Help us Shine the Starr

Major improvements underway for our beloved Rhinebeck theater

Help us Shine the Starr image

A world-class cinema for the Hudson Valley

For more than 50 years, the Starr Cinema has been been an inspiring cultural cornerstone for our entire region. Now, it’s time to ensure this beloved space is ready for the next generation. We've launched Shine the Starr, a bold, multi-year initiative to revitalize Upstate Films’ flagship theater. Shine the Starr is a $1.5 million investment in making a more welcoming, comfortable, and versatile space—ready to host the best in cinema, along with community events.

Shine the Starr has to date featured numerous projects—we've installed a new HVAC system and audio system and completed other technical upgrades—and are moving into the most exciting phases. Construction is now underway in a

  • conversion of our "Little Theater" into the Huseby Screening Room, a 49-seat jewel-box intimate space
  • addition of an ADA bathroom in the lobby
  • a lobby renovation.

In the spring, we'll reinvent the Big Theater, adding a stage and expanding the screen. And later in 2026, we'll add an atrium and a courtyard. By the time we are through, we intend to have created, with your help, a world-class cinema for the Hudson Valley.

Join us. Donate today and help us Shine the Starr. All support is welcome.

Levels and benefits

  • $10,000 naming rights to a row of seven seats in the Little Theatre, one theater rental, five years on-screen recognition, lifetime pass for two
  • $7,500 naming rights to the Popcorn Machine, 5 years on-screen recognition, annual pass for two
  • $3,500 naming rights to the Magic Lantern Gizmo, 5 years on-screen recognition, annual pass for two
  • $2,000 One seat named in your honor in the Little Theatre, one year of on-screen recognition
  • $1,500 One seat named in your honor in the Big Theatre, one year of on-screen recognition
  • $1,000 One year of on-screen recognition plus one annual pass
  • $500 On-screen recognition plus four High Five passes (20 tickets)
  • $250 On-screen recognition plus two High Five passes (10 tickets)
  • $100 "I Shined the Starr" Merchandise
    (all packages include I Shined the Starr merchandise)

Click here to view our project deck.

Please contact Kym Rickard-Bradley at Kym@upstatefilms.org for high-level naming rights above $20,000 and other questions

Committee
Chairs: Barbara Huseby, Sarah Irby and Luciano Valdivia
Committee Members: Sue Hartshorn, Jon Resnik, Kym Bradley-Rickard, Jason Silverman, Paul Sturtz
Honorary Committee: Frances McDormand, Joel Coen, Michael Michele, Frederique van der Wal, and Gary Shteyngart