Another Planet Entertainment (APE) is proposing a restoration and renovation of the Castro Theater in San Francisco. The work for the 100-year-old theater would include fixing the ceiling, marquee, proscenium, dressing rooms, bathrooms, ADA compliance and more—upgrades widely welcomed. ⁠ ⁠ One part of APE's proposal, however, has inspired over 5,000 opponents to sign a petition launched by the nonprofit Castro Theatre Conservancy, which names famous film directors like Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola among its supporters.⁠ ⁠ The controversy comes down to the raked theater floor and the Castro’s traditional orchestra-style theater seating, which APE has proposed replacing with removable seats on multi-level, flat platforms more conducive to standing-room concerts.⁠ ⁠ Why in the world would anyone change a historic theater that everyone loves? In short, APE’s answer is that the Castro needs some TLC, which APE can offer, but only if it’s allowed to present more than just film, including live music. And in order to present live music in a profitable, sustainable way, APE believes it needs to install a multi-level floor, or else audiences won’t come and it won’t make enough money to keep the doors open.⁠ ⁠ Tap the link in our bio for the story from @kqedarts.⁠ ⁠ (Images: @bethlaberge / @kqed • Beth LaBerge/KQED)