Looking for One Night in a Historic NY Theatre

posted by IreneJensen on April 29, 2005 at 1:00 pm

We’re a small group of filmmakers & artists looking to rent space in a historic closed theater in the NYC area for one night.

The object is to do a film night in a venue that is historic but not generally open to the public, such as a theater slated for demolition or subject to renovations. Deterioration is a plus. We will handle all logistical aspects of the evening and will get event insurance for that night. We can even bring in our own equipment.

Any tips, please send me an email. I’m offering a finders fee of $200 for information that will lead us to have a film night in such a venue. Thanks.

Comments (7)

RayKaufman
RayKaufman on April 29, 2005 at 1:59 pm

GOOD LUCK getting the city fathers to issue you an occupancy permit for a shut down, dilapidated, no utilities turned on building. I believe it’s called “health and safety” that would be more than their concern. And quite rightly at that.

William
William on April 29, 2005 at 2:58 pm

Another problem in doing a film night in a theatre that is slated for demolition or subject to renovation like you stated. Is is the theatre still equipped to run film. Many times theatre owner remove the projection and sound equipment from the booths and reuse or junk it. Another thing is a projectionist (union or non-union is not the problem. But the city of New York has a license for projectionists on the books too.

William
William on April 29, 2005 at 3:48 pm

Not many houses left other than the Embassy 2,3,4 in Times Square or the old Loew’s Victoria at 233 West 125th Street, which was converted into a 5-plex.

YMike
YMike on April 29, 2005 at 4:30 pm

Why not try the Loew’s 175th st. Its still being used as a chuch by Rev. Ike but it is in good shape. The projectors might still be in house. I believe I saw them used on a PBS special last year.

marcusexp
marcusexp on April 29, 2005 at 9:16 pm

Sure hope it DOES NOT happen, but the Beekman is scheduled to close in May. A nearby hospital has plans to demolish the building soon thereafter (see the listing in Cinema Treasures for details) It is a beautiful theatre in NYC that would have a current occupancy permit, electricity, utilites, etc. GOOD LUCK on your project!

William
William on April 29, 2005 at 10:43 pm

The projection equipment in Beekman is scheduled to be removed soon after it closes.

Ron Newman
Ron Newman on May 1, 2005 at 3:33 pm

If you do this, you should show at least some of Vanya on 42nd Street

You must login before making a comment.

New Comment