The Avon Theatre – Deborah & Chuck Cinema Arts Center announced on September 24, 2026, the creation of the Louisa S. Greene Education Fund, a new initiative aimed at expanding the nonprofit theater’s educational mission and creating opportunities for the next generation to experience film’s transformative power.
Longtime Avon supporter and former Director of Development Louisa S. Greene has committed a $50,000 matching gift to launch the Fund. Donations to the Louisa S. Greene Education Fund will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $50,000, allowing the community to double the impact of its support.
The Fund will support educational opportunities for students, young filmmakers, educators, and community members to discover, study, discuss, and create films. As the Avon looks ahead to its newly reimagined theater, education will play an increasingly important role in the organization’s mission and programming.
“Louisa’s extraordinary commitment to the Avon and her belief in film education have made this vision possible,” said Peter H. Gistelinck, Executive Director of the Avon Theatre. “The Louisa S. Greene Education Fund will help us build on that generosity and develop meaningful educational experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the art of film.”
The establishment of the Fund comes at a transformational moment for the Avon. The historic Stamford theater is currently undergoing its Avon reCreated renovation and expansion, which will transform the venue into the Avon Theatre – Deborah & Chuck Royce Cinema Arts Center. The new facility will offer expanded opportunities for educational, cultural, and community programming when it reopens in Fall 2027.
To make a gift to the Louisa S. Greene Education Fund and have your donation matched dollar for dollar, up to $50,000, visit the Louisa S. Greene Education Fund page.
The Avon Theatre – Deborah & Chuck Royce Cinema Arts Center is a member-supported, nonprofit independent cinema dedicated to showcasing a curated selection of independent, foreign, classic, documentary, and educational films. Since 1939, the Avon has been a cultural cornerstone in downtown Stamford, inspiring audiences through the power of cinema and fostering meaningful dialogue.
While the theater undergoes a transformative renovation and expansion project, with reopening planned for fall 2027, the Avon continues to fulfill its mission through Avon on Tour, which brings films, discussions, and educational programs to venues throughout Stamford and the surrounding communities, including Ferguson Library, The Bruce Museum, Darien Library, Mill River Park, Stamford Town Center, and other partner locations.
For more information about the Avon Theatre, Avon on Tour programming, membership opportunities, and educational initiatives, visit www.avontheatre.org.
The creation of the Louisa S. Greene Education Fund underscores the Avon’s commitment to film education and community engagement, ensuring that even during its renovation, the theater continues to inspire and educate audiences of all ages.
