The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE — On March 18, the Historic Masonic Theatre temporarily closed its doors to comply with governmental guidelines for COVID-19 sheltering in place.
At that time, no one knew how long cities and towns would be shut down. Theatre employees were furloughed and all events and rental arrangements were postponed and rescheduled when possible.
Fast forward to June.
As businesses are slowly reopening according to Virginia state guidelines, a survey was sent to theatre patrons that revealed that 67 percent of theatre attendees were ready to return to the theatre and that sanitizing the auditorium and restrooms, and social distance seating were important to make patrons feel safe.
Twenty-five percent surveyed said they would initially prefer returning to the Masonic Amphitheatre, 10 percent to the theatre, and 65 percent said that it did not matter which they returned to first.
The Theatre Board has made the decision to reopen the amphitheatre first.
Social distance seating will be mandatory and wearing masks is recommended. Because of a generous donation, movies can now be played on an outdoor screen. The Theatre Underground will be open for concessions and restrooms.
The first movie in the amphitheatre outdoor series is “Jurassic Park” on Saturday, June 13, at 8 p.m. Attendance is free of charge and donations are appreciated. Attendees should bring lawn chairs or blankets and limited amphitheatre seating will be provided.
Ten family-friendly mo-vies are being scheduled for the Masonic Amphitheatre during the summer. The schedule is posted on the theatre website at www.historicmasonictheatre.com
The board also encourages local bands to perform on the amphitheatre stage at no cost to the band or attendees. If interested, please call the theatre box office at 862-5655 to obtain details.
The Masonic Theatre’s first scheduled event is the movie “Captain Marvel,” which is scheduled for Sunday, July 5, at 1 p.m.
The movie is sponsored by Highlands Community Bank’s Film Series and is free of charge.
Other events scheduled for the Historic Masonic Theatre are available on the Theatre website. COVID-19 guidelines will be observed and after each event the theatre will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Masks will be encouraged for every event.
“The Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation Board would like to sincerely and enthusiastically thank the community for its support and donations while we have been closed, said Gayle Hillert, Masonic Theatre Preservation?Foundation Board president. “We know we have a long road back and that things may look different as we travel that road, but we are determined to resume our role as the heart of the community and the community gather
