When the Athena Cinema reopens next week, moviegoers can expect changes in show times, but not prices.

The Athena resumes operations Sept. 19 after closing for repairs and safety alarm testing in June. The Ohio University

College of Fine Arts assumed management of the Court Street theater earlier this summer after the university’s contract with University Cinemas expired.

When the doors open, tickets will cost the same, but concession prices may decrease, said Ruth Bradley, director of the Athens Center for Film and Video and director of the theater.

In addition, the management is trying to configure its computer system to accept Bobcat Cash, a task which should be completed sometime this fall, she said.

Although evening show times will remain the same, the theater will add a daily 4 p.m. matinee for people who may not be able to make the later shows, Bradley said.

Even with the changes, the theater will show the same types of films.

“It’s going to continue as mostly an art house and an indie house,” Bradley said.

The Athena Web site will be revamped to include film clips and discussion boards to better connect with its audiences, Bradley said, adding that she hopes to use e-mail and list serves to update viewers about upcoming movies and events.

In the future, the theater may invite faculty members and other guests to introduce films or lead discussion afterward, said Charles McWeeny, dean of the College of Fine Arts.

Movie showings also will draw connections between other academic disciplines, such as modern languages or African Studies, and the arts of film, McWeeny said.

“It’s a major goal of ours to connect the curriculum to the intellectual and cultural life of the institution and the town,” he said. “We want it to be a thriving business as well. Our theory is that you can do both.”

The Athena also will look for input from OU’s film and video programs and students and residents to identify what its audiences want to see, said Chris Iacofano, graduate student and Athena manager.

“There’s a lot of very talented filmmakers in town,” Iacofano said. “Hopefully this will become more of a location for them.”