Movie theaters are reopening across America — although not yet here in North Carolina where I live. If you’re planning on going to the theater to see a movie, here are some things to look out for so you’ll have a comfortable and safe experience.
First. The movie theaters want you to be safe
Obviously, they are practicing social distancing. Theaters will keep their occupancy low so patrons can be spaced out.
Groups can sit together, but there will be ample spacing between any group of people. This actually isn’t as big a problem as you might think. AMC Theaters reported last year that their theaters averaged 17% occupancy — well below the threshold for social distancing. Theaters are sort of like churches: packed for Easter Sunday, and otherwise sparsely occupied.
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One big change is that the flow of patrons through the theater is now designed to prevent large groups of people intersecting
You still enter through the main entrance, but expect to exit via the sides, and do not return to the lobby to exit. Every theater has a different layout, and so each theater will make their own adjustments. So be aware of these considerations.
At the concession stand there will be dedicated employees for taking your order — and they may not accept cash.
Patrons aren’t the only ones practicing social distancing. Movies are spaced out as well
There will be at least one hour between shows, so that employees can give the theaters an electrostatic cleaning.
What people are saying
about the RunPee app.
Brilliant idea with great information
I’ve been using RunPee for a few years now and it’s basically a requirement of going to the movies for me. The best part of course are the “pee times” that give you cues, synopses and times for when you can pee without missing the most important parts of the movie. There is also information about the credits- length, extras and if there are any extra scenes at the wayyy end. Super helpful to just know that it is or isn’t worth staying. There is a timer function that will buzz your phone when it’s a good time to pee. I also appreciate that the app is very conscientious about it being an app you use in a theater- dark background, all silent alarms etc. I will always enjoy the experience of the theater even if I could watch things at home- but I’ve even used it at home to check for things like after credit scenes or other information too.
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AMC Theaters, and many others, have upgraded their air filters to use MERV 13 — four times the filtration of standard air filters.
Obviously, masks are required unless you’re eating or drinking. This is the biggest concern of the manager I spoke with: how to deal with people who don’t comply?
It’s a dark theater, who’s going to know if you pull off your mask? I only know if I spot someone flaunting the mask rules I’ll accidentally spill water on you. “Oh gosh. I’m so sorry. I don’t know how that happened, you sorry piece of trash.” (If you make me uncomfortable, I swear I’ll return the favor.)
One issue that is difficult to manage is crowding in the restrooms when a movie lets out. If you gotta go, you gotta go.
This is one occasion where the RunPee app might actually be a literal lifesaver
If you run and pee during the movie, you’ll hopefully be able to skip the rush to the restroom afterwards.
One thing to consider is that the employees at the theater, or any establishment, can only remain as safe as the patrons allow.
Patrons who disregard safety protocols put others at risk, but it’s compounded for the employees who might be forced, face to face, with multiple patrons each day — who could potentially expose them to Covid-19. Eventually that will catch up with them.
So, to put it bluntly, if you’re going back to the theaters, then don’t be a jerk. Be considerate of those who make it possible for you to be there.
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Don’t miss your favorite movie moments because you have to pee or need a snack. Use the RunPee app (Androidor iPhone) when you go to the movies. We have Peetimes for all wide release films every week, including Transformers One, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Reagan, Deadpool & Wolverine and coming soon The Wild Robot, Megalopolis, Joker: Folie à Deux, Venom: The Last Ride and many others. We have literally thousands of Peetimes—from classic movies through today’s blockbusters. You can also keep up with movie news and reviews on our blog, or by following us on Twitter @RunPee. If there’s a new film out there, we’ve got your bladder covered.
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