Bill Harris appointed director of Sacred Heart University Community Theater

Film and television producer Bill Harris has been named director of the Sacred Heart University Community Theater.

The theater, located in the center of Fairfield”™s Post Road business district, opened in 1920

as a vaudeville stage and was operating as a two-screen cineplex when it shut down in 2011. In May, the university and Kleban Properties LLC announced their acquisition of the 20,083-square-foot theater with the goal of a 2020 reopening as a mixed-use performing arts venue and office space.

Harris is an adjunct professor of communications and media studies, producer-in-residence and member of the university”™s board of visitors. In a career spanning more than 30 years, the Emmy-winning Harris is best known for his 16-year tenure as head of programming and production for the A&E television networks.

“As stewards of a century old legacy, it”™s an incredible opportunity to bring an exceptional film, performance and cultural enrichment venue back to downtown Fairfield,” Harris said. “We”™ll be presenting great movies, live appearances, performances and events, all while extending Sacred Heart”™s educational mission and civic outreach. The theater will provide, not just entertainment, but also meaningful career experience for students and residents alike, along with various engagement opportunities for our patrons and supporters to participate in the rebirth of this iconic venue.”