Search Results

EAST HADDAM, Conn. (April 5, 2024) – Goodspeed Musicals is seeking local Connecticut children for its 2024 Goodspeed production of South Pacific. Goodspeed is seeking Non-Equity child actors to understudy Ngana (age 11) and Jerome (age 8). These characters can be Black, Pacific Islander, or mixed. Children auditions for A Christmas Story The Musical will be held at a later date. Interested candidates should submit headshots and resumes to KMcLaughlin@goodspeed.org. Please include “South Pacific Casting” in the subject line. Candidates must be available for 4 weeks of rehearsal and 9 weeks of performances between May 14, 2024, (first rehearsal) and August 11, 2024, (close) in East Haddam. Interested candidates should bring a resume, photo and sheet music for a 32-bar cut of an up-tempo song and a ballad. Music must be legible and in the proper key (no lead sheets please). An accompanist will be provided. Goodspeed reaffirms its commitment to nondiscrimination and a flexible, imaginative casting policy. Performers of all ethnicities are strongly encouraged to audition.

March reading of The Amen Corner, Photo courtesy of Oddfellows Playhouse Join ARTFARM, Oddfellows Playhouse and HartBeat Ensemble for a reading of Baltimore by Kirsten Greenidge on Sunday, April 14 at 5 pm at Oddfellows Playhouse in Middletown. The third and final reading in the Black Presencing: Reading Plays in the Community series, Baltimore is a 2016 play exploring racism on a New England College campus.  When a racially-charged incident divides her first-year students, reluctant resident advisor Shelby finds herself in the middle of a conversation she does not want to have. As pressure to address the controversy mounts from residents, the new dean, and even her best friend, Shelby must decide if she will enter the fray or watch her community come apart at the seams. Sharp, funny, and searing, Baltimore is a timely drama about racism on college campuses. Kirsten Greenidge, a 2010 graduate of Wesleyan University, teaches Theater at Boston University and was recently named as the new director of the Theater Department at the BU College of Fine Arts. Her plays are known for their realistic language and focus on social issues such as the intersectionality of race, gender, and class. Black Presencing: Reading Plays in the Community, supported by a generous grant from CT Humanities, brings together Middletown theater companies ARTFARM and Oddfellows Playhouse with Hartford-based HartBeat Ensemble to bring the work of modern African-American playwrights to the local community. Pipeline, by Dominique Morisseau, was presented on February 4, and James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner  was performed at Cross Street AME Zion Church on March 3. Baltimore is directed by Janelle Robinson and will feature actors from throughout central Connecticut. There will be a short post-performance discussion moderated by HartBeat Ensemble Artistic Director Godfrey Simmons. Oddfellows Playhouse is located at 128 Washington Street in Middletown. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted to support the Black Presencing Series. For more information or to make reservations, contact Oddfellows Playhouse at  (860) 347-6143 or email info@oddfellows.org.

