UPDATE: The Paramount Theatre in Aurora is halting its Bold Series due to a shocking potential cut of up to 65% in city funding. This decision comes as the Aurora Civic Center Authority announced the series would be suspended following the final performance of “True West” on August 31, 2025, at the Copley Theatre.
Officials confirmed that this drastic financial shift is part of broader budgetary concerns within the city. Mayor John Laesch stated at a recent meeting that Aurora is facing a “significant hole” between revenue and expenses for 2026. He described the Paramount as an “important crown jewel” of the city, insisting he would fight to keep it operational. However, he also acknowledged that the city has previously allocated “way too much” support to the Aurora Civic Center Authority.
The cancellation of the Bold Series means the anticipated productions of “Covenant” and “Ride the Cyclone” will not go forward. Ticket holders will receive refunds, escalating concerns among local artists and stakeholders about the impact on jobs and the economy.
In a letter to subscribers, the authority expressed regret over the decision, emphasizing the Bold Series’ role in showcasing “compelling, provocative, and important work.” The halt in programming will result in a reduction of annual performances from 900 to approximately 700. Additionally, the authority has already slashed its full-time staff by 20% earlier this week.
The Actor’s Equity Association, representing over 50,000 professional actors and stage managers, called the funding cuts a “betrayal,” highlighting Laesch’s previous promises to enhance community arts support. The union warned that these cuts will ultimately harm the local economy, as patrons who attend shows often contribute to downtown businesses through spending on food and parking.
Laesch has maintained that the Civic Center Authority needs to find financial stability. Frustrated with the current situation, he noted that the crisis could have been mitigated with earlier adjustments. The proposed cuts come in the wake of a reported $7 million budget gap for 2026, further complicated by the cancellation of the planned City of Lights Center, which was intended to bolster the authority’s financial footing.
Despite the grim outlook, authority officials remain hopeful for future funding reconsiderations, suggesting that if the city’s financial situation improves, the Bold Series and other programs may return. President and CEO Tim Rater indicated that discussions are ongoing regarding a viable support amount that could prevent further cuts.
This situation has raised alarms about the future of the arts in Aurora, particularly given the significant contribution of the Civic Center Authority to the local economy. In 2024, the organization attracted over 630,000 attendees across its venues, with more than 80% coming from outside Aurora. The local arts scene generates approximately $24 million in economic activity, underscoring the importance of maintaining robust programming.
The community is now left to grapple with the implications of these decisions, as local leaders and artists alike call for a renewed commitment to supporting the arts in Aurora. As the city navigates its financial challenges, the fate of the Paramount Theatre and its programming hangs in the balance, making this a critical moment for the cultural landscape of Aurora.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops, and share your thoughts on the impact of these changes on the community.
