Those are the words you want to say.

Pyramid Pyro Theaters is the private backyard theater of the Griffin family.  The projector idea had been a long running dream, but the execution was a bit fuzzy until 2008.  Once things came into focus, the projector was purchased and the screen was designed with audio being salvaged from existing equipment around the house.  After a successful premiere in May, the weekend events became a regular occurrence.  Corrections and upgrades followed as per standard outdoor theater protocol, and that momentum has carried through to the present.

Location

Located within the University Glen community of California State University Channel Islands, the corner lot offers a few options for projection.  Initially, the grass along the court was used to replicate the backyard feel in a town home setting.  After all, there is something to be said for watching a movie outdoors with grass under your feet.  Toward the end of the first season the layout was moved a mere twenty feet west and rotated ninety degrees north.  This placed things in the alley which provided a wider seating area and more level ground.  Fortunately, the asphalt surface has not been a deterrent in any way. 

Equipment

The projector and screen have both been constants, with the audio system going through the most change.  The outdoor movie screen, 12.5' X 7' is a force to behold.  The original sound system for Pyramid Pyro Theaters was a boom box with an audio-in jack designed for portable MP3 players.  It did the job well, but as we all know in this hobby, upgrading is an addiction rivaled only by drugs.  A bookshelf stereo system was added to compliment things and fill out the sound for viewers sitting further back.  The upgrades have continued and don't seem to have an end.  Who knows what will come after the home theater receiver, six speaker stereo configuration, and rack system? We are currently using a pro audio system with 2 QSC K-10s and a K-Sub to round out the low end. 

Guests

Neighbors, friends, and family are of course the best asset of the backyard theater.  Pyramid Pyro Theaters has retained a steady stream of regular guests who have done more than just sit and watch.  Setup and breakdown times are improved with neighbors who learn the assembly process.  The design allows for a single-person setup, but it's always nice to have an extra set of hands to help.  Even the youngest of guests, around six years of age and younger, offer a helping hand by carrying screen elements and various other assets that make the backyard theater experience happen.  So far, this is THE place to watch an outdoor movie. 

Seasonality

The season is kept to a period between Spring and Fall, but Saturdays are a regular occurrence in that time frame.  Occasional Fridays and holidays work their way in when possible, but there is a weak attempt at restraint to keep the events special.  For those who have backyard movie night events of their own, they know how hard it is not to simply get outside and set everything up.  On few occasions, things have been moved to the garage when the weather isn't cooperating properly.  Thankfully, our Ventura County climate is quite accommodating. 

Travel

The primary location of any outdoor movie theater is usually a home.  Occasionally, the call to travel will arise and Pyramid Pyro Theaters is capable packing up and hitting the road.  On several occasions, the equipment has been packed and setup for friends' parties out of town.  This normally requires bringing the equipment, but making use of other materials for the screen; mostly out of laziness.  Foam insulation sheets are inexpensive and readily available at local hardware stores.  Their rigid structure and matte, white surfaces make for great, disposable screens.