Images: Cinemark
One of the most beautiful and enduring qualities of worship is that it can happen anywhere, but having a home for your congregation is important, as well. Church leaders know that having a church home can help grow a congregation, as well as how much the right meeting space can facilitate worship. So, when a church outgrows its space or when other circumstances dictate a move, it is important for church leaders to have options.
Not all churches can afford to build right away or want to—church architects, consultants, and integrators know first-hand—and the timing must be right. If your church client is in need of additional space for worship, or just needs space to meet a few times a week, ownership becomes even less appealing. In that case, an important option to consider is sharing space.
"With auditoriums clean and ready for worship when church members arrive, church leaders are free to focus on what’s important: cultivating relationships with their congregation.” >Kathy DiSabato, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Marketing Events, Cinemark Theatre Church, Plano, TX
While churches have been known to transform spaces, from schools gyms to fire houses, into worship centers, leasing a space that is already set up for similar events, like a theater with fixed seating, can allow church leaders to concentrate on what is most important. “For worship services in a working theater, very minimal set-up is required.” says Kathy DiSabato, vice president of strategic partnerships and marketing events for Cinemark Theatre Church. Cinemark is the third largest movie theater circuit in the U.S., with 321 theaters across 42 states, and has a leasing program specifically designed for churches.
“Churches may want to take some time to set up a greeting area and some production equipment, but Cinemark auditoriums can take care of the rest," DiSabato says. "With auditoriums clean and ready for worship when church members arrive, church leaders are free to focus on what’s important: cultivating relationships with their congregation.”
Cinema technology for church
Another benefit of Cinemark theater spaces is that they are built for projection and sound. “Our screen sizes vary by auditorium,” DiSabato says, “but go up to a 70-foot, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling screen in our XD auditoriums—as tall as a six-story building.” She notes that projectors do vary by theater, but all are quality projectors with some locations featuring Barco Series 4 Smart cinema laser projectors. Cinemark is constantly upgrading projection technology, most recently through a 10-year agreement with Cinionic, a cinema industry joint venture of Barco, Appotronics, and China Film Group (CFG), that will see Cinemark’s theaters upgraded with more Barco Series 4 laser projectors and Barco Alchemy media servers.
“Our screen sizes vary by auditorium but go up to a 70-foot, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling screen in our XD auditoriums—as tall as a six-story building.” >Kathy DiSabato, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Marketing Events, Cinemark Theatre Church, Plano, TX
In addition to advanced projection technology, cutting edge audio technology is key to modern movie production. “Our XD auditoriums are THX-certified,” notes DiSabado, “which means they have an optimized auditorium structure for the best sound/acoustics possible.”
The THX quality assurance system is a certification that theaters have and maintain a high-quality, predictable playback environment to ensure the ideal listening and viewing space for any film experience. On the extensive list of what certification indicates is adherence to specific acoustic and other technical requirements; architectural requirements include a floating floor, baffled and acoustically treated walls; non-parallel walls (to reduce standing waves); and NC30 rating for background noise, which ensures that noise from air conditioning units and projection equipment does not mask the subtle effects in a movie's soundtrack.
While theater space is optimized for acoustical performance, the installed auditorium audio system is not available to renters, so church technical teams must coordinate bringing additional AV equipment as required. If audio is important to your production team, they might prefer this arrangement. To facilitate the most effective use of onsite technology, Cinemark has an events team ready to help guide churches with special requests and set-ups. Similarly, while lighting within the auditoriums can be adjusted by the theater teams as requested, churches may opt to bring in their own supplemental lighting equipment. Additionally, Cinemark is in the process of expanding Wi-Fi connectivity to better support media use and livestream services.
While theater space is optimized for acoustical performance, the installed auditorium audio system is not available to renters, so church technical teams must coordinate bringing additional AV equipment as required.
Cost advantage
The concept of sharing an established theater space has a number of advantages. “Ample parking at each theater means easy access for church guests, no matter the number,” notes DiSabato. In the development of a theater location and its design, all common considerations for building codes, egress, accessibility have had to meet the local and state standards for businesses. This is an ongoing responsibility for Cinemark and fewer things for church leadership to worry about or budget for.
As to costs and seating capacity, they both vary by auditorium, so potential renters are encouraged to contact Cinemark about the availability and details for each location and typical one-year terms. Shorter contracts, such as six months, may also be available for the location your church client wants to secure.
“We pride ourselves on being cost effective and flexible,” says DiSabato, who notes that with so many varied locations across the U.S., Cinemark can accommodate congregations of all sizes. “We have priced the rental of our theaters to be extremely competitive with other church rental venues, with quotes and contracts conveniently handled via email. Also, to accommodate the entire church family, at many of our locations churches would be able to rent additional space for children’s ministry programs or group activities.”
Restrictions
As with any rental agreement, a good understanding of the terms is key to a successful experience. Knowing what you can’t bring in is as important as what you can bring. While sound equipment and lighting gear might be “must have” gear for your clients' services and welcomed at Cinemark, items such as portable baptisteries, bounce houses, fog machines, and flame candles are not allowed at the Cinemark locations. DiSabato encourages church staff that is unsure as to whether an item is restricted should ask ahead.
Cinemark’s agreements with churches do allow for a reasonable amount of flat panel digital signage (equipment supplied by the church) once the locations are approved by the theater manager.
Church groups at Cinemark locations are allowed to put up directional signage inside the lobby with the understanding that it must be taken down before the theater opens to the public. Cinemark’s agreements with churches do allow for a reasonable amount of flat panel digital signage (equipment supplied by the church) once the locations are approved by the theater manager. Outside signage is not allowed.
In line with other common rental agreements, church groups must provide proof of general liability insurance with prescribed limits and include Cinemark USA, Inc. as an additional insured.
While there are a few restrictions, churches are encouraged to make the space their own, for example by bringing a table and chairs to stage a welcoming area and providing coffee and refreshments. “The Cinemark auditoriums are equipped with comfortable seats and cup holders perfect for Sunday morning coffee,” notes DiSabato, “Local teams will make every effort to support any reasonable special set up and equipment requests.”
A singular place for worship
With the unique amenities of a theater, including high ceilings, modern stadium seating, excellent sightlines, and a room built for projections and presentations with excellent acoustics, Cinemark auditoriums can make for an ideal location to engage a congregation. “Our supreme screens and state-of-the-art acoustics will elevate [churches'] weekly gatherings,” says DiSabato, who reminds potential renters that the aim of the Cinemark Theatre Church program is to take the technical burden away from the church and clear the path for churches to focus on more important things, like their message and growing their congregations.
On any given Sunday morning, you can find church happening indoors and outdoors; in living rooms and sports arenas; spaces made for worship; and spaces you might have thought least likely for church. Why not a local theater? When your church clients need to find a temporary home during a construction project, for example, a leased theater space can provide a ready-made and clean alternative where a congregation can worship in comfort.
Find more information at: Cinemark Theatre Church.
