In every challenge, there's a chance. With every obstacle, there's an opportunity.
The historic Community Theatre in Fairfield, Connecticut, closed its doors in the spring of 2001. Some of our neighbors might have had their hearts broken. Others, frankly, might not have noticed. But most probably thought that it had been bound to happen — that times had changed, that the market had changed, and that the film industry had changed. It might be disheartening to see the old theater fail in its struggle for survival, but that's life.
As it turns out, that's not life.
Where there was an obstacle, we saw an opportunity — an opportunity not only to restore a historic landmark, but to create something that would enrich our lives. When we were presented with a challenge, we saw a chance — a chance not only to demonstrate how wonderful our community is, but to make it even better.
Some said we were crazy, and we might still be. But we knew that we could make the Community Theatre Foundation work. We could encourage our young people to get involved, and they would. We could invite all our neighbors to lend their support, and they would. We could enhance our community with special programs and events. We could use the theater as a catalyst to generate support for our schools, youth programs, cultural programs, and many other wonderful nonprofit organizations that serve our community. We could keep a small but important part of our history alive.
Let's take a moment to make one or two things clear. Multiplex cinemas with ten or twenty movie screens are not inherently bad. They have their place in the world. A nine-dollar movie ticket is not necessarily a travesty. But in our community, we knew that we could do better. Much better. And today we are doing much better, but only thanks to your support.
It starts with the kids. Without them — without the volunteers — this Foundation simply could not exist. Please remember to smile back as they rip your three-dollar ticket or hand you your freshly-popped popcorn. They're donating their time, and their dedication is inspirational.
It continues with the generous people in our community — individuals, families, companies and organizations — who believe in our work so much that they kindly contribute to our success. We honor them.
Then we have actors and screen legends, renowned film producers and directors, who almost seem to have jumped down from our two silver screens to quietly support our efforts in ways both big and small because they understand that our mission goes way beyond movies. Their friendship surpasses our wildest imaginations.
In the end, there's you. If you didn't come to the Community Theatre, then there'd be no Community Theatre.
We sometimes call this experience The Pictures of Your Community. What does that mean? Well, it can mean whatever you want it to mean. But, for a lot of us, it means that motion pictures have helped us all come together to enrich our own lives and to be the best that we can be. It also means that the Community Theatre Foundation is a little snapshot of what we, as a community, are all about.
Back in 2001 we had no idea whether any of this would ever become reality. But we believed. Back then we also could not have dreamed that we'd come this far so fast — that we'd move beyond hoping that our neighbors would show up at the box office to realizing our ultimate goal of creating exciting programs and events while supporting our community in so many ways. We're thrilled with what we've achieved so far.
Right now we don't know and can't even imagine where this journey will lead us. But we need you to come along for the ride — and remember to bring your ideas, your enthusiasm and your support.
During the ride, remember this: The Foundation has not saved and restored a historic landmark in the center of town. We all have. The Foundation has not created a welcoming atmosphere where we all can enjoy a great film for only three dollars. This community has. The Foundation has not made it possible for us all to experience special programs and events while providing support for great organizations that serve our neighbors. You have. And we're all grateful to each other for it.
There's no reason that this can't happen everywhere.
Leo Redgate
Founder & President
Community Theatre Foundation
