2022: 10: Atmospheric Theaters of the Upper Mid-West

I was planning a lovely thoughtful essay for you on building relationships with students, but I just spent the entire weekend grading and only just logged off after I found some plagiarism, so I'm no longer in the mood for that. 

Here, instead, is an Ella Update. She is currently stage managing a touring production of a musical based on a book about growing up Lutheran called Church Basement Ladies. Did I tell you that part already? Apparently it is quite popular in the midwest, and she is spending 2 months on the road, sleeping in a fancy tour bus, with 16 hour days unloading, running the show, loading back up again, often two shows a day, very occasionally getting a golden day off or a night in a hotel. I think she's having a good time. 

Because she is Ella, she made herself a map

She sent me a photo of the interior of a theatre in Marion, Ohio that is designed to look like you're outside in some exotic location that definitely isn't Kansas. I instantly recognized the style from a movie theatre in my hometown, did some quick wikipedia research, learned that they are called Atmospheric Theaters, and that one of the biggest ones outside of North America is the Civic, in Auckland, New Zealand. I find these quite fascinating and beautiful. All photo credits to Ella. 

The Palace, Marion, OH

An Egyptian theme, St. Joseph, Missouri.

Not Atmospheric, but an organ, which can provide atmosphere. Lafayette, Indiana

Also, wikipedia research is entirely legitimate, I'll have you know. I just did a whole lesson last week with on how to use it properly , and referenced, among other things, this interview from PC Mag  with the author of a forthcoming book on the reliability of Wikipedia. (I had to explain to the students that PC stands for Personal Computer, not Politically Correct). 

Comments

[Leslee Reed]

Hello, my name is Leslee. I am a xworder, and I pop into Michaels blog once in a blue moon for his take on a particular NYT puzzle I've had trouble with. And while at it, pop into yours! Just wanted to say "hi", and I've enjoyed reading about your exploits and experiences for a few years. Now I don't feel like a stalker! We are the same age and have many situ in common, i.e., I've been putting off a root canal for a while now! Lol.