Illinois State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, has helped secure a $400,000 grant for Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora, one of numerous new projects she successfully advocated for in Illinois’ recent budget negotiations that will improve a variety of local and regional infrastructure issues.
“Illinois’ new budget paves the way for great progress with significant spending in vital areas—such as education and childcare—but it will also do substantial good by targeting community needs at local and regional levels, including the performing arts,” Hernandez said. “I am proud of the funding I have been able to secure for Paramount Theatre, and for other vital organizations in the city and surrounding areas, to improve the quality of life for all Aurorans.”
“Thank you, Representative Hernandez, for acknowledging the vital impact Paramount Theatre has on the city of Aurora. For the last decade, Paramount has been a driver of cultural and economic activity in our community, welcoming nearly three million patrons and generating more than $176 million in economic impact,” said Tim Rater, Paramount’s President and CEO.
“Operating a historic and highly trafficked venue like ours presents unique challenges. Nearly a century of wear and tear have uncovered necessary improvements across our venue. This grant will enable us to provide a more inclusive, accessible, and safe environment at Paramount for all patrons, with easier access to high-quality, affordable arts and cultural experiences for years to come.”
Paramount Theatre (1931). Archival photos here.
Paramount Theatre was one of several local civic organizations announced to receive state funding due to Rep. Henderson’s advocacy. Others include:·
- Maddie’s Mittens will get $320,000 to purchase a new building;
- North Aurora will get $200,000 for water treatment plant renovation;
- Aurora Public Library will get $80,000 for a mini bookmobile; and
- Mutual Ground will get $5 million to expand infrastructure to help them assist more individuals who need domestic violence shelters.
For more information, read Rep. Hernandez’s full grant announcement here.
About Paramount Theatre
Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., is the center for performing arts in Aurora, the second largest city in Illinois. The beautiful, 1,843-seat theater, graced with a strong 1930s Art Deco influence and original Venetian décor, nationally known for its high-quality productions, superb acoustics and historic grandeur, has been downtown Aurora’s anchor attraction since 1931.
Since launching its own Broadway Series in 2011, Paramount Theatre has grown to be the largest subscription house in the U.S. In 2022-23, more than 36,000 subscribers enjoyed Paramount’s critically acclaimed, Broadway-caliber productions, along with an array of internationally known comedians, musicians, dance troupes and family shows.
For over 50 years, the Joseph Jefferson Awards has recognized excellence in Chicago area theater. Last season, Paramount took home six Jeff Awards for Kinky Boots, including Best Musical-Large, Paramount’s fourth win in that category following Sweeney Todd (2017), West Side Story (2016) and Les Misérables (2015). Over the last 11 years, Paramount has been honored to earn 97 Jeff nominations and 27 wins.
Paramount Theatre is one of four live performance venues programmed and managed by the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA). Paramount’s new “sister stage” is the newly renovated 165-seat Copley Theatre, home to Paramount’s BOLD Series, across the street at North Island Center. ACCA also oversees RiverEdge Park, the city’s 6,000-seat outdoor summer concert venue, Stolp Island Theatre, an immersive space opening in 2024, and the Paramount School of the Arts.
Paramount Theatre continues to expand its artistic and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Tim Rater, President and CEO, Aurora Civic Center Authority; Jim Corti, Artistic Director, Paramount Theatre; a dedicated Board of Trustees and a devoted staff of live theater and music professionals.
For the latest updates, visit ParamountAurora.com or follow @ParamountAurora on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, @paramountarts on Tik Tok, and Paramount Theatre on LinkedIn.
Paramount Theatre (1940s). Archival photos here.
Click here for information about Representative Barbara Hernandez, (D), 50th District, and Assistant Majority Leader, State of Illinois.