Community Programs

Crandell Kid Flicks, which launched in January 2023, is a new family-friendly Saturday matinee series of contemporary classic children’s films (animated and live action) offered January through April on the fourth Saturday of each month at 1 pm. The series aims to provide the youngest moviegoers with fun, safe, exciting and positive opportunities to become engaged in the arts. Chatham’s beautiful, historic, single-screen movie house is the backdrop for an afternoon of educational fun that puts each film into special focus for these budding film lovers.

Crandell Kid Flicks was created for Chatham-area families with children ages 3-12 in mind. Each film is paired with guest presenters and fun, theme-centered activities. The series is curated by the Crandell’s brand new Parent Advisory Task Force and co-chaired by Mirissa Neff and Elan Bogarín, two Chatham-based filmmakers with young children.

Crandell Kid Flicks Photo Gallery

The series launched on January 25 with a screening of Charlotte’s Web and a visit from some very special pigs! Click on any photo to launch the slideshow.

Filmmaker Mirissa Neff, who hosted the matinee, opened the show with a lively video presentation about all the wonderful things pigs can do.

Photo: Kevin Canfield

3D modeler Thomas Gambardella introduced his animated short, "Angelo Saves the Cinema," a playful homage to the communal power of movie houses.

Photo: Kevin Canfield

Therapy pig Albert EinSwine delighted the crowd following the screening.

Photo: Kevin Canfield

Families lined up around the block to take their turns visiting the pigs.

Photo: Kevin Canfield

Albert's "sister," Marilyn SwineRoe, is a 14-week-old pot-bellied therapy piglet who loves to be cuddled.

Photo: Kevin Canfield

Albert and his many fans.

Photo: Kevin Canfield

Neff and her son visit with Albert after the show.

Photo: Kevin Canfield

On February 25,  prior to a screening of Sing,  musical theater performers from the Columbia County Youth Theatre (CCYT) performed and then led the Crandell Kid Flicks audience in a spirited singalong to numbers from the film.

Host Mirissa Neff kicked things off with an invitation to listen, learn and raise your voice.

Photo: Elan Bogarín

Who likes to sing? We do!

Photo: Elan Bogarín

CCYT performers lead the audience in a rendition of "Shake It Off," performed by Reese Witherspoon and Nick Kroll in the film.

Photo: Elan Bogarín

A CCYT performer left the stage for an impromptu dance with a young audience member.

Photo: Elan Bogarín

During the singalong, more than a few belted it out with unbridled glee and gusto.

Photo: Elan Bogarín

After School Filmmaking Project

Since 2000 the Crandell Theatre’s six-week After School Filmmaking Project has been conducted annually in three of the county’s seven school districts, including Chatham, Germantown, New Lebanon, Taconic Hills, and Hudson. On pause during the pandemic, the program and its curriculum are being evaluated for a renewed return in the coming year.

Farm Film Festival

Farm Film Fest 2020 graphic

The Crandell Theatre has collaborated with the Columbia Land Conservancy and the Chatham Agricultural Partnership to produce an annual Farm Film Festival since 2010.  Annually attracting an average of 235 people, the free afternoon program includes six to eight short films related to agriculture and agricultural life and a panel discussion. In lieu of charging admission, audience members are invited to make a food donation to the Chatham Silent Pantry.

For more information about Crandell Theatre Community Programs, email abrody@crandelltheatre.org.