[Ivoryton, CT – April 1st, 2024] – Calling all music lovers: Get ready to kick off the 2024 season at Ivoryton Playhouse! Opening this weekend is the much-anticipated two-person theatrical concert Everly: The Music of the Everly Brothers! Step into the world of timeless melodies and unforgettable harmonies as Ivoryton Playhouse pays homage to the legendary Everly Brothers. Mark your calendars because this musical extravaganza is not to be missed! Performance Schedule: Opening Night: April 5th, 2024 Show Dates: April 5th through April 28th, 2024 Performance Times: Wednesdays—2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays—7:30, Fridays and Saturdays—8 p.m., Sundays—2 p.m. Ivoryton Playhouse is the perfect intimate setting where everyone is welcome to sit back and enjoy this musical journey. Everly features tons of unforgettable songs: "All I Have to Do is Dream," “Bye Bye, Love, "Wake Up Little Susie," and dozens more. From the Everly Brothers’ most recognizable hits to some of their deepest tracks, audiences will be thrilled by this celebration of iconic music that has stood the test of time. Eric Anthony* and Ben Hope*, the talented duo who created and star in the show, capture the essence of the Everly Brothers like never before. With their pitch-perfect vocals and undeniable chemistry, they'll have you singing along from start to finish. Hope also directs the show: “We’ve tried to create more than just a concert; something richer than a tribute show or playlist. We want to explore the lives and careers of these two icons of American music and the cultural landscape in which their music thrived. We hope the audience experience includes falling in love with this music again, but we also hope they walk away feeling a deeper connection to Don and Phil.” Already extended by popular demand, Everly: The Music of the Everly Brothers is the perfect way to start the season! Tickets continue to sell fast, so don't wait! Head to the Ivoryton Playhouse website or call the box office to secure your seats. Make new memories while celebrating the nostalgia of the timeless music of the Everly Brothers. Tickets are $60 for adults, $55 for seniors, and $25 for students. Tickets are available online at ivorytonplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 860.767.7318. (For information on group rates, please contact the box office.) The Playhouse is located at 103 Main Street in Ivoryton.

Performances April 11-12 at 7pm, April 13 at 2pm BRANFORD, CT March 25, 2024 – Legacy Theatre and Legacy’s Wheel Life Theatre Troupe are set to present a brand new, world-premiere production April 11-13. Let’s Get Together is an original piece of devised theatre that is written and performed by Wheel Life Theatre Troupe participants. It’s a show about the evolution of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the brave people in the ‘80s and ‘90s who brought it to pass. This entertaining and thought-provoking production boldly looks at how we can all “get together” to improve each other's quality of life -- today and always. “(This piece) is a unicorn,” said Wheel Life instructor Julie Fitzpatrick. “You’ve never seen a show like this before, and you might not see it again...The human condition is what is portrayed on stage, and this piece fills a gaping hole in that portrayal – this piece is essential.” The production presents different scenes and situations that disabled members of the Troupe have experienced in their lives, demonstrating the difficulties created by a world not inherently designed to be accessible, as well as the struggles resulting from a lack of education on behalf of much of the population. “When you know better, you can do better,” said Caroline Berkovich, a member of the Wheel Life Theatre Troupe and cast member of Let’s Get Together. “This show exemplifies what theatre can and should be – everyone should have a voice.” The production aims to shine a light on the everyday challenges faced by disabled individuals by providing a vehicle through which they can share their own, personal stories. Dana Canevari, a member of Wheel Life Theatre Troupe since 2019, described the show as “a slice of disability culture. It’s a human right to be treated respectfully,” said Canevari, who also provided insight into the fact that, in many cases, theatres themselves are not designed in a way that promotes accessibility, both from a patron perspective, and that of a performer. “There’s room for everyone on stage. However, you can have all the talent in the world, but if you have no place to express it, what are you going to do?” Let’s Get Together seeks to educate and inspire audiences by staging real-world scenarios and pointing out inherent problems, as well as providing solutions. The production promotes the use of person-first language, cites resources to learn more, and provides routes through which to take action as it seeks to further the conversation around disability rights. “Even if it educates just one person,” said Troupe and cast member Wynter Knudsen, “they could tell others.” Tickets for Let’s Get Together are only $15 and are on sale now. They can be purchased through the Box Office (203.315.1901) or Legacy’s website, LegacyTheatreCT.org. The Box Office is open Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm on non-performance days. For a full schedule of Box Office hours and performances, please visit Legacy’s website. The Legacy Theatre is located in the village of Stony Creek in Branford, CT, at 128 Thimble Islands Road. The Legacy Theatre is committed to providing live theatre and related programming that is accessible to the widest possible audience. Full accessibility and accommodations details can be found on Legacy’s website or by calling the Box Office. For more information on upcoming productions, classes, community events, and sponsorship and partner opportunities, please email Kiersten@LegacyTheatreCT.org

