FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Great Barrington, Mass.—The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center will open for screened programming to limited capacity audiences starting this October. A schedule announcement is forthcoming.
“The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center’s founding vision was to create a cultural hub that never stops, and we have taken that year-round mandate to heart during these constricted times,” says Executive Director Janis Martinson. “Offering movies and HD screenings to small audiences is one way we fulfill our promise to keep bringing the performing arts to our region. We all need safe ways to step outside the current moment, enjoy the company of others, and connect to ourselves through stories. The Mahaiwe’s summer drive-in on the Simon’s Rock campus lifted spirits, and we are excited to offer our community a similar opportunity through the colder months.”
“Patron safety and comfort have always been high priorities at the Mahaiwe, and rigorously upheld,” says Director of Production and Preservation Tristan Wilson. “The staff of the Mahaiwe has taken every precaution to ensure the safety of our patrons and staff, based on state guidelines and implementation of industry best practices. With no more than 25 people in a 685-seat theater, patrons will be widely spaced, with a density of approximately three-per-1,000 square feet. In addition, we have hospital-grade air filtration systems, and thorough cleaning and sanitizing protocols executed prior to each event.”
Safety Precautions
In preparation for receiving audiences, the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center has cleaned and serviced its medical-grade HEPA-filtered air management system, conducted thorough cleaning and staff training, and installed directional signage.
In accordance with the Commonweath of Massachusetts’ COVID-19 regulations, capacity will be limited to 25 people per screening, and seating groups will be no larger than 10. Social distancing measures will be implemented to ensure the safety of all patrons, including limited access to the lobby and within the theater. Masks are required at all times.
Tickets will be electronically scanned upon entrance for touchless admission. Hand sanitizing stations will be positioned in the lobby for use upon entrance or when needed.
Concessions will not be sold at this time, and no outside food or drink is allowed in the theater. Two clean and sanitized restrooms will be accessible from the lobby.
Ticketing and Arrival
Tickets must be purchased in advance at mahaiwe.org or by calling 413-528-0100 during Box Office hours, Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 4pm. Tickets will not be sold physically at the Box Office.
The lobby will open 15 minutes prior to showtimes. Mahaiwe staff will admit people one group at a time, with individual groups limited to 10 people, by state regulation. Groups intending to sit together are asked to arrive together. Seating will be assigned by Mahaiwe staff upon admittance to ensure safe social distancing.
Due to limited capacity, free ticket vouchers will not be valid for movies at this time.
About the Mahaiwe
Located in downtown Great Barrington, Massachusetts, the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center is the year-round presenter of world-class music, dance, theater, classic films, Live in HD broadcasts, and arts education programs for the southern Berkshires and neighboring regions. The intimate jewel box of a theater opened in 1905. Since 2005, the performing arts center has hosted over 1,500 events and welcomed over half a million people through its doors. More than 22,000 students from 73 different schools have benefited from the Mahaiwe’s school-time performances and residencies. For more information, see mahaiwe.org.