Facility Updates (including Masked Matinees)

UPDATED January 4, 2023

We’re thrilled to launch our Theater Refurbishment project in February. All three original theaters on the first floor will be enhanced with new seats, increased accessibility and comfort, added legroom, and upgraded flooring. The seating layout in Theaters Two and Three will be altered to ensure optimal viewing. We will also elevate the third-floor gallery with a wine bar and casual seating to continue our shared experiences and embrace new programming opportunities. More news to follow soon.

The Theater will be unavailable for screenings during the day, so Masked Matinees will be limited to Sundays. Other than the Masked Matinees, masks are recommended but not required.

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UPDATED July 15, 2022

As of May 29, JBFC is offering Masked Matinees for the first screenings of the day on Sundays and Mondays until further notice. While in the building, staff and customers will be required to wear masks unless enjoying concessions while seated.

Other than the Masked Matinees, masks are recommended but not required.

We no longer require proof of vaccination but strongly urge vaccinations for patrons.

We installed Bi-Polar Ionization air filtration units at the Theater, which filters the air to the highest commercially available standards.

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UPDATED April 1, 2022

Masks are recommended but not required at the JBFC Theater. As of March 31, we no longer require proof of vaccination for attendees of in-person screenings and events.

We installed Bi-Polar Ionization air filtration units at the Theater, which filters the air to the highest commercially available standards.

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UPDATED March 2, 2022

As of March 4, masks are recommended but no longer required. We continue to be a vaccinated-only facility; all patrons 5 and older must provide proof of vaccination. Masks are required at all times for kids under 5.

Proof of vaccination may include your vaccination card, a legible copy of the card on your phone, or the New York State Excelsior Pass, paired with an ID for adults. Results from COVID testing will not be accepted. We ask that patrons have their proof ready to present at the door upon arrival.

UPDATED Feb. 11, 2022

• As of Feb. 11, JBFC Theater ticket sales have returned to 100% of capacity.
• We require proof of COVID-19 vaccination paired with identification for all in-person screenings and events at the Theater and classes at the Media Art Lab.
  • Proof of vaccination may include your vaccination card, a legible copy of the card on your phone, or the New York State Excelsior Pass, paired with your ID. Both of these items must be presented for admission in person when you arrive at the theater. Results from COVID testing will not be accepted. We ask that patrons have their proof ready to present at the door upon arrival. Patrons will not be permitted inside the facility without proof of vaccination.
• Masks are required for all patrons and staff, and may only be removed to enjoy concessions while seated. 
• Proof of vaccination for children five and older is required for entry. Masks are required for children under five years old.
• Note: We installed Bi-Polar Ionization air filtration units at the Theater last summer, which filters the air to the highest commercially available standards, and continue our enhanced cleaning protocols.

UPDATED Jan. 18, 2022 

• We are continuing to temporarily limit ticket sales to 50% of capacity
• We require proof of COVID-19 vaccination paired with identification for all in-person screenings and events at the Theater and classes at the Media Art Lab.
  • Proof of vaccination may include your vaccination card, a legible copy of the card on your phone, or the New York State Excelsior Pass, paired with your ID. Both of these items must be presented for admission in person when you arrive at the theater. Results from COVID testing will not be accepted. We ask that patrons have their proof ready to present at the door upon arrival. Patrons will not be permitted inside the facility without proof of vaccination.
• Effective Jan. 21, masks are required for all patrons and staff, and may only be removed to enjoy concessions while seated. 
• Proof of vaccination for children five and older is required for entry. Masks are required for children under five years old.
• Note: We installed Bi-Polar Ionization air filtration units at the Theater last summer, which filters the air to the highest commercially available standards, and continue our enhanced cleaning protocols.

