Apr 2, 2015 2 min read

The Denis Theatre Foundation announces that it has been awarded a 2:1 matching challenge grant by an anonymous donor. The Denis will receive $145,000 when it raises $290,000 to meet the challenge.

“This donor has provided gifts towards the theatre renovation and upgrade project in the past and this gift would bring their total to $500,000,” said Denis Theatre Foundation board fundraising chair Dr. Betty Jo Hirschfield Louik. “When we meet the goal, we will be in a good position to plan our renovation timetable and begin the work in 2016.”

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 and will feature regional art year-round. Artists will be considered valuable partners and will participate to some degree in community programming.

To date, $2.2 million has been raised towards the building acquisition and renovation project. The current designs call for a complete reinstallation of all health, life and safety features, including accessibility improvements, heating, ventilation and electrical.

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 Board of Directors expect to gain formal bids by year-end and will then assess cash flow needs to begin the work.