Cinema makes room for new acts

The schedule for the Cinema, the new name for the location on the Walnut Street once occupied by Cinemagic, is filling quickly, as film and performing-arts groups race to use the venue in the coming months. "We've basically got a pretty strong spring calendar programmed," in addition to a few pending events in the fall, said Andrew Zitcer, cultural asset manager for Facilities and Real Estate Services. A couple of film festivals have taken place recently in the theater, in addition to the multiple performances that were held at the end of August as part of the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe. There are three former theaters in the space, one of which has been closed. The other two are being used, one for concerts and rehearsals, the other for film screenings. "We started out with nothing -- and we're bringing it back to life," Zitcer said. The projection system was just rebuilt, and a new sound system will be installed in a few weeks. "It's just a matter of really making sure the facility is top-notch. We want the best experience for" groups who use the space, Zitcer said. The Penn Cinema Association plans to use the space as a hub for its activities. The Cinema Studies Department also plans to hold a course about women in film at the Cinema next semester. Nicola Gentili, the associate director of the Cinema Studies Program, is very excited about using the new facility. "The space is not in perfect shape, but it's absolutely ideal for any kind of screening theater," Gentili said. The Performing Arts Council also plans to use the space in the spring. The Ars Nova Workshop, a presenter of jazz and experimental music, will also perform in the Cinema in the spring. "There's always a dearth of usable space in the city for arts and culture events that aren't in the mainstream," Facilities Services spokesman Tony Sorrentino said, adding that the opportunity to bring more arts groups to campus promotes the "free exchange of ideas" at Penn. All parties involved emphasized the importance of both students and residents utilizing the theater. "The location on the border of the campus is absolutely ideal to allow members of the community" to participate, Gentili said. "This is a resource that really is for everybody; you want to make sure everyone is benefiting," Zitcer added. "Everyone at Penn is at sync on the point." These programs will last until the end of 2006 at the latest, when redevelopment of the 3900 block of Walnut Street is scheduled to start.