May 21, 2015 3 min read

To date, $75,450 has been raised in cash and pledges – 26 percent – towards the Denis Theatre Foundation’s goal of a $290,000 challenge issued in March.

“Thanks to loyal donors and the renewed excitement about our film and arts center, we are on track to meet the challenge issued to us by an anonymous donor. It is gratifying and energizing to talk with community members about the ways in which the Denis will enrich the quality of life in our region,” said Denis Theatre Foundation Board Fundraising Chair Dr. Betty Jo Hirschfield Louik. “We are progressing on design plans and business planning, informed by benchmarking other successful independent theaters in the nation. It’s full speed ahead. Our grassroots project is taking shape and taking off.”

Program committee chair Elaine Wertheim added, “Also in the past month, we received two grants for our film programs ‘Meet Me at the Movies’ and ‘Reel to Real.’ The investment of $5,000 from PNC Charitable Trust and $7,500 from the Pittsburgh Foundation is a testament to the magic of film and the impact of the arts on the community. We are so grateful for this support.”

The Denis Theatre Foundation plans to show independent and foreign films and documentaries in its three-screen space. The designs call for two auditoriums, and a learning center/screening room which will be suitable for diverse uses, including private screenings, film discussion groups, youth education and receptions. The Denis will also have a lounge and community gathering space in an area that draws in the dynamism of the bustling street and will feature regional art year-round. Artists will be considered valuable partners and will participate to some degree in community programming.

“It’s important for people to think of the Denis as a regional project, with its audience coming from the entire Pittsburgh region and beyond. Like many other donors, I do not live in Mt. Lebanon, but I enthusiastically supported concession-naming rights in honor of my late husband, Brian Hall,” said Ellie Hall, board member and lead individual donor to the project. “This challenge will spur the investment of additional donors with an interest in enhancing the cultural fabric of our region. There is power in a challenge grant and we will leverage that power.”

In total, $2.2 million has been raised towards the building acquisition and renovation project, revealing the breadth of community, foundation and government support for the mission. The current designs call for a complete reinstallation of all health, life and safety features, including accessibility improvements, heating, ventilation and electrical. The task is to upgrade a building designed in the 1930s to meet the needs and demands of a 21st century audience.

Now in development, the architectural designs by Balog, Steines, Hendricks & Manchester Architects offer space that can include movies and film festivals, but will also accommodate author and lecture series as well as small-scale musical performances. The Denis is committed to access for all, and will offer ways for those with physical impairments to utilize the space and enjoy the facility. The Board of Directors expects to gain formal bids by year-end and will then assess cash flow needed to begin the work.