The Prytania Theatre, New Orleans's oldest cinema, reopened on Saturday,
May 16, with social distancing protocols.
In an email,
Prytania management said that the theatre will only sell tickets for 25 percent
of its capacity. While the box office will be open, moviegoers are encouraged
to order tickets online to reduce crowding while purchasing tickets. Markings
will be placed six feet apart where customers should stand in line at the box
office and concession stand. Loitering in the lobby before or after shows will
not be allowed.
Masks are mandatory
for entry into the building. Seniors and people with medical conditions
should continue to stay home.
In between
shows, management will deep clean all surfaces in the auditorium and again
after closing. High-contact surfaces (door handles, countertops, faucets,
railings) will be cleaned with medical-grade sanitizing agents at least once
every 30 minutes.
For now, there
will be daily showings of The Wizard of Oz at 4:00 p.m. and Harry
Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone at 7:30 p.m.
Check the Prytania's website for info on movie showings in the upcoming weeks. Gift cards, t-shirts, and
tote bags are also available on the website for those who want to support the
locally owned business but are not yet comfortable going into a theater.