Want to experience life on the farm? Don’t miss Chester Earth Day’s tour of Deep Hollow Farm on April 20, kicking off at 10 a.m.  The Harrington family will share their knowledge about veganism, climate change, and farming organic, no-till veggies. Deep Hollow Farm is located at 42 Deep Hollow Road, right on the fringe of the Cockaponset State Forest. Spots for the FREE talk and tour are limited, so make sure to get on the list ASAP. To do so, email deephollowfarm@gmail.com or phone 970-208-6356. There’s lots more going on during Chester Earth Day that you won’t want to miss, starting with a 9 a.m. town clean-up and a nature walk. On Main Street and in nearby venues, check  out 14+ speakers, 16+ booths, and live music.  The day concludes at Chester Meeting House with children’s author Doe Boyle presenting a reading and activities, followed by the screening of two films. Have questions that can’t be answered on the website? Call 860-662-1317.

New Haven, Conn. ( April 1, 2024)— This summer will sizzle even more at the historic Pardee-Morris House! The 2024 Twilight Concert Series will kick off with a power-house blend of classic Motown hits, funk, and rock by Locomotion on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., (rain date, Thursday, June 27, 2024). Grounds open for picnicking at 5:30 p.m. The 2024 season has been expanded to include five concerts with two sets each. The summer fun will continue with the bluegrass harmonies of Audrey Mae on July 10; the "old school" R&B of The Bernadettes on July 24; cool island sounds by the Caribbean Vibe Steel Drum Band on August 7, and the sizzling salsa of Movimiento Cultural Afro-Continental on August 28. The free performances are hosted by the New Haven Museum, which owns and operates the historic site. Rain dates for all concerts are the following day. For weather updates visit http://newhavenmuseum.org or @newhavenmuseum on FB/IG. Concert Details Grounds open at 5:30 p.m., the concert begins at 6:30 pm. Rain dates for all concerts are the following day. The Pardee-Morris House will be open to visitors for tours till 8 p.m. The public is invited to bring blankets and chairs and enjoy a picnic on the lawn. Parking is available on Lighthouse Road.

Photo: RicArtDesign New Haven, Conn. (April 1, 2024) – The New Haven Museum (NHM) will offer a demonstration and exploration of art and history with artist Ricardo Gutiérrez, “From Canvas to Legacy: The Artistry of William Lanson's Portrait,” on April 11, 2024, at 6 p.m., preceded by a reception by Jack’s Steakhouse at 5:30 p.m.. Register here. The free presentation will relate to the work Gutiérrez donated to the museum, “King Lanson, 2022.” Gutiérrez will highlight the processes behind the creation of his portrait of Lanson, a 19th-century New Haven civic leader, entrepreneur and engineer who was elected Black governor in New Haven in 1825, and whose monument in the Elm City was dedicated in 2020. “Lanson’s story is one of resilience, ingenuity, and determination in the face of adversity, and it serves as a poignant reminder of the power of individuals to effect change and inspire others,” Gutiérrez says. Visitors will discover the historical context and significance of Lanson's life, his enduring impact on New Haven, and the importance of preserving his legacy for future generations. In a convergence of art and history, the artist will also share insights into his vision, techniques, and the profound significance of portraying Lanson's legacy on canvas. From initial sketches to the final strokes, Gutierrez will discuss the transformation of raw materials into a timeless work of art that honors the life and contributions of Lanson. “I hope that this work sparks curiosity, dialogue, and reflection about Lanson's life and contributions,” says Gutiérrez, “ And that it serves as a lasting tribute to Lanson and a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.”

