»Get the audience in action!

From Audience in Action (I can't help it: the name reminds me of a song):

Dear Castro Supporters,

We need people out in front of the Castro Theatre from January 1-5, at each showtime, to let the Castro owners know they've made a big mistake in firing Anita Monga and messing with a one-of-a-kind San Francisco treasure. Now is the time to show your support! It could make a big difference.

While in both private conversations and media interviews owner Ted Nasser has continued to claim that there will be no change in the kind of films the Castro shows, his actions have contradicted his words at every turn. A few examples of the Castro's new direction:

--In a recent San Francisco Bay Guardian interview (http://www.sfbg.com/39/12/x_script_doctor.html), LA-based booker Richard Blacklock, who was hired to replace veteran programmer Anita Monga, admitted that he works primarily with first-run theatres and that the Castro is the only repertory theatre he's booking for.

--The new Castro theatre website (http://www.castrotheatresf.com) shows other changes in the wind. While the Castro has always been available for rental for film festivals and special events, it's now being offered for weddings, bar mitzvahs, graduation ceremonies, plays, fashion shows, fund raisers, photo shoots, and more. Films are no longer of primary importance at what has been called by some "the finest cinema in the United States."

For these reasons and more we need to continue our fight to save the Castro Theatre. If we can hurt the owners in their pocketbook, maybe they'll see the error of their ways.

That's why we're asking everyone who cares about the fate of the Castro to spend a few hours from January 1st through 5th picketing. It's a great opportunity to continue educating the community about why a good programmer is necessary to preserve the cultural treasure that the Castro has been for the past 28 years; it's a chance to keep our cause visible and in the news; it's a time to get together with other film lovers who feel passionate about preserving the Castro.

Please reply to this email with your availability for any of the movie times below. Please include your phone number--we will only use it to remind you of your shift. To picket one screening will take less time than a feature film. You'll need to show up about 45 minutes before showtime, and be prepared to stay about half an hour after the show begins. Bring a friend, bring your passion--signs and fliers will be provided. However much or little you can do will make a difference.

Showtimes:
January 1st - 1:30, 4:15, 7, & 9:35
January 2d - 1, 4:15, & 7:30
January 3rd - 7:30
January 4th - 7:30
January 5th - 2, 4:30, 7, & 9:30

Can't picket? Don't worry there are other ways you can help! We need people to drop off fliers at theatres and video stores around the Bay Area and help spread the word. We're also looking for folks who can help make copies, or donate a few dollars to help pay for the sign materials and copies we've made. Drop us an email at rehireanita@yahoo.com and let us know what you can do.

Gary Meyer (of the The Balboa Theatre) has some thoughts on the matter; he and the Balboa have stepped in to take over some of the orphaned Castro series.