STARDUST
DRIVE-IN THEATRE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES |
GENERAL
INFORMATION
The Stardust Drive-In operates from the first weekend in
March
(weather permitting) through the end of November. We run 7 days a week from Memorial
Day Weekend (when schools let out for the Summer) until mid-August (when school
begins). At
other times of the season we're open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
ADMISSION: Adults, $7.50...
Kids 6-11, $5.00... Children 5 and under, are ALWAYS FREE. (Ticket prices
are for TWO movies on one screen)
We're proud to feature our full-service "Stardust Kitchen &
Concessions". You'll find all
the usual theatre fare, PLUS incredible burgers & fries, Philly Cheese steak
sandwiches, 12" freshly cooked pizzas, AND so much more.
Unlike an indoor theatre, a drive-in can only operate at
night. This means that our starting time will change, based on the time of year.
Early on in the season, you might see us start as early as 7 or 7:30. By July,
it can be as late as 9 PM. That's why our show time is usually advertised as
"Dusk". It's a time when, in our judgment, it's dark enough to put a
good picture on the screen.
Drive-In theatres across the country have been
"rediscovered", and are extremely popular on Friday, Saturday and
holiday evenings... especially on nice days during the Summer. Plan ahead and
arrive early when attending on these days. Please see the "NOW
SHOWING" page of our web-site for Gate opening times.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS:
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When do
you know what will be playing next?
New movies start on Friday. We normally do the week's booking on Monday or
Tuesday of that week. We sometimes know about a new movie earlier than this,
but not usually. Our website is usually updated every Monday night for
the following weekends schedule.
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Where
do you publish your schedule?
You've found it here! Our website at www.stardustdrivein.com is
updated every Monday afternoon for the shows that will start on Friday.
When we're open 7 nights week during the summer months, Friday's new movies
can be found on our website be clicking the "Starts
Friday" link on the
left side of any page on our website. We run print ads in our
local community newspaper - the Watertown Gazette, and also in the movie
listings of the Nashville Scene, and the Friday Entertainment section of the
Tennessean newspaper. We are also listed on-line for the day of the
show at most of the on-line movie listing services. One of the more
popular places folks find information about the theatre, and the movies
showing is by joining the "Stardust
Drive-In Facebook Fan Group". Our
daily schedule is available by the theatre information line at 615-237-0077,
and we offer advance updates by email on the home page of this web site.
Your best bet is to use our local web site, our email update, or our
phone system.
How do you decide what movies to play, and why are they combined as they
are?
In cooperation with our film booker, we put together double feature
combinations we think will be the most popular with our loyal audience. We
try to make the combinations roughly similar... ie: you won't see a
"Finding Nemo" type movie playing with "Freddy Vs.
Jason". There are times when we will play an R rated movie as a second
feature behind another that is rated PG-13 or lower. In these rare
occasions, it's the decision and dictate of the film studios that usually
make such pairings, rather than the management of the Stardust.
It's a matter of personal taste, and not nearly an exact science... but we
do the best we can!
Can I watch one movie on one screen and switch to the other side for the
second feature?
One of the most frequently asked questions since we added Screen 2 several
years ago. In short, the answer is no - unless you purchase a ticket
for the other screen. By booking our features in pairs as
a unit for a set price, we can pass along our "Double Feature"
discount pricing structure, benefiting YOU the customer - a service we are
proud to provide and strive to protect, to give you the most for your
dollar. You are welcomed
to purchase an additional ticket the same night for a second feature if you
wish.
Why don't you play more "G" or "family" pictures?
This is the question we're probably asked most often, aside from
"what's playing on Friday". Hollywood makes movies that they hope
will be economically successful. Accordingly, the argument is that they're
"just making what the public wants to see". G rated pictures,
while enthusiastically anticipated by families, are not generally as well
attended as pictures that target the industry's largest audience, that being
the 13-25'ish group. You will find that we book most family shows as soon as
they become available, though we will pass on pictures we feel are obviously
not intended for what's become "the drive-in crowd".
How old do you have to be to
see R rated movies?
Quick answer - 18. The Motion Picture Association of America
states "No one under the age of 17..." Tennessee
state Code
39-17-907,
enacted in 1989, states, "...viewing a motion picture designated
"R" for restricted audiences, persons
under eighteen (18) years of age not admitted unless accompanied by parent
or adult guardian..."
Regardless of what the local indoor theatres allow, at the drive-in we err
on the side of caution and follow Tennessee state Code 39-17-907.
We do require a PHOTO I.D. for each occupant in the vehicle.
Do you run "NC-17" rated pictures?
No. They're generally not available, but that's not the point here.
