The Crystal Theatre Alliance has been busy rolling films for audiences in Carbondale ever since taking over from the esteemed Ezra family last year and converting the beloved single-screen cinema to a nonprofit. The theater isn’t just inviting movie-
goers, however, but is hosting various forms of live entertainment. Two such chances are on deck: the No Swipe Social, an interactive dating game, on Feb. 12 (7pm), and a comedy show on Feb. 26 (7:30pm).
General Manager Will Grandbois explained that experimenting with multi-use programming should help gauge what types of events the space can accommodate.
“Part of our vision from the very beginning with the Crystal Theatre Alliance has been to make the space more multi-use,” Grandbois told The Sopris Sun. “We have the makings of a really nice little auditorium with some minor sound, curtain and lighting improvements we’re working on, which is part of what we’re still fundraising for.”
“We’re experimenting with what we can do before we have the full financial ability to do everything we want to do,” he continued. “Of course, it comes at the same time as MovieLand’s closing, so we’re trying to find the balance.”
The two upcoming live events are hosted by siblings Aubree and Zach Schiesser, respectively. Aubree, who is spearheading the No Swipe Social, hopes to make it a regular occurrence. Her intent: to bring people together.
She has a knack for organizing group socials, from full moon gatherings at Ruedi Reservoir to clothing swaps at the library. “I see events as fun puzzles to solve,” she said. “The community needs ‘x’ — how do we make it happen?”
“I’ve lived a lot of different lives and worn a lot of hats,” she continued. “Performing isn’t new to me. I’ve done runway, roller derby and go-go dancing back home, and, locally, this will be my second year participating in the Carbondale Fashion Show. What is new is hosting. This will be my first time leading a full show on a microphone, and it feels like a fun, exciting challenge.”
The No Swipe Social will be set up similarly to classic dating game shows that were popular in the ‘60s, one of the most prominent being “The Dating Game,” but also plays on modern dating media. Attendees will get a nametag of one of three colors: red indicating a person is taken, yellow that they’re there to mingle and green signifying they’re single and ready to roll. A contestant and three suitors will share the stage at a time, divided by a privacy screen, as Aubree asks “flirty” and “thoughtful” questions. The audience will also be able to chime in by raising yay or nay flags in response to each prompt.
“We’ll be pulling from different green name tag wearers each round so there’s variety,” Aubree said. “Folks with yellow name tags won’t go into the bowl for on-stage play, but they’re very much part of the mingling and audience interaction.”
It’s inclusive, and not gender specific. “When a contestant is chosen, they simply share who they’re interested in,” men, women, any gender, she explained. Of course, there won’t be any pressure to dive into a relationship or fling at the end of the night.
“This really started as a conversation about dating in the Valley,” Aubree explained. “There’s a common narrative that ‘There’s no one to date here,’ and I simply don’t buy into that. I have so many single friends who are absolute catches. The people are here; we just need better containers to bring them together.”
“Whether you’re single or taken, it’s a great night out,” she stated. “And if you are taken, bring your single friends.”
Comedy at the Crystal
Zach is hosting Comedy at the Crystal on Feb. 26. The open-mic-style event invites folks to sign up at the door to get on stage for a five minute slot. Depending on turnout, some acts may be able to go longer. Comedians don’t have to pay the ticket price — “No charge for the brave,” as Zach put it.
“I will be hosting and emceeing, so I’m kind of having to work on in-between comics, shorten down bits,” Zach told The Sun.
“It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for quite some time,” he continued.
Zach is grateful to have landed the Crystal venue. The show is also a result of listening and heeding the call of friends who’d like to test out skits and step out of their comfort zones. He hopes the comedians will be inspired to network, practice bits and bounce ideas off of each other.
Enjoy the shows, folks!
Both events are 21+
and proceeds benefit the
Crystal Theatre Alliance.
For advanced tickets, visit
www.crystaltheatrecarbondale.com