Those interested in seeing the Penn Theater reopen can take a 13-question online survey, which will be used to apply for grant money for the shuttered and aging Main Street theater.

The Butler Chamber of Commerce will apply for the grant on behalf of the Penn Theater Performance Co., which is working to revitalize the former movie theater to create a cultural and entertainment venue for the region.

The questions include which types of events residents would like to attend, prices patrons would be willing to pay for various events and how often people would attend events at the theater.

The theater was built in 1938 and closed in 1991 as a result of retail traffic moving from Main Street to outlying malls.

The art deco theater once seated 1,100 moviegoers and was cooled with large fans blowing over cold well water.

The original spiral staircase, terrazzo floors and vaudevillian stage remain inside the aging theater, but the Greco-Roman murals in the main theater have been painted over several times.

In 2009, the Butler Redevelopment Authority borrowed $290,000 from the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation to buy the building.

That loan has been in default for several years as others have considered buying the theater, then backed out.

The Penn Theater Performance Group has been trying for several years to refurbish and reopen the building.

The survey can be accessed at surveymonkey.com/r/R62YVL7.