Schubert’s Theater Opens New Drive-in Option

As Covid-19 has swept over the world it has made it a hassle for most businesses to stay open, but Shubert’s Theater has been finding ways to stay open for the last few months.

The movie theater industry took a big hit due to the spread of Covid. It caused most theaters across the United States to close down for months.

However, Schubert's Theater opened back up in the late summer for the first time since shutting down. Along with reopening, the theater is pushing to keep it a safe and healthy environment.

Schubert’s Theater has been encouraging moviegoers to follow the CinemaSafe health and safety protocols. CinemaSafe is a nationwide protocol set for helping theaters come back to business safely and healthy as possible.

Schubert’s Theater manager Brittney Frederick said that the theater staff and moviegoers have done really well at keeping the theater as clean and safe.

“We are doing everything we can,” Frederick said. “We are following the mask mandate, the lesser capacity, and the kids have done really well at cleaning in between shows.”

The CinemaSafe protocol also led to half of the theater parking lot being used for a drive-in theater. The drive-in theater allowed moviegoers to be maskless while also socially distanced.

Moviegoer Miranda Duehring has gone to the drive-in theater multiple times since it has opened. She was excited to have a little bit of change in Hartford.

“I have never been to [a drive-in theater] since most are far away, so it was nice to try something new in Hartford,” Duehring said. “Since Covid, we don’t have as many options, so it was nice that they put something together that is fun and follows the Covid guidelines.”

The theater started out by only showing classic movies like Jaws and Jurassic Park. Since then only a handful of movies have been released, so Shubert’s Theater has continued showing some older movies while also showing the few that are being released.

Not only have movies been shown in the drive-in option, but also live streams of HUHS sports. Schubert’s Theater has been projecting home football games every Friday night while also occasionally showing girls volleyball games.

The drive-in theater offers the ability to view HUHS athletics to those who cannot attend the games.

Athletic director Scott Helms believes people enjoy watching the games at the theater.

“I think it is a great alternative,” Helms said. “I also think it was awesome the Schuberts was willing to live stream our games on the big screen in their parking lot.”

Through the struggle of Covid-19, Schubert’s Theater has found it’s path to continue staying open.

“We have got some horror [movies] coming up,” Frederick said. “So, we are hoping with Halloween that things will pick up a little bit.”