Court Square Theater brings art to Harrisonburg
Through live music and independent films, Arts Council of the Valley attempts to educate, entertain
By Rebecca Elmo, contributing writer
Posted on September 11, 2006

There are many hidden treasures within the Harrisonburg community that JMU students never find. The Court Square Theater, located next to Calhoun’s Restaurant in downtown Harrisonburg, is one of these unknown jewels.

Managed by the Arts Council of the Valley, this theater provides live music, film festivals, weekly showings of independent and foreign films and even children’s movies.

One of the main goals of the theater is “to bring arts that represent the community,” said JMU professor and member of the Council’s board of directors, Karina Kline-Gabel. “When you buy a ticket, you are ensuring that you are supporting the arts in Harrisonburg.”

According to Kline-Gabel, one of the main differences between the films shown in this theater and box office hits is that rather than leaving the theater fantasizing, people will leave the theater pondering. “These are the thinking person’s films,” said Kline-Gabel.

Therefore, the theater shows mainly foreign and independent films which Kline-Gabel hopes will inspire “an opportunity for discourse.” By selecting these types of films, the theater is trying to appeal to people of a different variety.

When choosing which films to show, Kline-Gabel tries to pick films that show the true essence of the independent and foreign films. “These films educate as well as entertain,” she said. 

The films are shown at least twice a month and there is a live concert every month as well. Kline-Gabel claims that one of her main goals for the theater is to bring more live [world] music.

This week the theater is having a special for JMU students, in which they will receive free popcorn at the Sept. 12 showing of “Scoop.” “Scoop” is a romantic comedy which doubles as a murder mystery staring Scarlett Johansson and directed by Woody Allen.

Tickets normally cost $6 for everyone, but tickets will only be $4  during the Latino Film Festival during the first week of October. Tickets can be bought online or through the box office. On Fridays, the theater now offers beer and wine with the shows.

Of the upcoming events, Kline-Gabel believes that students will most enjoy the concert on Sept. 22 with Last Train Home and Frog Holler, both alternative country bands. According to Kline-Gabel, these are two of the best unknown bands on the East Coast.

For more information on ticket prices or a schedule of upcoming events, check out courtsquaretheater.com.