The Avon Theatre – Deborah & Chuck Royce Cinema Arts Center celebrated a defining moment in its 87-year history, as community leaders, elected officials, donors, project partners, members, and supporters gathered to officially break ground on Avon Recreated, the organization’s ambitious reconstruction and expansion project.
The ceremonial groundbreaking, which took place on July 22nd, marks the start of a transformative redevelopment that will preserve the Avon Theatre’s historic character while creating one of the Northeast’s most technologically advanced, accessible, and community-centered independent cinema and arts centers.
Once completed, the new Avon Theatre campus will feature:
Construction is expected to be substantially complete in September 2027, with a grand public reopening anticipated in late October 2027.
“Today’s groundbreaking represents far more than the start of construction—it represents an investment in Stamford’s cultural future,” said Susan Cullman and Arthur Selkowitz, Co-Chairs of the Avon Theatre Board of Directors. “For nearly nine decades, the Avon has served as a cherished gathering place where stories have inspired, educated, and connected our community. Through Avon Recreated, we are preserving that remarkable legacy while creating a world-class cinema arts center that will serve audiences, students, filmmakers, and families for generations to come. We are profoundly grateful to our donors, foundations, elected officials, project partners, and community members whose vision and generosity have made this transformational day possible.”
Peter H. Gistelinck, Executive Director of the Avon Theatre, reflected on the significance of the milestone. “Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Avon Theatre and for the entire Stamford community. Avon Recreated is much more than a building project; it is the realization of a bold vision to create an extraordinary destination where film, education, culture, and community intersect. With expanded educational facilities, a third screening room, a vibrant café and wine bar, luxury seating, enhanced accessibility, Dolby Atmos sound, and state-of-the-art 4K HDR BARCO laser projection, we are redefining what the independent cinema experience can be. We cannot wait to welcome everyone back to a stronger, more vibrant Avon in 2027.”
The Avon Theatre recognized the remarkable collaboration among private philanthropists, foundations, public agencies, corporate partners, and hundreds of community supporters, whose investments have brought the long-envisioned project to fruition.
The reconstruction will significantly expand the Avon Theatre’s capacity to present independent, international, documentary, classic, educational, and community-focused programming, strengthening its role as Fairfield County’s premier nonprofit cinema arts organization.
During construction, the Avon Theatre will continue to fulfill its mission through its successful Avon on Tour initiative, which brings acclaimed films, filmmaker conversations, educational programs, and community events to audiences across Fairfield County and beyond.
The Avon Theatre will continue to provide regular updates throughout construction, including milestone announcements, behind-the-scenes progress reports, fundraising news, and previews of the new cinema arts center, leading up to its anticipated reopening in fall 2027.
Keep the Story Going. Support the Future of The Avon.
The Avon Theatre Film Center is entering an exciting new chapter. As we prepare for our long-awaited renovation, beginning January 15, 2026, we are committed to keeping the spirit of independent cinema alive through Avon on Tour, films and events presented at beloved partner venues throughout Fairfield County. Stay tuned for an announcement on upcoming screenings.
When you join or renew your membership now, you’re not just maintaining a legacy—you’re helping secure the Avon’s future for generations to come.
All existing or new Carte Blanche members who maintain their membership will receive two complimentary VIP tickets (a $1,000 value) to the Grand Reopening Ceremony of the newly renovated Avon Theatre in Spring 2027.
While our screens briefly go dark, the story continues—with you. We can’t wait to share Avon on Tour throughout 2026 and welcome you home when our doors reopen in 2027.
👉 Join or Renew Your Membership Today
For over 80 years, the Avon Theatre has been a cultural cornerstone in Stamford, bringing people together through powerful films, thought-provoking conversations, and community-driven experiences. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we’re proud to present first-run independent films, documentaries, classics, and cultural events you won’t find anywhere else in Fairfield County.
Now, through our Avon reCreated Capital Campaign, we are launching a transformative renovation that honors our past while investing in the future of cinema, arts, and accessibility in our region.
What’s Coming:
Watch Our Project Video to Learn More
This renovation isn’t just about modern amenities, it’s about preserving the Avon’s legacy and enhancing the community’s cultural experience for generations to come.
