Historic Theater Won't Reopen Until Workers Are Vaccinated

GREENBELT, MD — The Old Greenbelt Theatre will not reopen until all its workers have the chance to get vaccinated. The theater announced the decision last Friday, one day after Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks gave movie theaters permission to reopen at half capacity.

It may take a while for theater employees to get the vaccine, however. The county is in phase 1C of its inoculation rollout. That means residents aged 65 and up can currently get the shot. Frontline health care workers, first responders and educational staff are also eligible.

Unless staffers fall into one of these categories or have a preexisting condition, they may have to wait until Prince George's enters phase 3 of immunization. Health officials estimated the county won't reach that period until at least May or June.

"Our paramount concern is to make sure that everyone feels safe," Executive Director Caitlin McGrath said on Facebook Live. "That’s everybody coming into the theater and everybody that works at the theater."

Donors Needed

The theater has been shut down for about a year. That's strained the organization's finances.

The establishment had about $30,000 in monthly expenses before the pandemic. The theater has since reduced its budget by about 60 percent. The venue also earned federal, state and local relief grants, but it still projects a $25,000 deficit.

"Being a shuttered business has dealt a serious blow to our finances," McGrath said in a call for donors. "As you can imagine, our revenue is down dramatically."

McGrath launched an online fundraiser to keep the theater afloat. She hoped to cover the losses, but locals have shown even more support. Altogether, 406 donors have contributed $32,696.

"We’ve always said that our mission relies on our members," McGrath added. "Nothing we’ve ever done would have been possible without you, and that’s never been truer."

Built in 1938, the Old Greenbelt Theatre is the only nonprofit cinema in Prince George's County. Click here to donate to its campaign. For more information on the theater, head to its website.

Coronavirus Vaccine Resources

To see when you'll be eligible for the inoculation, read Patch's explainer. Check out our how-to guide to learn how to sign up for the shot. Catch up on the latest coronavirus infection and vaccination metrics in Prince George's County by heading to our latest numbers update.

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