With the way the drive-in is constructed, there is no way to isolate such
material from passers-by driving through the Industrial Park, and we have
made an agreement with the City of Watertown NOT to show "NC-17"
rated pictures as part of our re-zoning for the construction of the theatre.
I don't see any speakers in
your fields. How do I receive the sound?
We feature a state-of-the-art theatre sound system, which broadcasts to your
car in FM STEREO. Use your car's FM radio (set your ignition to the
accessory position). Nearly all portable FM radios work very well at the
drive-in, and you're welcome to bring them along.
Can I consume alcohol at the drive-in?
Open consumption of alcoholic beverages is not
allowed on the property.
If our staff observes you with alcoholic beverages, we will kindly ask that
you leave the theatre. If you appear to be intoxicated, under 21 and
"under the influence" or indulging in any "illegal
substances", it's highly likely we'll ask the Watertown Police
Department to stop by for a visit.
Why don't you have "Carload Pricing"?
Carload pricing at the drive-in appears to be a relic of the past that,
unfortunately, is a part of drive-in history. It is still in practice at
some theatres, but not here at the Stardust.
When you buy a ticket at the box-office, a very large percentage of what you
pay goes directly to the film company. That's how they get paid for their
product that you'll be watching here. The film companies see carload pricing
as one person in the car paying, and the rest seeing the movie for free.
They won't allow an indoor theatre to give their product away in this
manner, and they apply the same rule to the drive-ins showing first run
product.
Why do you have a "food permit"?
As stated above, a very large percentage of what you pay for tickets goes
directly back to the film studios.
What remaining portion there is left is typically not enough to support the
operation of the theatre (this is why ALL movie theatres have concessions
stands in the first place). Your patronage and support of our
concession stand is what keeps this theatre in operation. When
you bring your own food to the drive-in, it directly effects the financial
stability of the theatre, and we usually have to throw away your trash for
you.
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Why
do the Concession Lines get long?
We suggest to all of our patrons to get to the theatre EARLY (one
hour or earlier prior to dusk) so
they may find the best available parking spaces and shorter concessions
lines. On VERY busy nights (especially family type movies), the closer
you arrive to show time, the longer the concessions lines will be.
When everyone shows up at once, (like McDonalds with a bus-load of high
school kids) there will be longer lines and wait times. The
theatre management and staff pride themselves on the quality of
"cooked-to-order" food items we sell, and the majority of our
patrons appreciate the variety of menu items that we have to offer, we
sincerely hope that you will as well.
We have a new added service at the concession stand in the form of
"Patron Pagers". If your movie has already started by
the time you place your order, please feel free to ask one of the concession
attendants for a "Patron Pager". Once you have your pager,
you may simply go back to your vehicle - enjoy your movie with your guests,
and when your dinner is ready we'll give you a buzz.
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A General List of our
Common Sense House Rules:
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RETAIN YOUR TICKETS. Do NOT discard
stubs!
This is advise that can not be over-emphasized. Your ticket validates the
attendance of you and your vehicle and is evidence of a limited license to be on the
property during business hours. Theatre staff may request your ticket at any
time, for any reason. If you fail to produce a ticket for each occupant in your vehicle, we may eject your entire carload, regardless
of how many may actually have paid. If you do not receive a
ticket from the box-office attendant, please notify the theatre management
in the concessions building.
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SCREEN CHANGING POLICY
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Your
ticket purchase provides you with admission to one double-feature
presentation on one screen only
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please do not ask or attempt to change screens at intermission without
purchasing an additional admission ticket for that screen. We are bound
by licensing agreements to prevent field to field movement; the
same policy as all indoor theatres with multiple screens. This
policy is in effect to protect our "Double-Feature Discount"
pricing structure. This works by allowing us to book features as a unit for
a set price, benefiting YOU the customer - a service we are proud to provide
and strive to protect, to give you the most for your dollar. We feel
however, that it is worth the sacrifice to run affordable double features.
You
are welcomed to purchase an additional ticket the same night for a second
feature if you wish. Any
guests who switch screens or attempt to view a movie without possession of
the proper tickets will forfeit their right to remain on the premises, and
will be considered a trespasser. No exceptions.
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Entry without payment
(sneaking
in), illegal or disruptive
activities and/or vandalism of any kind on our property can result in your
ejection without refund. It is our policy to report illegal activities to
the Watertown Police Department. Please don't risk the enjoyment of your
evening (and that of your companions).
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NO REFUNDS.
The only exception is if you must
leave before the first show starts (you must exchange your ticket for refund). No
refunds are given for anyone who is ejected by the staff for any reason. In
general, this policy will apply to the entire carload involved. We reserve
the right to modify this policy and/or offer re-admission passes in certain
cases.