The Legacy Theatre was awarded the 2024 Non-Profit of the Year Excellence Award by the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce Keely Baisden Knudsen, Stephanie Stiefel Williams & Jeff Williams BRANFORD, CT March 22, 2024 – Branford’s Legacy Theatre is honored to announce that the theatre was selected as the recipient of the 2024 Non-Profit of the Year Excellence Award by the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce. Chamber criteria states that this award “recognizes a non-profit that is actively involved with the Chamber and who has made a positive impact on the Shoreline.” The Theatre, along with other Excellence Award recipients in categories such as Excellence in Innovation, Employer of the Year, and New Business of the Year, were recognized by the Chamber at the Annual Excellence Awards Breakfast hosted at The Woodwinds in Branford on Thursday, February 22, 2024. Cindi Bigelow, CEO of Bigelow Tea was the Keynote Speaker at the event, providing insightful responses to attendee questions, including local high school students. “For a relatively new company to receive this recognition after just three years in our new theatre space in Stony Creek is a real honor for us,” said Jeff Provost, Legacy’s Managing Director. “Our team has worked hard and pulled together through some tough times, so it’s especially rewarding to receive this from the Shoreline Chamber which represents a wider region than just our hometown of Branford, CT. We couldn’t be any prouder of the work our board, staff, and volunteers have done so far, or more appreciative of the donors and patrons who helped us get to this point, and 2024 is shaping up to be even better than ever!” The Legacy Theatre is a nonprofit, professional, regional theatre company located in the village of Stony Creek in Branford, CT. Legacy strives to be a premiere arts house and to ensure ongoing seasons of uplifting, inspiring, and challenging theatre and theatre training for all. Seasons include Mainstage productions, a Sunday Broadway Concert Series, a Family Series for young audiences, special events, classes for all ages and abilities, and more. Subscriptions and tickets for Legacy’s 2024 Season are on sale now and can be purchased through the Box Office (203.315.1901) or Legacy’s website, LegacyTheatreCT.org. The Box Office is open Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm, on non-performance days. For a full schedule of box office hours and performances, please visit Legacy’s website. For more information on upcoming productions, classes, community events, and sponsorship and partner opportunities, please email Kiersten@LegacyTheatreCT.org.

EAST HADDAM, Conn. (March 21, 2024) – Come celebrate with Goodspeed Musicals at their annual Gala & Auction on Saturday, May 18, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre. The evening will take place at The Society Room in Hartford, Conn., a glorious venue to celebrate a major milestone in Connecticut theatre: 40 years of new musical development at The Terris. Guests will enjoy reminiscing about their favorite new musicals shared with family and friends over the years as they mark The Terris Theatre’s ruby anniversary. Festivities will begin with hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction at 5:30 p.m., followed by a four-course dinner starting at 7:00 p.m. Entertainment will occur throughout the evening including performances and performers from Terris productions, a live auction of unique experiences, and ending with a tribute to 40 years of new musicals developed at The Terris. The evening’s fundraising will be in support of Goodspeed’s development of new musicals. Opening on July 10, 1984, with the new musical Harrigan ‘n Hart by Max Showalter and Michael Stewart, there have been 94 new musicals and 64 world premieres over the last four decades at The Terris. Six productions have moved on to Broadway and nine productions have moved on to Off-Broadway. The most recent Terris Theatre successes include Private Jones, which recently played at Washington, DC’s Signature Theatre; Here You Come Again, which will tour the U.K. and play London’s West End; and  Erica Schmidt’s adaptation of the romantic classic Cyrano starring Peter Dinklage and featuring music by The National, which subsequently played Off-Broadway and later became a feature film. Other notable titles include A Sign of the Times; My Paris; The Theory of Relativity; Snapshots; The Great American Mousical, which was directed by Julie Andrews; The Story of My Life; and All Shook Up. "For 40 years, Goodspeed’s commitment to new work development has been highlighted on the stage at our Terris Theatre. And now, although we are very focused on the work of supporting and elevating new musical theatre and the artists who create it, we will take a night off to celebrate our anniversary!" said Artistic Director Donna Lynn Hilton. "I hope many will join us on May 18th as we are planning an exceptional evening, which will celebrate the rich history of The Terris and showcase some of the work being planned for future seasons." Goodspeed’s Managing Director David B. Byrd added, "Our growing audience has been the catalyst for everything we’ve achieved over the past 60 years. Collectively, we have launched 88 world premieres, many at our home in Chester, Conn. This year, we celebrate 40 years at our Terris Theatre, employing artists, technicians and theater-makers who will steward two world premieres for audiences of all stripes. At Goodspeed, we really do ‘Make It Here.’ We look forward to celebrating our bright future in May." Tickets and tables for the Gala & Auction are available and may be purchased by contacting Sophia Voglino, Event & Corporate Relations Manager, at svoglino@goodspeed.org or 860-615-0389, as well as online at goodspeed.org/pages/gala. Sponsorship opportunities are also available at several giving levels. For patrons who wish to support Goodspeed Musicals and are unable to attend, there are three other ways to participate: placing a Tribute ad in the Gala Program, making a monetary donation or bidding on the Silent Auction.

