Author: Alfredo Casuso

Another Planet Welcomes Castro Theatre Landmarking 

Another Planet Entertainment has always supported the Landmarking of the Castro Theatre interior which was recommended for approval by the Board of Supervisors by unanimous vote of the Historic Preservation Commission 6-0. We thank the Historic Preservation Commission for their thoughtful consideration. If was wonderful to see and hear so much love for the Castro Theatre and its place in the LGBTQ and film communities.

Also, for the record.  The Castro Theatre Conservancy did make another offer on Tuesday (1/31) afternoon. However that offer fails
to meet the Nasser family and Another Planet’s basic requirements to improve and operate the building.  Therefore, it has been rejected.   The Conservancy has had over one year to formulate a plan and none has been forthcoming.   At this point it is unlikely that APE or the Nasser family will entertain any offers from the Conservancy as the lack of any competent proposal from the Conservancy has been more than disappointing and appears to potentially be simply a delay tactic to disrupt the momentum of APEs thoughtful plan to revitalize the theatre.

We look forward to realizing our vision for the renovation of the Castro that has now been endorsed by the theatre’s most important LGBTQ and film event, Frameline; the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, the Castro Organ Devotees Association, the San Francisco Silent Film Festival and numerous Disability / ADA Advocates. It was a good night for everyone who loves and respects the Castro Theatre and wants it to thrive, along with the many Castro Merchants and Castro/Upper Market CBD members supported by a vibrant theatre.
— David Perry, Spokesman for Another Planet

The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus “Home for the Holidays” shows on Christmas Eve at the Castro Theatre have been an impactful holiday tradition to the LGBTQIA+ community over the last 33 years. Giving many of us a safe space to celebrate the holidays in our own way with our chosen family.

We support Another Planet’s operation and rejuvenation of the Castro Theatre. Through their operation of other historical theaters, they have proven their commitment to preserving these treasures for the future. With their help we look forward to our next 33 years coming home for the holidays in our beloved Castro Theatre.

— The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus 

To whom it may concern:

I’m a 20-year Castro resident, frequent Castro Theatre moviegoer, and independent film producer. I’m writing to let you know that after careful consideration, I’m fully supportive of APE’s plans for the Castro. 

I encourage you to review their plans (here) as well as their FAQ (here) and you will see that the so-called Save-the-Castro Theatre Conservancy’s concerns are either completely unfounded, or have been thoroughly addressed.I’ve honestly been scouring the Save the Castro website and social media to find something tI object to, but I can’t find it. There’s no data – only hollow claims not based on facts about APE and the renovation including:

1. APE is a good-faith, independent, local operator of incredibly high quality events at similarly historic venues (Greek Theatre, The Fox) where they are a thoughtful steward.
2. APE’s management not only helps these venues survive, but in the case of the Fox in Oakland, they literally brought it back from the ashes after decades of abandonment.
3. I’m convinced they’ve addressed the concerns of the community around programming and maintaining interior sloped seating.
4. The renovations will make the theater more accessible to people with disabilities. This is especially true for the stage.

Lastly, as a Castro resident, regular, well-attended events at the Castro will draw thousands of people into the neighborhood, supporting local businesses and enhancing the vibrancy and safety of the Upper Market neighborhood. Delaying the renovation on baseless claims will only hurt  theCastro and the neighborhood.

I’d encourage you all to look at the facts behind the renovation and APE’s track record. If you do, I think you will come to the same conclusion I have. 

Many thanks, 

Brian Kemler

San Francisco

Media contact:
David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

One of the World’s Largest LGBTQ Cultural Organizations Endorses Castro Theatre Renovation Plans by Another Planet Entertainment 

Frameline — Oldest Queer Film Festival on Earth — Calls APE Revised Seating Plan “Exciting” and “Sightlines Ideal for Film”

30 January 2023 – San Francisco, CA: Following a year of public input and intense planning to ensure not only sightlines ideal for film, but seating and improvements to increase ADA and other accessibilities, the plans for the renovation, restoration and revitalization of the historic and LGBTQ iconic Castro Theatre by Bay Area company Another Planet Entertainment (www.apeconcerts.com) have been endorsed by the Frameline International Film Festival (www.frameline.org): one of the largest and most prestigious LGBTQ cultural institutions on earth, the world’s oldest queer film festival, and prime user of the historic venue.

“Frameline looks forward to screening at the Castro Theatre every June – it will always be our home,” said James Woolley Executive Director of Frameline. “The improvements to accessibility for all audiences, especially our many customers with disabilities, are very exciting. In addition we appreciate a new HVAC system. The seats retain sightlines ideal for film and the prototype seats we sampled are comfortable and secure. The importance of regularly premiering new queer cinema at the Castro Theatre for both the queer community, and our rising queer filmmakers remains at the core of our ability to fulfill our mission. We feel that these latest proposed revisions to the seating will help ensure Frameline’s home remains at the Castro for years to come.”

In recent days, Another Planet released revised plans after listening to input from the film community. The updated plans include an innovative mechanized floor that will allow the Castro to retain a raked floor for film events, then also convert to a flat and tiered profile for concerts and other special events.

(see the video presentation at the link below).    
https://www.castrotheatre.com/castro-theatre-preservation/

“There would be no Castro Theatre without the Frameline LGBTQ International Film Festival,” said Mary Conde, senior Vice President for Another Planet.  “For the last many months, we have been grateful for their wisdom, input and support. We can’t wait to welcome Frameline into a renovated Castro Theatre.“

Another Planet assumed management and programming of the historic landmark Castro Theatre in January 2022, with a commitment to fully restore the venue to its original Timothy Pflueger magnificence. The theatre was opened in 1922, built by the local Nasser family who still owns the complex.

For more information go to www.castrotheatre.com