Attanasio Named Shoreline Arts Alliance’s 2024-25 Arts Hero

On April 2, the Connecticut Office of the Arts honored seven Arts Heroes, celebrating those who are doing inspiring things in, for, or through the arts in our state. This year’s Shoreline Arts Alliance’s 2024-25 Arts Hero has spent over 35 years doing that on many levels.

Laura Attanasio, a lifelong advocate for inclusivity in the arts, has dedicated her life to creating enriching opportunities in arts education that empower individuals to discover their full potential, and create environments that foster a sense of belonging.

Ms. Attanasio was nominated by members of the Shoreline Theater Academy-Kidz Konnection, which she founded in 2005 in Clinton. Her goal was to provide a safe, nurturing space where all children would be welcomed and could thrive through theater arts.

“Shoreline Theater Academy continues to produce high quality youth theater productions multiple times a year while creating a familial atmosphere for all who wish to be involved,” stated Eric Dillner, CEO of Shoreline Arts Alliance.

President of the Clinton Arts Council, Steve Van Ness, praises Attanasio’s approach, “What makes every production so special is Laura’s unique and proven approach to casting every student actor based on their potential.  Evaluating what each student needs to grow and build confidence, coaching and directing them to find their full potential through the performance experience. No one does it better.”

Shoreline Theater Academy has provided opportunities for thousands of student actors in countless productions during the past 25 years. This summer, a group of 21 Shoreline Youth Academy high school student actors will travel to Scotland to perform an original play they wrote at the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Shoreline Arts Alliance is proud to have Laura Attanasio representing its region as a 2024-25 CT Arts Hero.