Start supporting your local movie theater

Photo courtesy of Charles Steinhacker/Wikimedia Commons

In a world full of constant content consumption and doomscrolling, we are losing a very important form of entertainment—going to see a movie at your local movie theater. We continuously see the release of new movies in theaters, but it has become common practice to wait for these movies to be released onto a streaming platform to watch.

In many cases, the closest  movie theater to someone may be a large chain such as an AMC or a Regal Cinema, but there are still a few locally owned and operated theaters that rely on the attendance of local community members to keep their business afloat. 

In Geneseo’s case, the village is home to two different theaters. The Geneseo Riviera is located right on main street and offers a unique performing arts experience for community members. While it does not have a consistent schedule of movie screenings, it features local artists, musicians, and of course still offers movie showings. Through their website they even accept movie screening suggestions. Where else can you find a theater so intertwined in the community that they may play a movie on the big screen upon your request?

The more commonly known movie theater in Geneseo, Geneseo Theaters, is located on Lakeville Road. The location is locally owned and operated by a company called Rochester Theater Management, which also operates a few other locations in the surrounding area. Despite its small size the theater continuously has new releases and multiple films available for screening at a time. 

At a larger chain movie theater you can often pay upwards of 13 dollars for just one adult ticket to a movie. But at the Geneseo Theaters you can use your Geneseo ID to receive a student discount, and pay just nine dollars for an evening ticket. Additionally, their matinee viewings are only eight dollars for an adult ticket. 

But why should one care about leaving their house to go see a movie when they can see it at home in just a few short weeks? Going to support your local movie theater not only helps the economy in cases such as Geneseo where it is locally owned, but it provides a different viewing experience that can be extremely beneficial and change the way you feel about a movie.

There have been many times where I have seen a movie in theaters and the general atmosphere of the room has greatly contributed to how I felt about the movie. Whether it be a horror movie where everyone is on the edge of their seat, or a movie filled with sorrow when sniffles can be heard throughout the crowd, it can help to provide a more enriching experience. 

Going to the movies does not also have to be limited to a romantic experience with a partner—it is a great activity to do with friends, family, or even by yourself. With the village of Geneseo having so many local options for entertainment, going to the movies is a great activity to do after class or even on the weekends. 

If this has inspired you to see a movie anytime soon, be sure to keep in mind proper movie theater etiquette so as to not ruin the experience for any other attendees. There is no need to be chit chatting during the movie or taking photos with the flash on—save that for when the credits start rolling at the end!