The Art Theatre of Long Beach, located at 2025 E. 4th St., has found new ways of staying active since closing its doors in March of 2020.
Before the pandemic, the theatre was full of one of a kind events such as movie director Q&A, Oscar viewing parties, and Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Art Theatre volunteers and employees are eager to open up once again, but reopening seems a little far down the road. For the meantime, the Art Theatre has come up with ways to continue to provide entertainment for the Long Beach community.
For starters, the theatre has moved its in person movie streaming to online movie streaming.
Movie-goers can now buy their movie tickets on the Art Theatre’s website and stream movies in the comfort of their own homes.
“Customers can buy movie tickets online and are good to watch for two days” says Karen L. Chinn, the Art Theatres board of directors.
Art Theatre board president Jan van Dijs said, “Although the Art Theatre has moved to online streaming, it is difficult because of other streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. It’s better than nothing”.
In addition to buying movie tickets and online movie streaming; customers can also show support by buying a seat, joining their membership program, signing up for their newsletter, and giving monetary donations. More information can be found on the Art Theatre’s website at https://arttheatrelongbeach.org
Philip Williams, an Art Theatre Volunteer, says “Ever since the pandemic began, I have become more involved in the theatre. We have started fundraisers such as our curbside concessions. There are plenty of other ways to support the Art Theatre just look at our website.”
Although moving to online streaming services and closing its doors have been difficult, the theatre remains hopeful that its doors will soon be open once again.
Recently, the Art Theatre started a new service where customers can show their support by pre-ordering their concessions and do curbside pickup.
The theatre began as a silent movie theatre in the 1920’s, along with other independent cinemas. Overtime, it has become the last remaining independent cinema in Long Beach.
For more information on when Curbside Concession events are to take place, please visit their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/arttheatre