The new school year is approaching, and like many students, the UWM Union Theatre is showing up on the first day with some changes picked up over the summer – namely an altered name and some new admission policies. 

The latter falls on the less controversial side, with the UWM Union Theatre renaming itself the UWM Union Cinema. According to a press release, the goal for the slight name change is "to spotlight its role as a film venue."

The change that will likely cause more of a stir comes with the admission policy changes, as the Union Cinema announced that it will begin charging admission for certain films. Admission will still be free for UWM students, including for the Milwaukee LGBT Film/Video Festival, and particular film series and events – such as the Latin American Film Series, Italian Film Festival, Experimental Tuesdays, African American Film Series, the Festival of Films in French and others – will be continue to be free for all viewers. However, when it comes to new releases, classics and documentaries, non-student admission will now cost $5. 

For regular non-student patrons of the now UWM Union Cinema, the theater announced a membership plan, which would provide admission to all 180-plus shown throughout the year – plus two free passes to bring a guest to screenings and free small popcorn on Wednesdays – for an overall fee of $50 a year ($40 a year for senior citizens as well as UWM faculty, staff and alumni). 

Those interested in a membership plan can email the UWM Union Cinema at cinema@uwm.edu. 

In addition to the name and the admission rules, the UWM Union Cinema will also be receiving a few cosmetic changes, including minor renovations and a new website. It also announced that it is now an official Sundance Institute, connecting it with other film facilities across the country.