The Crandell Theatre’s Board of Directors formally welcomed Dr. Carlee Rader Drummer, Ph.D., Joanne Dunne Murphy, and Nick Van Alstine to its ranks. “Each of our new members bring unique knowledge and expertise to our efforts,” said Lydia Kukoff, President of the Board of Directors. “With all of the projects upcoming for the Crandell, we will certainly benefit from their energy and perspectives.” Dr. Carlee Drummer assumed her post as Columbia-Greene Community College President on July 1, 2019, following a five-year tenure as President of Quinebaug Valley Community College in Danielson and Willimantic, Connecticut. Before relocating to Connecticut, Dr. Drummer lived in Chicago where she served as the Executive Director of College Advancement and Executive Director of the Educational Foundation at Oakton Community College for 13 years. Prior to that, she was a Vice President at Lipman Hearne, a consulting firm…
Health & Safety Guidelines
Until New York State lifts its COVID-19 requirements for indoor movie theaters, the Crandell will adhere to NYS Department of Health and safety guidelines. All protocols are intended to maintain a safe, welcoming, enjoyable experience and protect the health and safety of guests and staff alike. As guidelines and regulations change, the Crandell will update its policies accordingly so check back frequently. Seating is restricted to 250 people, inclusive of staff and patrons. Automatic “buffer zone” seating. When purchasing a ticket, visitors will select their seats from a diagram, and our ticketing software will automatically “X” out two seats around both sides, and one seat in front and back, to ensure social distancing of at least six feet between individuals, couples, or small groups. Members of the same immediate party, family, or household must purchase their tickets together so they…
Crandell Theatre to Reopen Thursday, July 1
Crandell Theatre, the nearly 100-year-old movie house in Chatham, New York, reopens July 1-4, 2021, with a new program format and thorough cleaning following the 15-month closing caused by the COVID virus. Each week eight screenings of four curated commercial and independent films are shown from Thursday through Sunday. The sale of concessions is delayed until the theatre is able to accommodate health requirements. Tickets are sold on line at the Crandell website, crandelltheatre.org, and at the box office. Admission is $8 members, $9 nonmembers, and $7 for children 12 and under. A festive reopening is planned for the first weekend. On Saturday evening and Sunday, July 3-4, the featured film is The Climb, produced by Noah Lang, who has family ties to Columbia County. Directed by Michael Angelo Covino, the film was recognized at the Cannes Film Festival in…
Join The Crandell Theatre Team, Now Hiring
The Crandell Theatre is hiring the following theater operations staff, in anticipation of reopening this summer. Operations Manager Assistant Operations Manager Facilities Assistant To apply for these positions, please send a resume, statement of interest, and this fillable job application form to Annie Brody, abrody@crandelltheatre.org, by Friday, May 14. Interviews will begin immediately, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Crandell Theatre, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer. As a mission-driven, non-profitorganization, the Crandell is dedicated to enriching the cultural vitality of the region through filmprogramming that challenges, inspires, educates, and entertains. Additionally, the Crandell islocated in the historic theatre on Main Street, Chatham, NY, which is listed on the national andstate registers of historic buildings and produces the FilmColumbia film festival each October.
