May Cinema 6 in Lloydminster is preparing to welcome residents back to the movies.
The theatre is planning to re-open on July 3 with enhanced cleaning and physical distancing measures in place. May Theatres Vice-president Noel May says families and cohorting groups will be able to sit next to each other while keeping a safe distance from other groups.
“For example, a family of four can pick four seats and automatically the two seats on either side of them become unavailable. That’s how we’re managing social distancing in the theatre and then we have [marked] places to stand in the lobby to manage crowd control so everyone stays six feet apart. Just like any retail outlet that anyone’s been to recently.”
May says all staff have been invited back to help visitors have a safe experience. Residents are able to book their seats online which gives them one less touch point to think about, but for those who are unable to book online May says theatre-goers can still purchase a ticket inside.
Residents are also being asked to follow some guidelines when visiting. Visitors should avoid using cash, avoid bringing large personal items like backpacks or large purses, use the hand sanitizer at the entrance and exit out of the back of the auditorium.
Anyone ill or who came into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 within 14 days is asked to stay home.
All six screening rooms will be open for showings with ticket prices set at $9 for a limited time.
“We do have a few scattered new releases this month but as far as big tent poles like ‘Tenet,’ it will most like be August when they get released. In the near term, we’re going to try and bring back classic movies that people remember from their childhood and want to go see.”
Sonic the Hedgehog, Hockey 24, Deadpool, I Still Believe, Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Junglebook will be playing for the first run back. May says both gift tickets and gift cards will be valid.
“We’re excited. It’s been a long road to get back and we’re happy that everybody is putting through work to get through this whether it’s local businesses or frontline staff. Everybody doing their part to try and get us in a good spot here in Saskatchewan and Alberta. We’re excited to be a part of that and get people back in to support our business.”
The Alma Theatre in Wainwright, which is also owned by May Theatres, will also be opening July 3.