New Paradigm Theatre & Norwalk Symphony Orchestra seeking partner

New Paradigm Theatre and Norwalk Symphony Orchestra are seeking to partner with a nonprofit agency for their February 23, 2019 production of West Side Story at the Norwalk Concert Hall

New Paradigm Theatre and the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, both 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, are collaborating to produce the symphonic version of Leonard Bernstein’s iconic West Side Story.

New Paradigm Theatre is well-known for combining its multi-cultural productions with social justice concepts. For each show, New Paradigm Theatre has chosen another local community nonprofit that reflects the theme of each show to "share" the stage and to highlight that nonprofit's mission. Now, as producing partners for West Side Story, New Paradigm Theatre and The Norwalk Symphony Orchestra will continue this collective impact concept and choose another local nonprofit partner. Powerful music and a powerful message for the community.

Past examples of NPT partnership nonprofits include:

OLIVER in 2016: The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport was chosen as the OLIVER theme was "Homelessness to Hunger to Hope". The cast volunteered at their soup kitchen and raised money for this charity during the Prologue Bazaar before each show, as well as sharing their extensive PR networks. Many "in need" children were included in the show.

PETER PAN in 2017: KEYS (free instrumental lessons for youth in need) was the nonprofit partner for this show. Children from their program on scholarships were included in the show as well as fund raising during the Prologue Bazaar. Once again featuring them in all the extensive PR (see below).

HUNCHBACK in 2018: The Connecticut Burns Care Foundation was chosen to reflect the show’s famous song, "God Help the Outcasts" and the treatment of the Hunchback as it compared to how children with burns are often treated. Kathy Gerrity, the Executive director of the CT Burns Care Foundation led an information session for the youth in the show, helped to give the curtain speech, appeared on Channel 8 with NPT and benefitted from the extensive PR for the show.

To continue this important social justice work in support of the themes in West Side Story, the charity that applies should echo themes such as bullying, hatred, Immigrants, racial and ethnic prejudice, or any group that feels they are fighting for acceptance. We are especially seeking nonprofit partners that deal with Hispanic issues.

To be eligible and to apply for the experience, which includes being included in all our extensive PR (TV, Radio, social media and newspapers), we request that you send a cover letter with how you believe your nonprofit mission echoes the theme(s) portrayed in West Side Story . Once we receive that we will request that you:

1. Meet with a representative from New Paradigm Theatre and the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra to discuss how the West Side Story theme(s) will work alongside and in conjunction with your mission.

2. Participate in some of our PR. We require that you supply information on your organization for our press releases and that you send our press releases to your email list and encourage ticket sales.

3. Where possible, attend any special events that the partnering nonprofits host to promote the show to speak about your mission.

4. Your Executive Director must be available to participate in additional pre-arranged opportunities to talk about your organization and how its mission fits into the theme(s) of West Side Story. In addition, they (or a representative) must be available on the day of the show, February 23, 2019, for to-be-determined activities. The curtain time is 8:00pm, and there is a possibility that a second performance will be added earlier that same day

5. You must supply a volunteer to stand behind your information table for your nonprofit for the Prologue Bazaar (an hour before the show(s)) to hand out your own information and to garner more names on your email list. This Prologue Bazaar may also gain you donations.

This partnership is created at no cost to your nonprofit. Outreach events do require that you are an ACTIVE participant in meeting the above requirements. You will be able to promote your mission and your upcoming events. We will only choose one nonprofit partner.

Responses are due by November 13, 2018.

Press and PR each year has included appearances on:

• Channel 8 and Channel 12

• Stories in all local papers

• CT Post: http://www.ctpost.com/entertai... Paradigm-Theatre-brings-Peter-Pan-11942756.php)

• Appearances on radio, and social media posting and blogs.

** We always mention our nonprofit partners and their mission in each of our appearances and in print.

Responses are due November 13, 2018

To inquire about more info or to apply please contact:

New Paradigm Theatre: Artistic Director Kristin Huffman: info@nptheatre.org or call 646-342-3200

Norwalk Symphony Orchestra: Executive Director Sandra Miklave Sandra@norwalksymphony.org or call 203.956.6771

New Paradigm Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre fostering creative problem solvers, leaders, and global citizens through theatre arts education and productions. www.nptheatre.org

The Mission of the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra is to bring the joys of orchestral music to individuals of all ages. www.norwalksymphony.org