UPDATED DEC. 22, 2021 – As of 12/23, JBFC Theaters will operate at 50% capacity through Jan. 21, 2022

• Effective Thursday, Dec. 23, the JBFC will temporarily limit ticket sales to 50% of capacity
• We require proof of COVID-19 vaccination paired with identification for all in-person screenings and events at the Theater and classes at the Media Art Lab.
  • Proof of vaccination may include your vaccination card, a legible copy of the card on your phone, or the New York State Excelsior Pass, paired with your ID. Both of these items must be presented for admission in person when you arrive at the theater. Results from COVID testing will not be accepted. We ask that patrons have their proof ready to present at the door upon arrival. Patrons will not be permitted inside the facility without proof of vaccination.
• Masks are required for all patrons and staff, and must be worn at all times. In accordance with this policy, our concessions stand is temporarily closed through Jan. 21, 2022.
• Proof of vaccination for children five and older is required for entry. Masks are required for children under five years old.
• Note: We installed Bi-Polar Ionization air filtration units at the Theater last summer, which filters the air to the highest commercially available standards, and continue our enhanced cleaning protocols.

UPDATED OCT. 25 –  As of 10/29, JBFC Theaters at 100% Capacity 

Health & Safety Policies

• Our facility will operate at 100% capacity.
• We require proof of COVID-19 vaccination paired with identification for all in-person screenings and events at the Theater and classes at the Media Art Lab.
  • Proof of vaccination may include your vaccination card, a legible copy of the card on your phone, or the New York State Excelsior Pass, paired with your ID. Both of these items must be presented for admission in person when you arrive at the theater. Results from COVID testing will not be accepted. We ask that patrons have their proof ready to present at the door upon arrival. Patrons will not be permitted inside the facility without proof of vaccination.
• Masks are required for all patrons and staff, and may only be removed to enjoy concessions while seated. Children under 12 who cannot yet be vaccinated may attend only if accompanied by a fully-vaccinated adult, and they must also wear a mask.
• Note: We installed Bi-Polar Ionization air filtration units at the Theater last summer, which filters the air to the highest commercially available standards, and continue our enhanced cleaning protocols.

UPDATED OCT. 17 –  As of 10/22, JBFC Theaters at 75% Capacity Until Further Notice

Health & Safety Policies

• All Theaters will operate at 75% capacity until further notice.
• We require proof of COVID-19 vaccination paired with valid photo identification for all in-person screenings and events at the Theater.
  • Proof of vaccination may include your vaccination card, a legible copy of the card on your phone, or the New York State Excelsior Pass, paired with your photo ID. Both of these items must be presented for admission in person when you arrive at the theater. Results from COVID testing will not be accepted. We ask that patrons have their proof ready to present at the door upon arrival. Patrons will not be permitted inside the facility without proof of vaccination.
• Masks are required for all patrons and staff, and may only be removed to enjoy concessions while seated in the Theater. Children under 12 who cannot yet be vaccinated may attend only if accompanied by a fully-vaccinated adult, and they must also wear a mask.
• Note: We installed Bi-Polar Ionization air filtration units at the Theater last summer, which filters the air to the highest commercially available standards, and continue our enhanced cleaning protocols.

UPDATED SEPT. 20 –  JBFC Theaters at 60% Capacity Until Further Notice

Health & Safety Policies

• NEW! All Theaters will operate at 60% capacity.
• We require proof of COVID-19 vaccination paired with valid photo identification for all in-person screenings and events at the Theater.
  • Proof of vaccination may include your vaccination card, a legible copy of the card on your phone, or the New York State Excelsior Pass, paired with your photo ID. Both of these items must be presented for admission in person when you arrive at the theater. Results from COVID testing will not be accepted. We ask that patrons have their proof ready to present at the door upon arrival. Patrons will not be permitted inside the facility without proof of vaccination.
• Masks are required for all patrons and staff, and may only be removed to enjoy concessions while seated in the Theater. Children under 12 who cannot yet be vaccinated may attend only if accompanied by a fully-vaccinated adult, and they must also wear a mask.
• Note: We installed Bi-Polar Ionization air filtration units at the Theater last summer, which filters the air to the highest commercially available standards, and continue our enhanced cleaning protocols.

UPDATED AUG. 16 –  NEW POLICY: THE JBFC BECOMES VACCINATED-ONLY FOR ALL IN-PERSON SCREENINGS AND EVENTS

Screenings for Fully-Vaccinated Patrons Expanded to Seven Days Per Week Beginning August 19

After thoughtful consideration of the positive feedback we have received and in recognition of growing concerns about the spread of COVID variants, the Jacob Burns Film Center will now require proof of COVID-19 vaccination paired with valid photo identification, every day, for all screenings and events at the Theater beginning Thursday, August 19.