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NO IN & OUT.
If you leave the theatre, you
must pay to re-enter.
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Outside
food and beverages are prohibited without the
purchase of a Food & Beverage Permit at the ticket booth before you enter
the theatre. Purchase price for the permit is
a mere $6.00 per vehicle. As per conditions of the permit,
you may not share food or
drink with persons who came in other vehicles. The permit MUST be
purchased as you enter the theatre, and cannot be purchased once you are
admitted. If you choose not to purchase an "Outside Food
& Beverage Permit", you will have the option to dispose of your food in
the trash cans at the box-office gates, or leave the facility. Patrons with outside food
and beverages at their vehicles without a permit, will be asked to leave the
facility - without a refund. THIS POLICY WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.
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Alcoholic Beverages of any
type are strictly prohibited.
Patrons with
alcoholic beverages at their vehicles will be asked to leave the
facility - without a refund, no exceptions. THIS POLICY WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.
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Fireworks of any and all kinds are not allowed on
the property.
This includes items as seemingly innocent as sparklers and "poppers".
This is a zero-tolerance issue at this drive-in.
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All animals must be under your direct control and
responsibility at all times. They must be on leash when not secured in your
vehicle. Animals are not allowed in the snack bar lobby or restrooms, unless
they are registered and vested service animals.
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You must be in control of your lights, and they must
be off while you're parked.
If you cannot extinguish a light, you must cover it. We recommend that you
bring some brown paper or dark plastic and masking tape and carefully
covering your lights before entering - please remember to remove the
covering before you exit the theatre making sure that you are facing away
from the screen when you are doing so. There may also be instructions on
turning off your daytime running lights in your car's operating manual.
Other distracting lights on and inside your vehicle,
including strobes, neon, video displays and TV sets should also be turned off.
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Responsible, common sense behavior is required of all customers,
regardless of age.
Children who pose problems of any kind may be required to remain in their
vehicle unless accompanied by a parent or supervising adult.
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For your safety, shoes must be worn at all times. Please do not carry
shoeless children.
Shirts must be worn when inside the concessions building.
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Please DO NOT wash your shoes in the rest room sinks,
or wipe your shoes on the walls of the concession stand - it is considered
vandalism and you will be asked to leave the
facility - without a refund, no exceptions.
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Obscene language or profanity WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
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LASER POINTERS ARE FORBIDDEN
anywhere in this
theatre.
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No Barbecue grills or other cooking equipment.
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Common sense applies here. The Staff
and Management have final determination over any situation on this property,
whether the issue at hand is posted or not.
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PARKING GUIDELINES:
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The SPEED LIMIT is 5
MPH
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VANS, TRUCKS, HIGHTOPS & SUV'S must be parked in
designated areas.
This is generally in back rows, most sides and some front rows. Our
screens are large and easy to see, and there's usually plenty of room for all.
The center section of our field is reserved for cars and small pickups.
Small vehicles are not allowed in areas reserved for large ones, and
vice-versa. Theatre staff have final say over where a vehicle may be parked,
so that we may make best use of the field. Consideration will be given to
"early birds" where possible. However, there may be cases where we
may ask you to move. If you are unhappy with your parking situation and we
can not reasonably accommodate you, we'll be happy to refund your admission,
provided you request one before the show starts.
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Liftgates, hatchbacks & other doors MAY NOT BE
RAISED higher than the top of the vehicle.
This helps prevent your vehicle from blocking the view of the person behind
you. Twine or a short piece of small rope or wire works very well. If you
have speakers or people on top of your vehicle, they may not block the view
of any vehicle behind you.
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If you are enjoying the show outside of your vehicle,
please sit between the vehicle and the screen.
Do not occupy room in another space, walkway, etc. This rule is relaxed somewhat during the week, when space permits... but not
on Friday or Saturday, or any day when we determine extra space is needed
for incoming patrons.
For safety reasons, please verify all occupants of your
party are securely inside your vehicle before moving your vehicle when
leaving the theatre.
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Each vehicle is entitled to one space.
Please park CLOSE enough to a post to allow for another vehicle.
Please do not swing on the poles.
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Be CONSIDERATE of the folks around you. Do NOT
raise voices, radios, or noises loud enough to disturb other patrons. This especially applies to subwoofers. We're
glad you can enjoy your sound system here, but it must not be (in our
judgment) excessively loud.
NOTICE
Parking in the Cul-de-sac of Purple Tiger Drive or adjacent properties to watch
the movies without paying constitutes
THEFT OF SERVICE and violators will be
prosecuted.
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