Sensory-Friendly Series adjustment, return of Summer Classics also on tap 

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas (FBAC) at the ArtsQuest Center on the SteelStacks campus, after reviewing patron surveys as well as CDC and state/local health department guidance, have adjusted their mask and distancing guidelines. Masks will no longer be required for vaccinated patrons, while unvaccinated patrons are being asked to wear a face covering over both their mouth and nose unless they are actively eating or drinking during a screening. Capacities will increase from 25% to 50%, allowing for a maximum of 100 and 50 people in the Red and Blue Cinemas, respectively.

“We made sure to take the time to hear from our patrons and consult with our colleagues at cinemas across the country in making this decision,” said ArtsQuest Programming Director Ryan Hill, who oversees the day-to-day operation of the FBAC. “We heard loud and clear that our patrons still wanted to be guaranteed at least some measure of distancing, and also heard loud and clear that they want to come back to the movies. We’ll do all we can to make sure we can bring as many people into our cinemas in the safest manner possible.”

The FBAC has also adjusted the time of their Sensory-Friendly Kids Movie Series films from every Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. to Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. The series takes the same films that play as part of the Levitt Family Movie Series and plays them in the Red Cinema earlier the same day, keeping the lights and volume at a low level, allowing for children and adults to move around in the cinema, and allowing for families with special dietary needs to bring their own food and beverages with them.

This remaining sensory-friendly lineup includes:

The Lego Movie (2014)                             June 30

The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)       July 7

Onward (2020)                                             July 14
Paddington (2014)                                     July 21
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)    July 28
Moana (2016)                                                August 4

In addition to recently confirming the highly-anticipated film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes’ stage musical “In the Heights” will open with sneak preview screenings on June 10, the FBAC has also released the lineup for their annual Summer Classics Series. Traditionally, on every Wednesday from May to Musikfest, the 2021 series will start on July 7 with “Singin’ in the Rain” and end on August 4 with “Top Gun,” in anticipation of the latter’s sequel coming out later in theaters. Additional titles include “Dirty Dancing” (July 14), “Casablanca” (July 21) and “Jaws” (July 28).

The Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas (FBAC) are a two-screen independent cinema located within the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks and operated by the nonprofit organization ArtsQuest. The cinemas celebrated their 10th anniversary on April 15, 2021, and is currently open for both public screenings and private rentals. More information on both can be found at: steelstacks.org/film.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Nicole Harrell
ArtsQuest Director of Communications
http://www.artsquest.org/

 

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