Guilford, CT – Get ready to unleash your inner artist as Guilford Art Center (GAC) throws open its doors to welcome participants of all ages for a wide array of Spring classes and workshops. Registration is now open for all Spring classes and workshops for adults, teens and youth. Full catalogs can be viewed or downloaded from www.guilfordartcenter.org. Registration is online on the GAC website, or students can contact the GAC office at (203) 453-5947 or visit the GAC office in person (Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm). Delve into a kaleidoscope of mediums, from the delicate intricacies of beading to the fiery craftsmanship of blacksmithing, from the timeless allure of ceramics to the bold strokes of painting. Whether you're a seasoned creator or a budding enthusiast, there's something for everyone to explore and master at GAC. Teens can unleash their creativity with specialized classes in blacksmithing, while younger participants can dive into a world of imagination with offerings such as pottery, drawing, collage and painting. Parent and child workshops are also available. “Art has a way of making our lives vibrant and exciting as we explore our own visions, and it connects us to others as we learn together. Our classroom environments are thriving as people return to the creative endeavors that they love, or have always wanted to try” says GAC Executive Director Maureen Belden. Full listings of all classes can be found on the GAC website at www.guilfordartcenter.org. All questions should be directed to info@guilfordartcenter.org or (203) 453-5947. For more information, contact Guilford Art Center at info@guilfordartcenter.org or call (203) 453-5947.

Manchester, CT – The Galleries @ WORK_SPACE is excited to unveil "Expressions of Healing," an art exhibit opening on April 12, 2024. This distinctive exhibition will feature the inspiring works of Art Therapists, spotlighting the crucial role of art therapy in promoting mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Co-Curator, Art Therapist, and Artist Andrew Castillo conceived this show to “help people understand that Art Therapy offers a powerful avenue for expression and healing, that transcends the boundaries of traditional therapy to reach the core of individual experience." "We're honored to present 'Expressions of Healing' to our community, offering a platform for Art Therapists to showcase their diverse talents and impactful techniques,” says Dr. Stacey Zackin, Manager of WORK_SPACE. “This exhibit celebrates their dedication and ability to foster healing and nurture personal growth through art while providing a unique opportunity for the public to engage with art's therapeutic power." Event Details: •April 2nd by 11:59pm Submission Deadline •April 9th by 12:00pm Artwork Drop-off •April 12th – May 31st Exhibit Dates The exhibit is open to art therapists that currently hold or pursuing their ATR or ATR-P licenses, as well as other licensed therapists of all backgrounds and specialties who incorporate art into their practice. Artists are invited to submit up to five entries free of charge, with accepted works to be delivered by the stipulated deadline. Kevin Olson, WORK_SPACE Associate and co-curator of "Healing Expressions," stated, "This exhibit transcends a traditional art show by weaving an educational narrative around the pivotal role of Art Therapy in mental health, aiming to enhance public appreciation for art's therapeutic value. It embodies resilience and the human spirit's remarkable ability to heal through creativity." Weekdays M-F 10a-4p Regular Free Viewing Hours (closed 5/27 for Memorial Day) Friday, Apr. 12th 5:30-7:30p Art Opening Reception / Meet the Artists Saturday, Apr. 13th 10a-2p 2nd Saturday Open House Tuesday, Apr. 16th 6-7:30p Earth Day Terrarium Class Thursday, Apr. 18th 6:30-9p 3rd Thursday Listening Room/Open Mic Monday, May 7th 8-9a Business Link Networking Meeting Saturday, May 11th 10a-2p 2nd Saturday Open House, Butterfly Stroll & Cultural District Celebration Thursday, Apr. 16th 6:30-9p 3rd Thursday Listening Room/Open Mic For more information about the Expressions of Healing exhibit and other WORK_SPACE events, including gallery hours and artist information, please visit our website: www.workspacemanchester.com and follow us on social media @workspacemanch.

