DANVILLE — The Fischer Theatre shared several announcements regarding the space’s future Tuesday, including a $30,000 fundraising campaign and a film festival that will honor Danville native Gene Hackman, who died earlier this year.
The theater, which was reopened in 2019 following renovations, has undergone organizational changes to keep the historic building operating amid financial struggles. Interim Director Ashton Greer said the fundraiser will help maintain a part of Danville’s history.
“This campaign is not just about preserving the building—it’s about honoring the people and stories that have shaped the Fischer,” she said in a statement.
Up to $15,000 of community donations will be matched by three anonymous donations of $5,000 that were pledged to the theater by area families. Funds raised will be dedicated to a few projects at the theater, including restoring the gift shop, renovating the concession area and supporting general operational costs.
The revamped concession area will also be renamed “The Terry Lake Café” to honor the memory of the long-time volunteer and supporter of the theater.
“I expect that we’ll get a lot of support from the community,” Greer told IPM News. “I feel like Danville really loves the Fischer, and it’s just such a gem. It’s so unique to this community.”
The theater also announced a new film festival that will be held there on August 16 and 17, highlighting the work of local legend Gene Hackman.
Greer said she and others who worked for the theater saw Danville residents’ reactions to his death on social media and took their calls to honor him to heart.
The first “Fischerfest” will feature several of Hackman’s most iconic films and offer a community film discussion on his legacy and connection to Danville.
Republican State Representative Brandun Schweizer is one of the festival’s sponsors, and he said the theater is a valuable part of Danville’s community and history.
“We can’t continue to let buildings like this — the history of Danville — go away, so it’s important that we keep fighting to preserve it for the future generations.”
More information about how to donate and the upcoming programming can be found here.