Lights down, action.

Sept. 2. marked the first of the monthly Movies on the Lawn event hosted by the University Programming Board (UPB). As opposed to the four events last year, UPB makes it their goal this year to increase their events, including monthly open mics, excursions and doubling Blue-and Gold series sporting events.

Movies on the Lawn was originally placed in Jones Auditorium, but with enough funding UPB was able to move the location to Holy Cross Lawn, where other big events such as Hillfest and End of the Year Party are held. A large screen is installed to project the movie, as students sit on blankets supplied by the organization.

“This event is just a great way to hang out and get their mind off homework,” says Kendyll Severa, executive director of UPB. “We provide free candy and popcorn, and students can come lay out on the lawn.”

The movie “The Amazing Spiderman 2” showcases Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, the romantic pair both on and off camera. Movie selection is based upon two credentials: recent blockbusters or student choice. By going to the UPB webpage, students can give feedback of the event and suggest movies for the following month.

Majority of the students in the audience were freshmen living on campus, including Yasmeen Yahya.

“All my friends wanted to [come to the event], and it seemed like a good way to unwind after the long day of studying,” Yahya said.

Yahya had already seen the movie this summer and enjoyed it. As a freshman, this was Yahya’s first Movies on the Lawn event, but she says she will probably attend again, determined upon movie choice.

“I was actually surprised at how many events [St. Edward’s] had to choose from, so I think they’ve been doing a good job making new students feel welcome,” Yahya said.

Movies on the Lawn occurs every first Tuesday of the month; the next movie is “Mean Girls.”