Support the Avon reCreated Campaign
There are meaningful ways to be part of this next chapter. Naming opportunities are now available, offering a special way to honor a loved one, celebrate a memory, or show your lasting support for the Avon.
Make a Donation
View Naming Opportunities
The Avon Theatre – Deborah & Chuck Royce Cinema Arts Center is pleased to announce the winners of the 17th Annual Avon Scholarship Awards Essay Contest. At the awards reception and ceremony on June 12, 2026, Avon Board Member and Education Initiative Committee Chair Sue Baker, along with Louisa Greene, juror and co-founder of Avon's Education Initiative, introduced the winners and presented $8,500 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors from Fairfield and Westchester counties.
Students, their families, and guests were invited to stay after the reception for a special Avon on Tour screening of the Academy Award-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher at the Ferguson Library in Stamford.
The program is supported by donations from Avon’s Annual Appeal and community supporters who believe in the power of film and education. Scholarship funds are sent directly to students’ colleges and universities to support their academic journeys.
The top three winners include:
First Place — $2,000
Joaquin Field, Stamford High School, who will be attending Syracuse University. His winning essay focused on The Voice of Hind Rajab.
Second Place — $1,500
Abby Meyers, Greenwich High School, who will be attending Yale University. Her essay explored Hamnet.
Third Place — $1,000
Jordan Alexander, New Canaan High School, who will be attending the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His essay examined Superman.
An additional $4,000 in Honorable Mention scholarships was awarded to eight students, with each receiving a $500 scholarship. The winners are:
• Abigail Sandoval, Stamford High School, University of New Haven — A Walk to Remember
• Riona McKersie, Greenwich High School, Mount St. Mary’s University (Maryland) — Train Dreams
• Nahim Cagua Llivipuma, Westhill High School, UConn Stamford — Nuremberg
• Yaniah Chisolm, Westhill High School, Spelman College — Sinners
• Genesis Fabian, Stamford High School, CT State Community College — Hamnet
• Clara Bonomo, Sacred Heart Greenwich, Muhlenberg College — Hoppers
• Angela Russell, Westhill High School, Cornell University — Project Hail Mary
• Alexandra Zodda, Byram Hills High School, Cornell University — Hamnet
Students were asked to submit a 500–750-word essay on “Film Matters” about a film they had seen in a movie theater, at a film festival, on a streaming service, or at another screening venue. The film could be a feature, documentary, animated, foreign-language, or short film. Students were invited to reflect on how the film affected them personally and to consider questions such as: Did the film change your perspective? Did it make you feel seen or understood? Did it inspire you to take action or think differently about the world around you?
This year’s winning entries spanned a wide range of films and stories, from historical dramas and literary adaptations to documentaries and major motion pictures. Through their essays, students explored themes of resilience, justice, empathy, identity, family, and the enduring power of storytelling.
The essays were judged anonymously by a panel of independent judges, including professional journalists, authors, educators, filmmakers, and community leaders. Each submission was evaluated on originality, writing quality, critical thinking, and the student’s ability to articulate film’s impact on their life.
Photos from the awards ceremony and the winning essays will be available on the Avon Theatre website at www.avontheatre.org/education.
As renovations start on January 15, 2026, the Avon Theatre will bring the magic of cinema to locations across Stamford and beyond, including Ferguson Library, The Bruce Museum, Mill River Park, Darien Library, and Stamford Town Center.
Tickets are free and can be reserved online on our website. For films at the Stamford Town Center, you do not need to reserve tickets. They are first-come, first-served.
Some screenings will be complemented by filmmaker conversations and community discussions, continuing the Avon’s legacy of thought-provoking programming.
If there is a fee for any particular film, it will be noted, but most screenings will be free!
Avon on Tour is presented by The First Bank of Greenwich and sponsored by the Connecticut Office of the Arts, The John C. Griswold Family Foundation, Stamford Arts & Culture Commission, and Wireless Zone Gives. Additional support is provided by The Bruce Museum, Darien Library, Ferguson Library, Mill River Park, Harbor Point, and Stamford Town Center.