Tag Archives: Potomac Avenue

Guide to Pittsburgh’s Independent Movie Theaters

When the weather starts heating up, sometimes the only thing to do is go inside. This season many of us will take to the air-conditioned refuge of our local megaplexes. To switch things up, I offer you a list of local independently owned theaters. Many of the theaters screen the same new releases, but also provide character and unique programming.

Hollywood Theater475193_275212485896001_1501098987_o

1449 Potomac Ave., Dormont

(412)563-0368

The Hollywood plays a wide variety of movies as well as special film events. Known for its Rocky Horror Picture Show performances, as well as its “Breakfast and a Movie” series (just what it says, breakfast, and a movie) there’s something for everyone. The single-screened theater is a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing Potomac Avenue and Dormont by providing a theater and community center.

The Strand

119 North Main St., Zelienople

(724)742-0400

The Strand offers a variety of films as well as live performances. The Rocky Horror Picture Show screens regularly (17 & over only) and yes, you can throw things at this performance. The theater screens classics like Gone With the Wind and The Wizard of Oz, but you can also find live shows at The Strand. The nonprofit theater was restored in 2002, and wants to expand the project.

The Manor

1729 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh

(412)422-9851

The Manor theater screens both wide-release and independent movies, at often lower prices than the megaplexes. The Manor also boasts “The M Bar” in the lobby where patrons can bring alcoholic drinks into the theater. Check out the “Manor at Midnight” series, when the theater screens classic movies Saturdays at midnight.

Harris Theater

a little history?

a little history? (Photo credit: macwagen)

809 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh

(412)682-4111

Owned by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and programmed by Pittsburgh Filmmakers ,the Harris Theater is a classic movie house in the heart of the Cultural District. The theater screens foreign and contemporary independent films, and is also part of the Three Rivers Film Festival.

Oaks Theater

310 Allegheny River Blvd., Oakmont

(412)828-6322

The single screen Oaks Theater screens both new releases and cult classics. Check out the summer series “Moonlit Matinees”, where Oaks screens a cult classic every Friday and Saturday night. Once a month, the theater hosts the “Cine Bruch”, where movie fans can watch and munch on a delicious Oakmont Bakery brunch.

Regent Square

Regent Sq Theater

1035 South Braddock Ave., Pittsburgh

(412)682-4111

Owned and operated by Pittsburgh Filmmakers, this single screen theater plays limited release independent movies seven days a week. In addition, every Sunday night the Regent Square theater hosts “The Sunday Series”, a monthly series of film screenings based around a theme, era, or director.

Melwood Screening Room

477 Melwood Ave., Pittsburgh

(412)681-5449

Located within the Pittsburgh Filmmakers building, the Melwood Screening Room is the youngest of the independent theaters on this list. The screening room plays independent features, and hosts “Film Kitchen” on the second Tuesday of every month.“Film Kitchen” is a series featuring local short films. The filmmakers are present at the screening and available for discussion after the show.

 


View Independent Theaters in Pittsburgh in a larger map

What’s your favorite theater in Pittsburgh? Seen any good movies lately?

Save the Date – May 4th – The Hollywood Theater in Dormont Will Reopen

photo copyright Jennifer Baron

Local movie theater lovers rejoice! Thanks to a group of volunteers – Friends of the Hollywood Theater – the Hollywood Theater in Dormont will be reopening this spring.

May 4th – The Hollywood Theater will host a screening of the PBS documentary The New Metropolis.

Looking forward The Hollywood Theater will host the 48 Hour Film Festival, Rocky Horror Picture show and many other community events.

Determined not to lose another single-screen theater, a group of local movie-lovers, area residents and community leaders banded together to formulate a strategy to reopen the beloved Hollywood. The result was the FOHT, whose mission is to reopen the theater not only to show movies, but as a community center where the public can enjoy movies, film festivals, concerts, and special events such as big screen viewings of sporting events and the Academy Awards. The FOHT hopes that reopening the theater will add to the vitality of the Potomac Avenue business district, Dormont, and the entire region.

Check out the Post-Gazette article on The Hollywood Theater here.

They are working on updating the website – www.TheHollywoodDormont.org and you can follow the Facebook page here.

Here are some great photos of the interior of the theater (interior photos are copyright Fred Terling):

You can learn more about The New Metropolis here.  I think this will be a really interesting film that addresses some issues that Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas are dealing with.

Here is the trailer:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwU3G5ngldY[/youtube]

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Dormont Street Fair & Music Festival

DORMONT FALL STREET FAIR & MUSIC FESTIVAL

Pittsburgh legends Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers to headline free Potomac Avenue event

DATE: Saturday, October 10, 2009 4—11 p.m.
LOCATION: Potomac Avenue between West Liberty and Belrose Avenues,  Dormont, PA

the Borough continues its ongoing Centennial Celebration and hosts its most exciting Street Fair to date! From 4 to 11 p.m., join friends, neighbors and surrounding South Hills community members for the 3rd Annual Dormont Street Fair & Music Festival. Check out local Dormont businesses, boutiques, artists, and organizations, and support the town’s Potomac Avenue commercial district. Get fit with Zumba, test your Salsa skills, and see if you’ve got rhythm with InnerBeat Drum School.

Rock the night away to live music by legendary Pittsburgh musician, and Dormont resident, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers, who is the event’s featured headlining act.  Continue reading