World Theatre Day is this Thursday, March 27

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 and Hearst CT Media are supporting Fairfield County Producing Theatre Giving Day. Both sponsors are 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.

For 10 years, hundreds of Fairfield County nonprofits shared in the more than $155M raised on Fairfield County Giving Day. That program was discontinued last this year. That loss was compounded by action in the state legislature that distributed nearly $8M through direct, line-item appropriations to just 17 of the approximately 100 theatres in the state.

“Many of us have partnered for years 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.

The following theatres will be soliciting funds on March 27: ACT of Connecticut, Brookfield Theatre, Center Stage Shelton, 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, Town Players of New Canaan, Town Players of Newtown, Westport Community Theatre and Wilton Playshop.

All participating theatres are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations 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), go to FCPT.INFO.

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