SHU Community Theater | Coming Soon!

THE NEW SHU COMMUNITY THEATER... HELP US LIGHT UP THE MARQUEE  

We have a new theater … well, technically it’s an old theater, the 100-year-old Community Theater in downtown Fairfield. But, we’re going to make it brand new again through an ambitious renovation and restoration effort that will bring the theater back to its glory days of the Roaring 20’s when it first opened. Following its heyday as first an early 20th century Burlesque Hall and later movie theater that entertained generations of Fairfield residents, the place slowly ran down as a discount movie house and has been shuttered for the better part of the past decade.

All that is coming to an end as we make a commitment to not just restore the theater, but to bring it back to life to program and manage it with a renewed purpose and impact.

Partnering with Kleban Properties and the town of Fairfield, we’re preparing the place to host a wide-range of cinema and performance art events to create a premier entertainment and education experience at the iconic venue at the corner of Post and Unquowa Roads. We’re extending the stage to allow for more live performances and also introducing some free after-school programs, master classes, eSports, community events, matinees and dinner & movie nights.

While we’re honoring the past and restoring some historic design elements, including the marquee, balcony, proscenium and concession counter (with gourmet popcorn and real butter), we will be operating in the future, installing a new state-of-the-art movie projector, screen and surround-sound and comfortable seating.

Everyone is looking forward to reminiscing about of their time growing up with the theater and reimagining the new experiences they will have when we re-open … and you can be a part of this exciting new SHU project to bring back one of the most significant community venues and sustaining outreach efforts we’ve ever made. This project provides the opportunity to restore an iconic landmark, but we need to conduct a substantial fundraising effort in order to return the marquee and other historic design elements to their original grandeur.

Our goal is $150,000 to underwrite the estimated cost to restore the marquee to its original condition as endorsed by Planning & Zoning and restore the original ticket booth & stage proscenium, and construct a new event balcony space and concession stand and storefront candy counter.

Donors who make a gift of $500+ will receive recognition on a donor wall prominently displayed in the renovated theater lobby.

For additional information on making a donation and/or exploring sponsorship opportunities, such as underwriting of programs, exclusive naming opportunities or event rentals, please contact Julia Olson, Director for Development & Alumni Engagement at olsonj3@sacredheart.edu or 203-365-4801.