Seat Sale Announcement

As renovations begin at the Castro Theatre, Another Planet Entertainment (APE) has made headlines by offering removed orchestra-level seats for sale. Priced at $349 each, or two for $499, these seats are marketed as keepsakes from the historic venue.

Community Response and Controversy

The sale has sparked significant debate among community members, with critics accusing APE of exploiting the situation. “They have committed a massacre and are now selling the body parts for profit,” stated queer historian Gerard Koskovich, a vocal critic of APE’s renovation plans.

Details on the Renovation Plans

After gaining City Hall approval, APE plans to transform the Castro Theatre into a more conventional concert hall, leading to the removal of several original seats. Opponents of the project highlighted their call to “Save the Seats” throughout the year-long process of public dissent.

How to Purchase the Seats

Interested buyers can retrieve their purchased seats at the Bill Graham Auditorium this May, or opt for local delivery within a 60-mile radius of the theatre. Proceeds from this sale will be donated to the non-profits Oasis Arts and the Castro Organ Devotees Association (CODA).

Charitable Contributions and Community Goals

Oasis Arts, directed by D’Arcy Drollinger, focuses on supporting community-based artists and organizations. CODA is actively working to install a new hybrid pipe/digital organ in the Castro Theatre, a project that has been in development for several years.

Further Community Critique

Despite assurances of charitable intent, some community members remain skeptical about the motives behind the sale. Koskovich questions whether the seat sale serves APE’s interests more than those of the community it purports to engage.

“No one should be mistaken — that is an utterly self-serving act typical of APE,” Koskovich commented, emphasizing his concerns over the nonprofit’s alignment with APE.

Insights from Oasis Arts

Drollinger defended the formation of Oasis Arts and her collaboration with APE, stating, “Honestly, I came into this with all good intentions. They [APE] reached out and wanted to see if I could underwrite other queer organizations so they could use the space.”

Looking Ahead

The renovation of the Castro Theatre is projected to be completed by the summer of 2025, marking a significant shift in its operational history as a celebrated LGBTQ+ landmark.