SHU strives to revive Fairfield Community Theater

FAIRFIELD, Connecticut — Since acquiring the Fairfield Community Theater last May, the University of the Sacred Heart has strived to completely renovate the historic building into a new, state-of-the-art facility for film events and performances.

Bringing the theater back to its former glory has come with challenges, but with the support of the community, Sacred Heart is determined and determined to restore all of the iconic theater’s memorable features, including its neon marquee, box office and proscenium.

“We are creating a premier cinematic, scenic and educational experience in this historic venue and bringing great entertainment and performing arts back to the Town Square at the corner of Post and Unquowa Roads,” said Bill Harris, theater director. . “We are installing new seats, a digital projector, a screen and a sound system. We are also expanding the stage so that we can accommodate a wide range of music, shows and community events. In addition, we will be presenting free after-school programs, master classes, e-sports, dinner and movie mornings and evenings.

With all of these additional goals for the SHU community theater, Harris said the project has grown beyond its original budget, with the costs of careful historic restoration being a major factor. “At this point, we need to raise additional funds to renovate, restore and restore the theater to its original grandeur – and beyond,” he said.

After the heyday of the theater, first a burlesque hall from the beginning of the 20th century and later a cinema hall, the place slowly collapsed. It turned into a shabby budget cinema and then was closed for most of the past decade, Harris said, but once the lights come back on it will be run with a new focus and impact.

“Everyone can’t wait to look back on their childhood with theater and imagine the new experiences they will have when we are open. The community is really excited to get involved and be a part of the new Sacré-CÅ“ur Community Theater, ”said Harris.

To help restore the Fairfield Community Theater to its original stature, visit https://weareshu.sacredheart.edu/project/19140.

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About the University of the Sacred Heart

As the second largest independent Catholic university in New England and one of the most dynamic in the United States, the University of the Sacred Heart is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. . SHU offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs at its Fairfield, Connecticut campus. Sacred Heart also has satellites in Connecticut, Luxembourg and Ireland and offers online programs. Over 9,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; communication, media and the arts; computer science and engineering; Health professions; Isabelle Farrington College of Education; the Jack Welch College of Business and Technology; Dr Susan L. Davis and Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and the Saint-Vincent College. The Sacred Heart differs from other Catholic institutions because it was created and run by lay people. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time encourages students to be forward-thinking thinkers who implement changes – in their own lives, in their professions and in their communities. . The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 385 colleges – 2020 edition, “Best in the Northeast” and Best 252 Business Schools – 2019 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning NPR affiliate radio station WSHU, a Division I track and field program, and an impressive performing arts program that includes a choir, orchestra, dance and theater. www.sacredheart.edu