Ridgefield Playhouse Reaches $200,000 Fundraising Goal

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield Playhouse announced Wednesday that it has surpassed its 20 for 20 Campaign fundraising goal of $200,000 to bring free Arts in Education performances to more than 20,000 students during the 2023-2024 school year. Total funding for the campaign was in part made possible by the generosity of the Playhouse’s Fall Gala patrons.

"When we announced to the educational community that the Arts in Education program was being offered for free this year, the response was staggering," said Jodi Simon Stewart, Arts in Education Director, Ridgefield Playhouse. "We have been overwhelmed with requests from schools, further underscoring the critical need for this program. We now have a waitlist of thousands of students we are trying to accommodate, even with the added livestream and virtual options."

The 20 for 20 Campaign is a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Playhouse’s Arts in Education Program (AIE). Started in 2004 by former Executive Director, Allison Stockel, the AIE program introduces students to the arts through a full roster of one hour, curriculum-related shows. The funds raised will enable the Playhouse to welcome 20,000 students to live, in-person shows and stream to an estimated 50,000 in over 60 towns in Connecticut and New York – all at no cost to the schools, according to a statement from The Playhouse.

"Over the past 20 years, the Playhouse has built the program into one of the most productive and impactful in the state," stated Jared Shahid, managing director of Booking, Marketing & Production. "Last year alone, the program reached a record breaking 15,500 students with both in person and virtual shows, provided 19 free busses, and served nearly 1,000 free lunches to Title 1 school groups. With the 20 for 20 Campaign, we hope to start a tradition that introduces the arts to students for free for years to come."