Indoor Venues of Chapel Hill Respond to Challenges Introduced by Pandemic

Indoor venues in Chapel Hill have pursued changes in appearance and operations in response to the challenges introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, these venues are preparing for an ease in certain COVID-19 restrictions as more of the country becomes vaccinated.

Since the Chelsea and Lumina theaters were forced to close last March, each have pursued new ways to stay connected with the community and have taken advantage of their required closures to complete renovations.

In addition to completing renovations, the Lumina expanded both its outdoor movie showings as well as its private theater rentals. The theater went from holding outdoor showings on the green in Southern Village on Friday nights in the summer to holding three or four shows a week from the start of summer through October. And while private rentals were offered at the Lumina prior to the pandemic, the theater began offering them at a more affordable price so that more people could spread the word of the new renovations before they reopen.

“I think it’s wonderful seeing the community get back together in responsible ways, and knowing that we can be a part of that through our outdoor movies and soon through our indoor movies,”  said Greyson Snyder, the theater manager at The Lumina. “And we’re just really excited to show off what we’ve done with the place.”

The Chelsea Theater, which is set to reopen its doors to the public on April 16, is the Triangle’s only nonprofit theater devoted to film, education, and community outreach. Since closing last March, the theater has completed an extensive renovation thanks to outside grants and monetary donations from individuals, families, and businesses of the community. Not only was $130,000 raised in the Chelsea’s direct mail capital campaign, but thousands of hours were volunteered by carpenters and other skilled laborers to assist with the construction.

Within six months, the Chelsea has replaced the chairs, screens, and surfaces and fixtures, upgraded the sound systems and restrooms, and redesigned the lobby. In addition, Needlepoint Bi-Polar ionization systems were installed in the HVAC units to reduce the spread of bacteria and COVID-19 pathogens. Emily Kass, Executive Director of The Chelsea Theater, said they also began showing virtual films in an effort to stay connected with the community.

In addition to some of Chapel Hill’s movie theaters pursuing alternative efforts to stay afloat, several other indoor venues in Orange County have done the same. Cat’s Cradle, an indoor concert venue in downtown Carrboro, began hosting livestreams of performances as well as starting a GoFundMe campaign to solicit support from the community. PlayMakers Repertory Company also launched its first virtual season of performances, consisting of six streamed shows ranging from radio dramas to film and ensemble to solo work that began last fall and will last through May.

Many of Orange County’s indoor venues have looked to grants and outside resources for assistance as well. The Lumina, the Chelsea and other indoor arts venues have each voiced their intention to apply for the federal Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, which opened up last week. More information about the grant can be found here.

Image courtesy of The Chelsea Theater via Facebook.

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