The Coolidge Corner Theatre

In 1997, Joe joined the Board of Directors at The Coolidge. It was an exciting time to be involved as a volunteer - because so there was so much work to do - scraping gum off seats, painting the walls, pulling up the rugs, taking down walls, and painting the floors. What became of all this work was called a renaissance at the Coolidge. Joe and the community brought the theatre to a brand new stage in it’s glorious life. Under his guidance the theater expanded programming for children, seniors, college students, opera lovers, live performers, midnight cultists, and a film club for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. His vision for the future of video and changing technology brought two new screening rooms that expanded the wide range of documentary, animation, world cinema, and locally made films. The theatre also changed dramatically to become fully handicap accessible and restored with over $2.5 million of improvements.

Joe's passion for the theatre also includes the performing arts. In 2002, a stage was added in Moviehouse Two. Because of this expansion, music concerts, children's shows, classes, book readings, and multitude of panel discussions have filled the theater and greatly expanded the membership. And for his final project, Joe has designed a new expandable stage and lighting system that will make the main theater a fully multi-use resource for the greater Boston performing arts.

Joe wants us all to know that he didn't do it alone. A very supportive Board of Directors, The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, The Paul and Phyllis Fireman Foundation, The Fidelity Foundation, The Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Project, The Massachusetts Cultural Council, The Hamilton Charitable Trust, The Brookline Community Fund, Bay State Federal Savings Charitable Foundation, Brookline Bank, Sovereign Bank, Wainwright Bank, The Amelia Peabody Charitable Trust, and a multitude of family foundations in Greater Boston have all been contributors to this enormous effort to make the Coolidge one of the most successful original Arthouses in the U.S.

You can make a memorable gift of support!
A new Coolidge Stage Fund will honor Joe and support collaborations with filmmakers, along with artists, musicians, and dancers to create and perform new works as the Coolidge continues to provide the very best in cinematic arts.

Due to seating limitations, only Coolidge Members are invited to attend on availability and first come basis and but must R.S.V.P. to secure a seat. If you are not a member...join today!