FAIRFIELD, Conn.—The Sacred Heart University Community Theatre will thank first responders for their continuing service during the COVID-19 crisis by offering five days of free film screenings for local police, fire, ambulance and town health and human services employees.
The theatre will hold nine private screenings between Thursday, June 24 and Tuesday, June 29, to accommodate all eligible first responders who wish to take advantage of this offer.
The “Thank You! First Responders” program, envisioned and organized by the theatre’s board of visitors, is underwritten by Sacred Heart University.
“Our first responders have served us with care, expertise, bravery and grace during the uncertainty of the pandemic,” said Dorothea Brennan, a member of the theatre board of visitors. “We at the theatre are happy to welcome our hometown heroes and offer them time to relax and enjoy a movie in our newly renovated theatre.”
The offer is open to members of the Fairfield Police and Fire departments, AMR Fairfield, Southport and Stratfield volunteer fire departments, Town of Fairfield Human Services and Health departments and CERT and Medical Reserve Corps.
Each eligible first responder and a guest may enjoy one or more of the special screenings. First responders must show their valid IDs at the theatre door.
The films, all released in 2020, are: News of the World, an action-adventure drama starring Tom Hanks, Helena Zengel and Mare Winningham (PG-13); Breach, a science fiction/horror film starring Bruce Willis, Cody Kearsley and Rachel Nichols (rated PG-13); and Irresistible, a political comedy directed by Jon Stewart and starring Steve Carell, Rose Byrne and Chris Cooper (rated R).
The schedule, which allows for safe social distancing and options for all shifts, is as follows:
- Thursday, June 24: News of the World, 3 p.m.; Irresistible, 6 p.m.; and Breach, 9 p.m.
- Friday, June 25: Breach, noon
- Saturday, June 26: Irresistible, noon
- Monday, June 28: Breach, 3 p.m.; News of the World, 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 29: Irresistible, 3 p.m.; Breach, 6 p.m.
The screenings are among the first events offered at the new theatre since SHU, Kleban Properties and the Town of Fairfield partnered to renovate and reopen this crown jewel in the heart of downtown Fairfield. Over the past several months, skilled craftsmen have completely renovated the former vaudeville and movie house–from the expanded stage to the modern balcony and VIP skybox. The theatre’s original proscenium arch was fully restored.
The first responders’ event is part of the theatre’s summer preview. The theatre’s official opening will be in September.
For more information on upcoming events at the theatre, visit www.shucommunitytheatre.org.
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As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has satellites in Connecticut, Luxembourg and Ireland and offers online programs. More than 9,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent’s College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 386 Colleges–2021 Edition, “Best in the Northeast” and Best Business Schools–2021 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu