The Return of The Starlight Drive-In Movie Theater In Croton on Hudson NY Event Concept Proposed to Historic Hudson Valley by Carlton Sargeant May 2020
Times Have Changed‌ The need for social distancing remains crucial as we all try to reduce the spread of Covid-19. At the same time, residents are eager to get out of their houses to do something special.
What Can We Do About It? The popularity of drive-in movie theaters has surged to allow for socially distant entertainment. Drive-in Movie Theaters provide a fun, safe and classic experience to be enjoyed by all ages.
Why Historic Hudson Valley? • In 1948 the Starlight Drive-in Movie Theater was opened in Croton on Hudson, built on what was originally farmland belonging to The Van Cortlandt Manor. • It could accommodate 500 cars, had a snack bar and showed movies twice daily. • The Starlight was Westchester's first Drive In Movie Theater.
Starlight Drive-in
Route 9
Proposed Site
Original Site Proposed Site
Inflatable Movie Screen
Approx. 100 car parking
Streams of Revenue • Ticket Sales • Sponsorships/Advertisements • Concessions/Vendor deals • Merchandise • Donations
The Pros • Provides safer and affordable entertainment to the community • Relatively low operating costs. • Historically compelling idea. • Utilizes existing and available, low-use property area. • Could be used to promote future Historic Hudson Valley Events. • Has the potential to become a reoccurring event or series of summer events for years to come. • Historic Hudson Valley already has an established community relationship and a network of potential volunteers and event workers. • Opportunity to do it before someone else in the area does. • Closest established drive in is 45 miles away. • Could be produced as a one-off event at first to serve as a proof of concept.
The Cons • Spatial limitations. A proper site survey would be needed in order to determine feasibility. • Noise pollution from Route 9 could be an issue. • Site would probably need temporary restrooms and sanitization stations. • Social distancing would most likely need to be enforced. • More research would need to be done on what films would be available to show and what costs would be associated.
Who is Carlton Sargeant? • Lifelong resident of Croton on Hudson. • Current Logistics Coordinator for the New York Shakespeare Festival. • Aspiring Event Producer with years of experience in Theater and Live Event Production. • Graduate of SUNY Purchase Theater Design Technology Program (concentration in Technical Direction and Production Management). • Previously ran video projections for the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater. • Knowledge in A/V technology. • Freelance Videographer/Photographer. • Past Captain of the Croton On Hudson Fire Dept.
How Can He Help • Site Planning and Event Management. • Technical planning and liaising. • Can produce video marketing content. • Extensive network within the Croton community. • Assist with promotion of events.
Thank You For Your Time! Feel free to reach out by phone or email with any questions or comments for me. Stay Healthy, Carlton Sargeant carltonsargeantny@gmail.com (914) 488-7374