Avon Theatre Embarks on Major Renovation to Preserve Legacy and Enhance Community Engagement

The Avon Theatre in Stamford, CT, launches a capital campaign for a significant renovation aimed at preserving its historic charm while upgrading to meet modern standards, ensuring its role as a cultural hub for future generations.

July 24, 2025
Avon Theatre Embarks on Major Renovation to Preserve Legacy and Enhance Community Engagement

The Avon Theatre - Deborah & Chuck Royce Cinema Arts Center in Stamford, CT, has announced the public phase of its Avon reCreated Capital Campaign, marking a pivotal moment in the theater's 85-year history. This initiative seeks to balance the preservation of the Avon's historic essence with the introduction of contemporary upgrades, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of community, education, and the arts in Fairfield County.

Key renovations include the addition of a new 48-seat screening room, full ADA compliance, state-of-the-art technology, and the restoration of historic features, among others. These changes are designed to enhance the audience experience while ensuring the theater's accessibility and relevance in the 21st century.

Arthur Selkowitz and Susan Cullman, co-chairs of the Board of Directors, emphasized the campaign's broader significance, stating it represents a major investment in the theater's mission to entertain, enlighten, and inspire. The project builds on the legacy of Deborah and Chuck Royce, who saved the theater from closure in 2001, aiming to secure its vibrancy for decades to come.

Executive Director Peter H. Gistelinck highlighted the campaign's goal to make the Avon a sanctuary for connection and creativity, accessible to all. The theater invites community support through various naming opportunities, offering a chance to contribute to the future of independent cinema and cultural programming in the region.

For more information on how to support the Avon reCreated Capital Campaign, visit https://www.avontheatre.org/capitalcampaign.