The neon lights that surround the Community Theater marquee on Post Road are beacons for downtown Fairfield that have been shining brightly for over 80 years.
Now, thanks to the owner and creator of the Community Theater Foundation, Leo Redgate, the Community Theater is going to get a whole new look.
“What I really wanted now that it has been five years is to ramp it up,” said Regdate. “I decided we are going to raise over a million dollars.”
The Community Theater Foundaton is looking to start renovating the theater next year. Everything from the seats to the bathrooms will be redone.
Lux Ulloa, a part-time Fairfield University student and one of the theater managers, can’t wait for the renovations.
“I hope they happen and happen soon,” he said.
The theater is run by the Community Theater Foundation, a non-profit organization that uses the money raised by the theater to support local charities. The theater also offers an opportunity for high school students to get involved in the community by volunteering to work in the theater.
The theater has big plans for its future, such as creating and holding a major US film festival. The theater is already host to a variety of events including Fairfield’s Cinefest and the Westport Youth Film Festival.
In order for the theater to move forward with a major film festival, renovations need to happen. JT Perkins, a local high school student and part-time manager, agrees.
“It’s a long-term vision and once the renovations happen it will be a lot more feasible,” he said.
Raising the money will be a challenge, but Redgate has no doubts.
“It will be hard, but there are enough people who like what we do,” Redgate said.
A large amount of the money will be coming from the local Fairfi?eld community.
“We serve the community and Fairfield University is a huge part of the community,” Ulloa said.
When asked to comment about University involvement, Redgate said, “I had approached Fairfield University early on to become a partner. And quite frankly I don’t think they got it, the opportunity.”
Fairfield’s New Media Department has a strong relationship with The Community Theater. Redgate praised New Media’s department head, Jim Mayzik, for his help.
“Any partnership that can continue to grow is because of Jim Mayzik and the Media Center,” Redgate said. “They have opened up their doors to me; he and I are always thinking of new ways we can work together.”
In return the community has opened its doors to hosting Fairfield’s Cinefest, which takes place in April each year.
Citing his Jesuit education which includes Fairfield Prep, Redgate hopes the Community Theater Foundation can continue to give back.
“I think the great thing about the theater is anything is possible. I look at it as a foundation. I am open to anything.”
Redgate believs that a new program, “Filmscool,” which was designed to teach film to inner-city school children in Bridgeport, will be a great opportunity for creating further interest in the foundation, while also teaching more people to appreciate film.
“[The Community Theater] is part of town. It is about creating an image for Fairfield. It’s not just about film. It does have an impact.”
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