The Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center will reopen Aug. 21 with the films “John Lewis: Good Trouble” and “The Truth.”
In order to reopen as safely as possible, the Ross will be implementing a number of new policies to protect the health of both the staff and patrons. Details about the movies and reopening are available on the Ross website.
Social Distancing
The Ross will be following social distancing guidelines for the lobby and theaters. Patrons must allow at least 6 feet of space between themselves and others. In the theater, this equates to leaving at least three seats between oneself or one’s group and other patrons, as well as not sitting directly in front of or behind others.
Masks
The Ross will be following the university’s mandate that masks must be worn at all times while inside the building. This includes the time patrons are in the theater watching a movie. Patrons are allowed to remove their masks to eat or drink concessions products but must replace their masks as soon as they are finished. Masks will be available to purchase for $1 at the box office.
Patron Self-Assessment
Before attending a film at the Ross, please answer the following questions:
Do you have a cough, change in breathing, sore throat or high temperature (100.4 Fahrenheit or above)?
Have you had close contact with an individual displaying any of the above symptoms?
Have you been in close contact with anyone who is awaiting coronavirus test results or who has been recently exposed?
The Ross asks that patrons answering yes to any of these questions do not enter the building or attend a film therein. Those who have purchased a ticket in advance and need a refund may call Business Manager Kassandra Hill at 402-472-7175.
Showtimes
The Ross will be reopening with fewer showtimes to allow staff to clean between screenings. The theater will feature two screenings of each film on weekdays and three screenings of each film on weekends.
Theater Capacity
The theater capacity will be reduced to 50%, which equates to 41 available seats in the South Theatre and 98 seats in the Cooper Theater.
Sanitization
A large hand sanitizer station, located in the Ross lobby, is available for patrons. Theater seats and arm rests will be cleaned and sanitized before and after each screening, and high-touch areas will be cleaned on a regular basis.
Online Ticketing and Concessions
The Ross encourages patrons to purchase their tickets and concessions online to reduce contact with staff. Though online ticketing has been previously available, all concessions items have been added to the online system so they may also be purchased in advance. Additional information will be added soon to guide patrons through the process of purchasing tickets and concessions.
Staff Safety
The Ross staff will be wearing masks and face shields. A plexiglass partition has been added to the concessions and box office counters.
Air Systems
The university has increased the amount of fresh air being drawn into HVAC systems in the Ross building by 50%. It has also upgraded the air filters to more efficiently capture large and small particles in the air.
Signage and Rules
Please follow all directions from the Ross staff and posted signage. Those who do not follow the directives will be asked to leave the theater without a refund.
Streaming Films
For those patrons who do not feel comfortable attending public gatherings at this time, the Ross will continue to offer a small number of streaming films that can be viewed online, with a portion of the proceeds going to support the Ross.
