Meet The Sleeping Beauty of Attleboro

Picture this: It's a Friday night, 1928. The streets of downtown Attleboro buzz with excitement as families gather outside the Union Theatre, their laughter and chatter filling the air, as they eagerly await their seat in the grand, 1,000-seat venue. The golden age of silent films, vaudeville performances, and live music is in full swing. In 1928, the Union Theatre provided access to high-quality, family-friendly entertainment in the heart of the thriving downtown. For generations, the theatre was the go-to venue for unforgettable family outings and entertainment. But as the 1980s brought the rise of massive cinema chains, the Union Theatre struggled to compete. Over time, its doors closed, and for 22 years, this Sleeping Beauty stood still, waiting for its next act.

For almost 25 years, the theatre has been sitting vacant. Owners Jim and Ann Friedman have been caring for her, waiting for the right opportunity to present itself, unwilling to let her become a parking lot. They believed that the lights would one day shine again.

That day is finally here, as a local nonprofit theatre arts company (illuminate creative + theatrical arts co, inc) has recently linked arms with the Friedmans. This agreement allows illuminate, who has been bringing high quality arts education to ages 4-18 since 2013, to begin applying for grants and to launch a capital campaign to turn the lights back on.

The long-term vision for The Union Theatre is for it to be available to our local community (think: dance schools who need a space for recitals; other theatre companies and schools who may not have a space for their events); but to also open it up for touring companies, bands, movies, conferences, events, and more.

The many benefits for Downtown Attleboro if the lights are back on:

Economic Benefits: Revitalizing the Union Theatre will generate significant economic benefits for downtown Attleboro. The theater will attract tourists, boosting foot traffic and patronage for adjacent businesses. This increased activity will stimulate local commerce, creating jobs and supporting the growth of the downtown economy.
Community Benefits: The Union Theatre will serve as a crucial cultural asset for the community, providing a venue for diverse events and activities that bring people together. This space will enhance social cohesion, offer educational opportunities, and foster a sense of community pride and belonging.
Preserving Attleboro's History: The Union Theatre is a historic landmark with deep roots in Attleboro’s cultural heritage. Revitalizing this space not only preserves an important piece of the city's history but also honors the legacy of past generations, ensuring that this cultural treasure is enjoyed by future residents and visitors.
Creating a Cultural Asset:Attleboro needs a dedicated cultural venue to host performances, exhibitions, and community gatherings. The Union Theatre will fill this gap, providing a much-needed space for artistic and cultural expression that reflects the community's diverse interests and talents.
Retaining Creative Workforce: A vibrant cultural scene is essential for attracting a creative workforce. The Union Theatre will serve as a hub for artists, performers, and creative professionals, contributing to the city’s cultural and economic vitality.

This Campaign is being Staged In Three Acts:

Act One: Turn the Lights On! (this campaign: for HVAC, roofing, and accessibility to get the doors open. Illuminate is the fiscal agent for this phase)
Act Two: Set the Stage (Amount TBA to upgrade the Performance Space and create a Blackbox Theatre)*
Act Three: Curtain Call (Amount TBA for all the finishing touches!)*

*a new nonprofit entity is being formed to take over for Acts Two + Three!

Amounts and Options:

$250 - Ticket holder:
- Name Listed in Playbills
$500 - Applause:
- Name listed in Playbills
- Thank you mention on Social Media
$1,500 - Standing Ovation:
- Name listed in Playbills
- Thank you mention on Social Media
- 1/4 page ad in Playbills
$3,000- Encore:
- Name listed in Playbills
- Thank you mention on Social Media
- 1/4 page ad in Playbills
- Name on Donor Wall in lobby for 1 year
$5,000 - Director:
- Name listed in Playbills
- Thank you mention on Social Media
- 1/2 Page Ad in Playbills
- Name on Donor Wall in lobby for 1. year
- Company listed on Promotions and Website for 2 years
$10,000 - Tony Award Winner:
- Name listed in Playbills
- Thank you mention on Social Media
- Full Page Ad in Playbills
- Name on Donor Wall in lobby for 1. year
- Company listed on Promotions and Website for 2 years
- Area Naming Rights for 1 year*
$20,000 - Emmy Award Winner:
- Name listed in Playbills
- Thank you mention on Social Media
- Full Page Ad in Playbills
- Name on Donor Wall in lobby for 1. year
- Company listed on Promotions and Website for 2 years
- Area Naming Rights for 2 years*

$50,000 - Golden Globe Award Winner:
- Name listed in Playbills
- Thank you mention on Social Media
- Full Page Ad in Playbills
- Name on Donor Wall in lobby for perpetuity
- Company listed on Promotions and Website for 3 years
- Area Naming Rights for 3 years*

*Naming Rights are in various areas, such as the Concession Stand, Balcony Seats (Best Seats), Blackbox Theatre, Conference Rooms, etc. Details TBD as the theatre opening takes shape. Donors will be contacted.

Donating anonymously: If you don't want your name to appear on the public-facing campaign page, all donors have the option to submit their donation anonymously. If you haven't yet submitted your donation, you can remain anonymous by checking the box that says Hide my name or amount from public view before completing your donation. This option is located on the last page of the checkout flow. You can choose to anonymize/hide the following options:

Both your name and amount (by default, both will be hidden if you check this box
Your name (will appear as "Anonymous" on the campaign page)
Amount donated

The Union Theatre Revival Campaign is brought to you by Hoban Accounting Services, Wessling Architects, and Coogan Smith, LLP

Campaign Branding by Hannah Mac Designs

Turn On The Lights

By ILLUMINATE CREATIVE & THEATRICAL ARTS COMPANY INC

Turn On The Lights

Wake The Sleeping Beauty: The Union Theatre, Attleboro