Colonial Theatre to participate in National Science on Screen® program
Programs at the Colonial Theatre expanding along with building
Programming space isn’t the only thing expanding at the iconic, and historic Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville’s downtown. The nonprofit, which is working to close an $8M capital campaign that will add two additional theatres and patron amenities, is also testing some new programming to appeal to broader audiences beginning this month.
Through a generous grant awarded in September the Colonial is one of close to 30 theatres nationwide participating in Science on Screen® (SoS), a national film initiative of the Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation with major support fromthe Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Beginning with the simultaneous National Evening of Science on Screen on Tuesday, March 28 at 7 p.m., the Colonial will show a total of three films from a variety of genres. Each screening will be preceded by inventive guest talks delivered by scientists working in fields related to the film’s subject matter.
Additional Science on Screen programs are set to include “12 Monkeys” paired with a talk on infectious diseases by Julian Jenkins, PhD, VP of Innovation Performance and Technology at GSK; and “Primer” paired with a talk on time loops by Brian Yust, PhD, Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics at Philadelphia University.
Casey Schwarz, PhD, an assistant professor of physics at Ursinus College, will kick-off the series on the 28th at the screening of the cult classic “Run Lola Run” with her presentation Chaos Theory: Butterflies and Drug Lords. A recep- tion for Colonial members and Ursinus alumni will precede the screening.
Tom Twyker’s German language film will resonate with long-time Colonial fans and friends who may remember it was the first film screened after the theatre re-opened as a nonprofit in 1999.
“A revival of’ Run Lola Run’ seemed to have a nice circularity at this particular moment as we prepare to open the Colonial’s brand new wing,” noted Kirsten Van Vlandren, Programming Director. “Film and other programming with talk-back and lecture components at the Colonial have enjoyed popularity in the past and often draw new audiencemembers. We hope that patrons who’ve loved TEDx Phoenixville salons and related events will return to experience and participate in Science on Screen.”
Prof. Schwarz earned her doctoral degree in physics from the University of Central Florida in 2012. Her research interests include 3D laser writing of novelmaterials, development and design of optical devices, and optical characterization.
To purchase tickets for the ‘Run Lola Run” screening, visit https://thecolonialtheatre.com/programs/ sos-run-lola-run/ or call 610-917-1228. Ticket prices are $9 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, and $5 for Members and children under thirteen. Attend Prof. Schwarz’s 20-minute talk Chaos Theory: Butterflies and Drug Lords at 7:30. The filmwill beginimmediately after the talk, with time for a Q&A after the film.
To sponsor an upcoming film or discuss other forms of support for this program or others, contact Emily Simmons, Development Director, at 610-9171228 or emily@thecolonialtheatre.com.
The 658-seat Colonial Theatre is located on Bridge Street in the heart of downtown Phoenixville. Opened in 1903, the Colonial is the last surviving of four theatres once existing in the borough andis the only theatre of its kind in Chester County. It is owned and operated by the Association for the Colonial Theatre (ACT), a nonprofit corporation, which re-opened the theatre in 1999. Theater programming includes art and independent films seven nights a week, classic films, programs for young audiences, live concerts, and community events. This year, the Colonial will expand into a new wing replete with two additional theatres for film and expanded patron amenities including concessions with wine and beer and a rooftop garden suite with adjacent deck. To learn more and support the Campaign, visit www.bankonthearts.org. For upcoming shows and times, visitwww. thecolonialtheatre.com.