Making History – Marking the 50th Anniversary of the 1971 May Day Protests as Recorded by Videofreex, “Mayday 1971 Raw”
The Crandell Theatre hosted a virtual community event, “Making History – Marking the 50th Anniversary of the 1971 May Day Protests as Recorded by Videofreex, ‘Mayday 1971 Raw’” on Saturday, May 1. Over 40 participants enjoyed the lively and engaging panel discussion via Zoom. The event marked the 50th anniversary of the 1971 May Day peace protests that made history, with record-setting civil disobedience arrests and leading to the end of the Vietnam War. The event featured access to a 66-minute, 21st century edit of the original video compilation by pioneering collective Videofreex, from the historic 1971 May Day protest. Participants were invited to watch in advance of the event, and then tune in to the fascinating panel discussion that followed. The discussion focused on Mayday 1971 Raw, local community members who were present in Washington D.C. that day, and the…
Making History – Marking the 50th Anniversary of the 1971 May Day Protests as Recorded by Videofreex, “Mayday 1971 Raw”
Crandell Theatre proudly presents Mayday 1971 Raw, marking the 50th anniversary of the 1971 May Day peace protests that made history, with record-setting civil disobedience arrests and leading to the end of the Vietnam War. The protestors’ slogan: “If the government won’t stop the war, we’ll stop the government.” The early video documentary was recorded by Mayday Video, an ad hoc group of pioneer video makers, including Videofreex, who lived and had a pirate TV station in the Catskills during the 1970s. This virtual community event features access to a 66-minute, 21st century edit of the original video compilation from the historic 1971 May Day protest. Participants are invited to view the film in advance of the event, and tune in to a panel discussion on May 1st at 5 p.m. To gain access to the film, please register for the event…
In Loving Memory of Gary Leib
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gary Leib, long-time member of the FilmColumbia family, and co-creator of FC favorite, “Animation for Grownups.” Gary was the animator for American Splendor, directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pucini, which was screened at FilmColumbia in 2003. A few years later, Gary took part in an animation panel at FilmColumbia. He was so taken with the Crandell Theatre and the vibe of the area that he and his wife Judy Glantzman first rented, then bought a second home nearby. After the panel that year, FilmColumbia Festival Director Calliope Nicholas proposed that Gary put together an animation program. He jumped on the opportunity enthusiastically, but with a warning – it wouldn’t be suitable for kids. His idea was to show the best and wildest of cutting edge animation shorts…
Farm Film Festival 13: March 15 – March 21, 2021
Crandell Theatre proudly presents the thirteenth annual Farm Film Festival. This year’s festival, presented in collaboration with the Chatham Agricultural Partnership and the Columbia Land Conservancy, will be held virtually via Zoom. Farm Film Festival XIII is presented with generous support from MetzWood Insurance and the Hudson River Bank & Trust Foundation. As in the past, the program is a mix of films made by professional and amateur filmmakers who respond to the call for entries; the films are selected by a panel representing the collaborating organizations. The festival showcases films that focus on farms, farming, and farming issues from local and national filmmakers. Our theme this year is “Sustainability Around the Globe.” All nine short films will be available for viewing from March 15th-21st on our Youtube channel. Virtual screening is open to the public at no charge, but…
Crandell Theatre Announces $3 Million Fundraising Plan for Renovation and Endowment
The Crandell Theatre board of directors in Chatham, New York, announced today that it has raised $2 million of its $3 million Capital Campaign to renovate the theater and establish an endowment to sustain the theater well into the future. One million dollars has been raised towards the renovation cost of $2 million, and an initial pledge of $1 million has been received for the endowment. The theater renovation will include upgrading the audio system, expansion of the lobby and concession area, additional modernized restrooms, replacement of seats, and creation of functional staff workspace and storage. The Crandell is currently closed because of the pandemic. The board anticipates reopening the Crandell in summer 2021 (based upon state health guidelines and financial feasibility) and producing the FilmColumbia Festival in the fall. Depending upon the progress of the fundraising campaign, construction is…
In Our Backyard: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Crandell Theatre Presents Virtual Community Event In Our Backyard: Neighbors Helping NeighborsThursday, February 18th at 4pm Join us for “In Our Backyard – Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” an interactive conversation focused on how our community has been responding to new challenges presented by the pandemic. The program is presented with generous support from MetzWood Insurance. Led by Mayor of Hudson Kamal Johnson and featuring prominent community members as panelists, this one-hour Zoom program will address three areas of particular local concern – mental health, physical health, and food vulnerability. The event will take place on Thursday, February 18th at 4 pm via Zoom. Admission to the one-hour program is free and open to all. The goals are to raise awareness for the positive work happening throughout Columbia County, highlight creative solutions, and inform community members about opportunities to serve. In order…
Findings From The Crandell Theatre Members and Friends Survey
Dear Members and Friends: With the governor’s recent decision to open theaters at 25 percent capacity, the responses of Crandell members and friends to the recent survey [January 15-25] have provided helpful guidance as we consider an appropriate format and schedule for reopening in 2021. One-third of Crandell members responded to the questionnaire, with a return of all members and friends at 17 percent. There was not an appreciable difference in responses when members were isolated from the total. Based upon the information provided, we learned that Crandell viewers are overwhelmingly between 55-75 years old and live full time in Columbia County. They come to the Crandell to see movies between three and five times every three months. When people consider returning to the Crandell, they have the following priorities for health/safety: Most important: having had the COVID vaccine, limited/appropriately…