NEW HAVEN, CT, March 20, 2024 – Besides New Haven Ballet’s illustrious summer intensive for serious students at Choate Rosemary Hall, the school has announced summer offerings for beginning through advanced level students. Providing excellent local classical ballet training through two sessions, New Haven Ballet can assist students with preparing for other ballet summer programs and provide continued training for those who wish to improve for the upcoming Fall or Nutcracker seasons. Classes are offered in the late afternoons and evenings during the week and on Saturdays to students ages 3-19 years to allow students maximum flexibility to enjoy summer activities and still train at a high level. Session I offers classes May 28-June 22, 2024. Session II offers classes June 23-July 20, 2024. Offered in two sessions, summer classes allow students ages 3-19 years to initiate or continue ballet training. For young students, the Children’s Division offers classes like “First Steps,” a wonderful introduction to the joy of movement for children completing 3K preschool. For those completing 4K Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten, Creative Ballet promotes the development of a child’s natural creativity with a focus on motor skill development and musical awareness. For those finishing 1st and 2nd grades, Pre-Ballet and Primary offer an introduction to more formalized classical ballet training, using age-appropriate ballet vocabulary and movement. Registering for New Haven Ballet’s Children’s Division classes requires no placement class. Older students will enjoy more rigorous classical ballet training in New Haven Ballet’s Student Division. In Levels 1, 2, and 3, students perfect their primary vocabulary and steps. Introductory pointe is offered to students with the Artistic Director’s recommendation and earned promotion to Level 4. Beginning, Intermediate and advanced pointe classes are offered, in addition to intermediate and advanced technique for students completing Levels 4 and 5. For more advanced students, repertory and conditioning allow dancers to emphasize developing individual artistry, improving technical skills, and building strength and flexibility. New students must take a placement class. As the standard for classical ballet training throughout Greater New Haven, New Haven Ballet also offers serious, advanced-level students an opportunity to improve their technical skills and artistry through a premiere summer ballet intensive experience. During the Choate Residency, dancers train daily in a pre-professional classical ballet curriculum, supplemented with Pilates, conditioning and stretch, pointe, partnering, and repertory classes. Students achieve marked improvement in strength, flexibility, artistry, and technical ability, readying them for their upcoming season. New Haven Ballet’s Choate Rosemary Hall Summer Intensive is a sleep-away camp for students ages 11+ years and is offered July 28-August 9, 2024. The program culminates in a performance at the Paul Mellon Arts Center in Wallingford. Space is limited, and an audition is required for admittance. New Haven Ballet Artistic Director Lisa Kim Sanborn notes, “New Haven Ballet offers students an opportunity to work with phenomenal professional faculty, comprised of highly experienced teachers and professional dancers. This enables students to reach their full potential. We are thrilled to work with new students and return them to their respective schools feeling confident and strong!” Teen and adult open classes are offered through the summer on a drop in basis.