CCS Plans to Renovate Avon Theater

For over ten years, Clinton County Showcase has owned the Avon Theater in downtown Breese. The movie theater turned playhouse has offered CCS a venue for countless plays and musicals over the past decade. It also serves as "home base" for auditions, rehearsals, board meetings, and storage for some of the theater's properties. In addition to theatrical performances, the Avon hosts occasional elementary school parties, film festivals, concerts, and of course, the annual CCS gala/review show.

Discussion of renovating and upgrading the building features is nothing new. Shortly after purchase, the building required an overhaul of the lobby, an upgrade to its electrical system, and construction of the stage. Since the initial renovation, the Avon has enjoyed a series of smaller, but noticeable, improvements: refurbished front doors, a new candy counter, new interior house lights, to name a few. As time went on, however, it was clear the building itself needed some major work.

It is easy to identify various areas where the Avon needs attention. Some areas require a significant amount of work to make the theater an ideal venue for performers and audiences alike. The single biggest question dominating renovation related discussions for the past five years has been: "Where do we start?"

In Spring, 2007, an architectural firm conducted an in depth study of the building and how it can best serve the needs of Clinton County Showcase. The study prioritized, in great detail, the needs and wants of the theater's patrons, performers, and board of directors. The master plan was unveiled last June.

The plan is subdivided into four phases.

Phase One includes auditorium wall and roof repairs.

Phase Two addresses handicap access and balcony modifications.

Phase Three includes a new stage house.

Phase Four allows for miscellaneous upgrades and improvements.

When all is said and done, the Avon will be a safer, more attractive, more audience friendly venue. The renovations will immensely enhance the community's theater experience. Clinton County Showcase plans to contract with a local construction firm in early 2008. The Phase One renovations (walls and roof) will signal the start of an exciting new era of refurbishment for the Avon theater. Of course, this will require some major fundraising and capital campaigns. The success of the project will depend heavily on the financial support of the local Clinton County community, as well as the surround­ing areas.

As a 501 c3 not for profit organization, all donations to Clinton County Showcase are tax deductible. The broad appeal of CCS to all age groups  children, parents, grandparents  makes it an extremely valuable asset to the community. The seven professional quality shows each year renders this organization one of the busiest community theaters around. CCS is, in fact, the only community theater in Clinton County and has been a local treasure since 1991. All financial support of the building renovation project is greatly appreciated. No amount is too small (or too large).

If you'd like to make a contribution  to Clinton County Showcase's Avon Renovation Project, please send your donation to

Clinton County Showcase

PO Box 163

Breese IL 62230

Be sure to indicate "Avon Renovation" on your donation.