If you like to see a work in progress take the tour. Much is there, walls, floors, projection rooms, editing areas, training areas, the foundations of seating in the theaters and the rest of the picture is filled by Val’s detailed and enthusiastic descriptions of what is still to come. For an additional look, visit the Pop-Up Shop to see photos of how it will all look when completed. And take your parents, friends, boy or girlfriend, neighbor, just make sure to check with Val to set it up. But I don’t think you can bring your dog or your friend’s dog – Nickel is special.
Innovation, education and sensitivity to varied audiences (including children with audio and other sensitivities or parents who simply want a softer less assaultive environment for their child’s film viewing) are at the heart of this project. And of course, the passion for film which lies deep in Val’s heart and shared by other members of her team. And an incredible sense of fun. A penny paneled cafe ceiling, movie theater food on a stick, a cubing machine (square cucumbers anyone?), a concession, theaters where no outside noise can interfere (no explosions heard through adjoining walls as is often the case at your local multi-plex.) The third floor theater with the celestial ceiling has sliding walls that can open to reveal the broad windows overlooking the ground floor courtyard that serves both the Ridgefield library next door and The Prospector as a place to get some air before the movie, have some popcorn or chat up a pal on your cell.
SPHERE members, you know all about this theater. You probably have toured it; maybe you were a part of the hard hat tours (I missed those, darn.) But share the news with everyone you know who may not have heard. The Prospector Theater is coming your way this summer. And so are jobs, training and an opportunity to work in a state of the art complex whose goal is to both provide entertainment, education and stimulation like our area has never seen before, and most important of all, to launch the careers of some amazing special needs adults with tons of talent and skill to offer the world.
Can’t wait for opening night.
By Jill Edelman Barberie