The Dunham Fund is supporting three projects that will enhance the guest experience at the Paramount Theatre and the creation of a School of Performing Arts.

• John C. Dunham School of Performing Arts / $2,000,000
• Save-A-Seat Campaign / $500,000
• Assisted Hearing System / $21,000

John C. Dunham School of Performing Arts / $2,000,000

Called the “cultural soul of Aurora,” the 87-year-old Paramount Theatre has attracted overone million people to the Broadway series and boasts the third largest subscriber base in the nation. And now, with its largest grant award ever, the performing arts scene in downtown Aurora is about to get a whole lot better.

The Dunham Fund’s lead grant toward the $4.5 million goal of the Act 2 Capital Campaign will support major areas of expansion and improvement:

• Creation of the new Paramount School of Performing Arts in the new John C. Dunham Aurora Arts Center, directly adjacent to the Paramount. Slated to open in January 2019, the Paramount School of Performing Arts will encourage and train young actors, dancers and musicians for a culture-filled life, nurture the arts in Chicago’s western suburbs and add to the excitement, cultural and economic activity in Aurora’s downtown business district.
• The plan also includes 38 affordable, loft-style apartments for working artists.
• The replacement of every Paramount Theatre seat through a dollar-for-dollar matching grant. All 1,888 original seats have served more than eight million visitors since the Paramount Theatre opened in 1931.

Also included in Paramount’s larger plan, however not a part of the Dunham Fund grant:

• Modernization of the Paramount’s 173-seat sister stage, the Copley Theatre, located in North Island Center directly across the street from the Paramount. Act 2 Capital Campaign funds will support much-needed upgrades and improvements in the Copley, built in 1981, including replacement of carpeting and seats, updating technical equipment, expanded restrooms, new heating and air conditioning systems and remodeled backstage and dressing areas.

When complete, Aurora’s downtown will feature a live performing arts and education complex that fills a full city block, serves as an exciting new destination for arts and culture and powers the continued economic revitalization of Aurora’s downtown business district. The Paramount is proven to be a catalyst in the economic growth of downtown Aurora. The Dunham Fund enthusiastically supports the Paramount’s vision for downtown to become a more comprehensive cultural center.

Save-A-Seat Campaign / $500,000

After 86 years of faithful and loyal service, supporting more than 8 million patrons, the Paramount Theatre seats will be retired! New seats will be installed during the summer of 2018 and will have the highest-grade padding and support, will be larger, and more comfortable. Total cost for replacement and installation of the new seats will be $1 million.

The Dunham Fund has issued a $1 for $1 match for all donations to the seat campaign. Gifts of $400 will cover the cost of replacing one seat and will be recognized on a highly visible plaque in the Paramount’s Grand Gallery. Donations can be made in honor of a loved one, in memory of someone, or in a family name.

All $400 contributions will be matched by the Dunham Fund, and therefore will pay for the cost of TWO seats.

Assisted Hearing System / $21,000

The Paramount Theatre regularly showcases wonderful shows, performances and entertainment. However, for their hearing-impaired patrons, the Paramount’s assisted hearing system made enjoying a show and exercise in frustration.

With the Dunham Fund grant, the Paramount will upgrade its antiquated hearing aid system with state-of-the-art technology, with plans to purchase high-end hearing devices, new receivers and better sound equipment. With these upgrades and purchases, those with difficulty hearing will be to enjoy both the dialogue and lyrics at the Paramount’s many award-winning show.