Athens movie theater struggles as industry still feels effects of pandemic
Theater industry still recovering amid pandemic By Kellie Miller | April 9, 2021 at 8:48 AM CDT - Updated April 9 at 8:48 AM
ATHENS, Ala. (WAFF) - We all know the feeling of walking into a movie theater and of course, we know the smell. You see kids waiting in line, families enjoying time together and couples on dates. You smell the buttery popcorn and soft baked pretzels!
But at Cinemagic Theatre in Athens, a local hotspot that’s been around for more than 20 years, business has not been the same since before March 2020. In fact, the theater doesn’t even have enough customers to stay open on weekdays.
SBA opens shuttered venue operators grants portal April 8 at noon April 8, 2021
7:19 am
Operators of live venues and performing arts organizations that experienced a 25% loss or more due to the pandemic can apply for $16.2 billion in Shuttered Venue Operators Grants from the U.S. Small Business Administration starting at noon on April 8.
Awards are expected to begin in late April.
Museums and movie theaters are also eligible for the grants, as well as live venue promoters, theatrical producers and talent representatives.
“Concerts, plays, dance performances, movie premieres, museum exhibits – these are the lifeblood of culture and community, and often the anchor for travel, tourism and neighborhood food and retail stores,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman in a prepared statement. “We know that for the stage and venue operators across the nation that help make this culture happen, the pandemic has been devastating. Too many have been forced to lower the
Help is here with $16.2 billion for venues, theaters, and more
Vermont Business Magazine The US Small Business Administration will officially open the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal today, April 8, 2021 at 12 pm EDT for operators of live venues, live performing arts organizations, museums and movie theaters, as well as live venue promoters, theatrical producers and talent representatives to apply for critical economic relief, as those eligible entities are some of the first that had to shutter their doors a year ago in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Concerts, plays, dance performances, movie premieres, museum exhibits – these are the lifeblood of culture and community, and often the anchor for travel, tourism and neighborhood food and retail stores. We know that for the stage and venue operators across the nation that help make this culture happen, the pandemic has been devastating. Too many have been forced to lower the final curtain on their bu
These regulations include operating at 33% capacity, mandatory face masks for those age 2 and older unless actively eating or drinking, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Seats will be assigned for each showing and guests are asked to practice safe social distancing.
The theater s air filtration system has also been upgraded to increase the ventilation throughout the entire facility. We are incredibly grateful for the support our community has shown over the last very difficult year and we are looking forward to welcoming guests back home to the Playhouse, Michael Hoagland, the Playhouse s executive director, said in a release. The Playhouse will continue to follow the recommendations and guidelines of health experts.
Experts say Godzilla vs. Kong s pandemic-best opening shows promise for theaters, but urge caution.
The movie was also a hit on HBO Max, but WB plans to abandon day-and-date releases after this year.
Still, a studio exec said WB is in talks with exhibitors to shorten the theatrical window.
After more than a year, the US theatrical industry finally had some good news. Godzilla vs. Kong, the new monster battle royale from Warner Bros. and Legendary s MonsterVerse, earned $48.5 million at the domestic box office in its first five days, and $32.2 million over the three-day Easter weekend a pandemic-best opening. It s so far made more than $285 million worldwide (it cost $200 million to produce).