Theater open 365 days, even during hurricanes

Mark Robinson
Assistant Spectrum Editor

In search of a reliable source of entertainment for future natural disasters? Look no further than the Byrd Theatre.

For its entire 83-year existence, the Carytown gem has maintained a fundamental promise: We never close, period. Through blizzards, earthquakes and yes, hurricanes, the Byrd Theatre leaves its doors open 365 days a year to all faithful filmgoers brave enough to venture out.

Todd Schall-Vess, the current general manager of the Byrd, recalls changing the theatre’s voicemail to include the always-open policy because some patrons thought the theatre was only open on weekends.

“It grew out of an informational thing but really became something we’re trying to hammer home,” Schall-Vess said. “If you can be open, you should be open.”

Schall-Vess believes the majority of people that make the trip to the theatre during bad weather conditions live in the surrounding neighborhoods and only have to walk a few blocks.

“The commitment we’ve made to stay open no matter what has become the difference between being a business in the community and being part of the community,” he said. “People have come to expect it.”

Schall-Vess says that shows during inclement weather are “surprisingly” well-attended and admits that although they boast smaller crowds than the Byrd usually draws, the moviegoers in attendance are significantly more enthusiastic than on a typical day.

While he encourages the filmgoers’ dedication, Schall-Vess said he doesn’t want people to risk coming to the theatre if it isn’t safe to travel.

Although the Byrd’s regularly scheduled Saturday showings were not canceled because of Hurricane Irene, the theatre was forced to close its doors after a power outage disrupted the 7:15 p.m. showing of “X-Men: First Class.”

Barring electrical or mechanical failure, Schall-Vess can’t recall ever seriously considering canceling shows.

Schall-Vess, who lives across the street from the theatre, did jokingly name one exception to the commitment the Byrd has upheld. “I tell people all the time, ‘If it’s not safe for me to commute to work, then I’ll consider closing the theatre.’”

For more information on the Byrd Theatre, visit their website at http://byrdtheatre.com/.