About the Avalon Theatre
A Nonprofit Film Center Rooted in Community
The oldest operating movie house in the Washington, DC region, the Avalon Theater has been a cornerstone of its community since its opening in 1923. After the theater was abruptly closed in 2001, a grassroots effort by the newly formed Avalon Theater Project successfully restored the historic theatre and it reopened in 2003.
The Avalon screens a diverse selection of film that includes its Wednesday Signature Series, first-run studio films, independent and foreign films, and special programs for students, children, and seniors. It proudly celebrates both its 100th birthday and 20 years as a community-centered nonprofit in 2023.
Learn more about Avalon’s History
Our Mission
The Avalon Theatre is a nonprofit, community-supported center dedicated to the exhibition of film, film education, and historic preservation of our 1923 building. Through the power of film, our mission is to entertain, educate, inspire, and engage the greater Washington, DC community while providing a welcoming space for all.
We execute on that mission by focusing on five core areas:
We strive to entertain audiences with a diverse selection of independent, international, documentary, first-run films. Our special programs pair film with discussion panels, art immersion, and the best of the British stage.
Each year we educate 1,500+ students through Cinema Classroom, a free film program for students across DC.
We’re committed to making our community a better place and strive to reduce our carbon footprint through rooftop solar panels and introducing sustainable concession options to our patrons.
The Avalon partners with local nonprofits including the DC Collaborative, Chevy Chase Main Street, Chevy Chase Art Walk, and Lafayette HSA.
We are committed to Preserve the Avalon as a historic and architectural treasure for generations to come.
Support the Power of Film
As a nonprofit, the Avalon relies on the generosity of donors to continue providing a rich cinematic experience and free educational programming to the DC community. Your support sustains everything from student film programs to the ongoing preservation of our historic building.
Our Team
Board of Directors
Lisa Banks, Chair
Partner, Katz Banks Kumin LLP
Dan Spealman, Vice Chair
Chief of Party, INSPIRES Project, Internews
Cathy MacNeil-Hollinger, Treasurer
Nonprofit Theater Management Consultant
Lynn D. Palmer, Secretary
Retired DCPS Teacher
Connie K. N. Chang
Program Evaluation Consultant
Subhashini Bollini
Partner, Correia & Puth, PLLC
Tope Folarin
Director, Institute of Policy Studies
Donetta George
Retired owner, The Brass Knob Architectural Antiques
Jon Grossman
Senior Counsel, Blank Rome LLP
Peter Halle
Attorney
Amy R. Mack, Psy.D.
Senior Policy & Program Advisor, DC Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Mary Louise Mitterhoff
Attorney
Bill Oberdorfer
Executive Director, Avalon Theatre
John Pappajohn
Director – Goods & Service Procurement, DC Water
Connie Rosemont
Executive Director, Menokin Foundation
Avalon Business Office Staff
Rebecca Dupas, Ph.D.
Director of Education
Robin Fender
Manager Development & Membership
Aline Lambert
Business Manager
Andrew Mencher
Programming Director
Bill Oberdorfer
Executive Director
Nathan Perriello
Manager Donor Engagement
Sarah Pokempner
Manager Special Projects
Avalon Theater Staff
Anwar Degu
Theater Staff
Luis Diaz
Assistant Manager
Mary Ford
Theater Staff
Paul Gomes Da Silva
General Manager
Regenia Porter
Theater Staff
Muaz Saadfadul
Assistant Manager
George Smith
Director of Operations
Tokunbo Sonupe
Theater Staff
Misrak Tilahun
Theater Staff
Mignot (Mimi) Tsegaye
Theater Staff
Daniel Valdez
Theater Staff
Olivia Valdez
Theater Staff
Affiliations
The Avalon is proud to be part of a national community of organizations dedicated to preserving film culture, championing independent cinema, and celebrating historic theaters.
We are members of:
These affiliations reflect our commitment to being both a steward of local heritage and a voice within the broader movement supporting independent, nonprofit cinemas.
The Avalon Café
Located just off the lobby, the Avalon Café serves as a favorite neighborhood gathering spot.
You can:
- Purchase movie tickets.
- Enjoy locally sourced snacks, wine, and beer.
- Buy snacks and drinks to enjoy during your movie.
- Connect to free Wi-Fi while you relax.
Hours: Opens 30 minutes before the first show and closes 30 minutes after the last show begins.