Fairfield County Producing Theatres Unite for Common Good

Though auto-making and theatre-making are vastly different enterprises, Henry Ford's words, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success,” are at the core of a new effort among many of Fairfield County’s producing theatres. Bank of America announced a $10,000 grant to support participating Fairfield County Producing Theatre Giving Day theatres. The bank is committed to supporting cultural institutions that advance the arts and make the arts more accessible to local communities throughout Southern Connecticut.

While the entire world felt the damaging effects of the pandemic, as an industry, live theatre has been among the hardest hit. Many organizations across the country have shuttered completely while others are working harder than ever to get back to pre-pandemic levels of attendance. And while not shuttered, Fairfield County’s 20+ theatre companies are still feeling the effects of the pandemic.

Since 2014, hundreds of Fairfield County nonprofits shared in the more than $155M raised on
Fairfield County Giving Day. That program was discontinued as of this year. Losing an opportunity like Giving Day that raised awareness and funds comes at a difficult time for theatres. Difficult times made even more so by a recent state funding program that distributed nearly $10M to just 17 of the approximately 100 theatres in the state.

“Many of us already partner in one way or another: sharing costumes, props, scenery,
human resources, etc.,” said Lou Ursone, executive director of Curtain Call in Stamford. He
spearheaded this effort to help fill in the gaps left by the recent funding losses. He noted, “As Helen Keller once said, ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.’" Ursone suggested a Fairfield County Producing Theatre Giving Day to be mounted in conjunction with World Theatre Day, March 27. Unlike the previous Giving Day program, there is no competition and each participating organization will work to raise funds through their own websites, and other normal
means, at no cost to them.

“Bank of America was the lead sponsor of Fairfield County Giving Day so I reached out to Bill
Tommins, President of Bank of America Southern Connecticut, and Senior Vice President, Carol Heller, and they were happy to support our efforts through their foundation,” Ursone said. “Engaging Southern Connecticut communities through storytelling and performance is essential for ensuring that the arts continue to thrive,” said Tommins. “Local theaters are an important part of our community and we look forward to continuing the spirit of Giving Day to support these local institutions and the arts in our region.” Hearst CT Media is also supporting the effort.

The following theatres will be soliciting funds on March 27: ACT of Connecticut, Carriage House Arts Center, Center Stage Shelton, Crystal Theatre, Curtain Call, Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Fairfield Center Stage, Falcon Repertory Company, Music Theatre of CT, Musicals at Richter, New Paradigm Theatre, Ridgefield Theatre Barn, Summer Theatre of New Canaan, Thrown Stone Theatre, Town Players of New Canaan, Town Players of Newtown, Westport Community Theatre and Wilton Playshop.

All participating theatres are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations sharing in the grant so contributions are fully tax-deductible. The group includes long-time union and nonunion theatres, as well professionally run and all volunteer community groups. To find a theatre to support on March 27 (or any time), got to FCPT.