Stratford To Receive $3M For Shakespeare Theatre Redevelopment

STRATFORD, CT — Stratford will receive $3 million in state funding for the redevelopment of the former Shakespeare Theatre site.

The funds, which will be disbursed through the Department of Economic and Community Development, were approved by the state Bond Commission on Thursday.

The historic Shakespeare Theatre was destroyed in a massive fire in January 2019.

Stratford’s delegation to the Connecticut General Assembly – including Rep. Joseph P. Gresko, Rep. Phil Young, Rep. Ben McGorty, Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly and Sen. Dennis Bradley – issued a joint news release commending the inclusion of the $3 million in state funding on the state Bond Commission's agenda.

Read more from the news release below:

“A piece of Stratford and Connecticut history was forever lost when the Shakespeare Theatre was destroyed several years ago," Gresko said. "The funds set aside for this project will allow our community to begin to reclaim part of what we lost as a town. I thank the State Bond Commission, Governor Lamont, and, in particular, my colleagues in the Stratford delegation for their continued dedicated support of the revitalization of this property."

Kelly said, “Three years ago, our town and our state lost one of its most historic buildings rich with culture, art and world recognition. One of my first jobs was working in the Shakespeare Theatre where my mother and aunt were ushers. The loss of this landmark was a blow to our community and something very personal to me. When the Shakespeare Theatre burned down, our entire community came together wanting to take action. This investment is a key step toward action. I appreciate the bond commission fulfilling our delegation's bipartisan request for support to revitalize the theater property, and honor and preserve a piece of local, state, national and global history."

"I am thankful to Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for approving funds necessary in rebuilding such a notable landmark in Stratford," Bradley said. "The fire that destroyed the theater over 3 years ago was a devastating loss for our community and redeveloping the Shakespeare Festival Theater will help to revitalize the historic property. I am so glad to have worked with the Stratford delegation in securing funds that will help to rebuild an important piece of history."

Young said, "I'd like to thank Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for their continued support of Stratford. Rebuilding the theatre will help stimulate our local economy, but most importantly, it helps preserve an important part of our town's history. The delegation has worked diligently to secure the funds necessary for the redevelopment of the theater and look forward to seeing the final result of the rebuilding process.”

"The Shakespeare Theater is an integral part of Stratford's tradition and culture. It was a travesty to see it destroyed three years ago," McGorty said. "I am confident that this funding allocated to rehabbing the historic theater will give its neighborhood in town a jolt to become an area where families can go to enjoy the rich history of William Shakespeare and the beautiful area surrounding it. I believe that our ability to rebuild this cultural relic will serve our community incredibly well. It is great that the bond commission has decided to finally reinvest in this pillar of history which calls Stratford its home."

Stratford Mayor Laura R. Hoydick said, "These grant funds will help us secure a tremendous opportunity to reinforce our commitment to the arts and acknowledge the significance of the performing arts as part of the cultural fabric of Stratford. From the unfortunate loss of the theater to arsonists, we have a renewed opportunity to make this location come alive once more as a center for the arts, and I thank the Bond Commission and Governor Ned Lamont for considering our request for funding to help make that happen."