At the JBFC, our staff working on campus are all fully vaccinated as well.

Proof of vaccination may include your vaccination card, a legible copy of the card on your phone, or the New York State Excelsior Pass, paired with your photo ID. Both of these items must be presented for admission in person when you arrive at the theater. Results from COVID testing will not be accepted. Patrons will not be permitted inside the facility without proof of vaccination.

Please have your proof of vaccination and photo ID ready at the Theater front door for staff to check and grant access to the building.

This decision was not made lightly; our community’s safety remains top of mind. As such, we have also updated our mask policy: Masks will be required for all patrons and staff and may be removed only while seated in the Theater. Children under 12 who cannot yet be vaccinated may attend accompanied by a fully-vaccinated adult, and they must also wear a mask.

We recognize that this limits access for some patrons, but like many other organizations, we are taking this temporary measure to protect our community and ourselves.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we continue to navigate the ever-changing COVID landscape. We’re all trying our best to get to the other side of this.

Hope to see you at the Theater again soon! Join us from home as we offer curated film programming, updated weekly, on our Virtual Marquee.

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UPDATED AUG. 3: More Screenings for Fully Vaccinated Patrons

Based on the positive feedback we’ve received, we are not only extending our Sunday and Monday screenings for fully vaccinated patrons until further notice, but also adding Thursdays to the schedule as of August 12, bringing the total to three days per week!

We will require proof of vaccination to enter the JBFC Theater. For vaccinated individuals, masks remain optional; staff and patrons may choose to wear masks.

Proof of vaccination may include your vaccination card, a copy of the card on your phone, or the New York Excelsior Pass app on your phone, in combination with your ID. You will not be permitted inside the facility without proof of vaccination on these days. Please note, a negative COVID test is not sufficient for entry.

UPDATED JULY 21: More Screenings for Fully Vaccinated Patrons Starting August 1

Based on the positive feedback we received from our patrons, we are not only extending our Monday screenings for fully vaccinated patrons through Labor Day, but also adding Sundays, bringing the total to two days per week! Starting Sunday, August 1, we will offer screenings for fully vaccinated patrons only on Sundays and Mondays through Labor Day.

We will require proof of vaccination to enter the JBFC Theater. For vaccinated individuals, masks remain optional; staff and patrons may choose to wear masks.

Proof of vaccination may include your vaccination card, a copy of the card on your phone, or the New York Excelsior Pass app on your phone, in combination with your ID. You will not be permitted inside the facility without proof of vaccination on these days. Please note, a negative COVID test is not sufficient for entry.

As of today, the dates for fully vaccinated screenings are July 26, August 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30, September 5, and 6.

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July 7: Starting July 12 and continuing for the rest of the month, we will offer screenings for fully-vaccinated patrons only on Mondays. We will require proof of vaccination to enter the JBFC Theater. For vaccinated individuals, masks remain optional; staff and patrons may choose to wear masks.

Proof of vaccination may include your vaccination card, a copy of the card on your phone, or the New York Excelsior Pass app on your phone, in combination with your ID. You will not be permitted inside the facility without proof of vaccination on Mondays in July.

Staff will be on hand to check your vaccination status and assist you in getting to your film quickly! Our re-opened concession stand is selling popcorn, beverages, and other delicious snacks.

Every day of the week at the Theater:

• In accordance with the new CDC guidance, assigned seating is no longer required in the theater, and you may sit where you wish.
• We strongly encourage patrons to buy tickets online in advance to avoid getting sold out. We continue to keep the theaters below capacity for your safety and comfort.
• The JBFC Theater box office opens 45 minutes before the first showtime of the day. Ticketholders will be allowed in no earlier than 30 minutes before showtime, so please do not arrive before this time.
• No outside food or beverage is permitted.

We have committed to screenings for fully-vaccinated patrons for the upcoming three Mondays in July (12,19, 26) and will evaluate the demand for vaccinated-only screenings as we move forward.

We continue Summer of Soul and Zola, and open The Woman Who Ran on July 9, with Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain and Pig to follow on July 16.