Cedar Lee Theatre Sets Reopening Date

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Cedar Lee Theatre will reopen to customers on July 1. The movie theater will implement a new slate of health and safety protocols to protect customers from the new coronavirus.

“While Governor [Mike] Dewine’s order allows movie theaters in Ohio to start operating on June 10, we felt it was important to not rush to re-open,” said Jonathan Forman, president of Cleveland Cinemas. “After thoughtful discussions with our staff and operations team, we have come up with a plan that will provide patrons with an enjoyable and safe night at the movies, in our theaters that will be operating under the guidelines of the Ohio Department of Health and the CDC.”

Cleveland Cinemas, which operates Cedar Lee Theatre, said the following health and safety protocols will be in place upon reopening:

• Customers will be encouraged to wear face coverings while in the building commons areas, like the lobby and bathrooms
• Social distancing markers will be place in the lobby to ensure customers are properly spaced out
• Touchless purchase options will be available at the box office and concession stand
• Customers will be encouraged to buy tickets online
• Auditorium seating capacity will be reduced 50 percent and seats and rows will be closed to ensure distancing during screenings
• Showtimes will be spaced further apart to reduce lobby crowds and to allow for more time for cleaning and disinfecting
• Traffic flow into and out of the theater will be directed to minimize crowds
• Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the building
• Staff members will have health assessments before clocking in
• Staff members are required to wear face coverings while working
• Staff members must wear gloves and frequently wash their hands
• Each shift will include a dedicated sanitation staffer who will ensure frequent touch points and surfaces are disinfected
• Plexiglass dividers have been installed at registers

Cleveland Cinemas is reopening its theaters in phases. Cedar Lee will be the last cinema to reopen.

“We wanted to re-open our theaters in phases so that we can ensure that the programs that we have developed in theory will work in practicality,” said Sean Denny, Cleveland Cinemas director of operations. “These phased openings will also help us gauge audience interest and allow us to make certain that all of our staffing needs are met.”

Cleveland Cinemas officials said theaters will initially offer screenings of iconic and class films. Tickets will be $5 for adults and $3 for seniors.