Village East by Angelika in the East Village reopened its doors to the public last month, after a pandemic shut down a year ago.
While they are still operating at a limited capacity, in addition to new cleaning guidelines requiring them to sanitize seats before and after each viewing, they are managing to stay afloat. Employees have said there has been a lot of excitement from guests with the reopening and that the theater continues to thrive despite challenges posed by COVID and beyond. One of the biggest concerns is the competition against streaming services. People are choosing to watch movies from the comfort of their own homes. But now that restrictions are slowly being lifted, and vaccines are being distributed, some people will choose to leave their house for the traditional movie theater experience.
Village East by Angelica welcomes movie viewers after a long hiatus, April, 2, 2021. Photo by Inga Parkel
The concession stand is open, but with limitations like no self-service beverages at Village East by Angelika, April 2, 2021. Photo by Inga Parkel
Cleaning sprays, towels, and gloves line the counter behind the concession stand at Village East by Angelika, April 2, 2021. Photo by Inga Parkel
The manager (right) helps a customer purchase tickets at Village East by Angelika while wearing protective gloves, April 2, 2021. Photo by Inga Parkel
A man and woman walk down the hall looking for their respective theater at Village East by Angelika, April 2, 2021. Photo by Inga Parkel
Theater one is prepared for the next movie showing at Village East by Angelika, April 2, 2021. Photo by Inga Parkel
Row availability is alternated to increase social distancing at Village East by Angelika, April 2, 2021. Photo by Inga Parkel
A woman ascends the stairs to find her seat at Village East by Angelika, April 2, 2021. Photo by Inga Parkel
An employee carries spray bottles as he cleans the theater before and after each viewing at Village East by Angelika, April 2, 2021. Photo by Inga Parkel
Two men exit Village East by Angelika after purchasing movie tickets, April 2, 2021. Photo by Inga Parkel
