BRIDGEPORT, CT — The Klein ( www.theklein.org ) will once again be offering its tuition-free after school and Saturday arts-education programs to Bridgeport students, but under a newly expanded umbrella called the Klein Academy, according to Klein Director of Operations, Karl Gasteyer. This expansion enables The Klein to produce its own program, After School at the Klein (ASK), while offering a variety of new, arts-education opportunities through partnerships with other organizations who will make their home under The Klein's roof.
According to The Klein's Director of Operations, Karl Gasteyer, and student coordinator, Tonya Whitely, the new Klein Academy's partners currently include: (KEYS) Kids Empowered by Your Support, New Paradigm Theatre (NPT) and The All Stars Project. Beginning in mid-September ASK, KEYS, The All Stars Project and additional new partners will all be working to offer a range of enriching classes and opportunities for students to appear in public performances at The Klein and various other venues.
"Key to the success of these programs is commitment from parents, relatives or guardians," said Gasteyer. "The program, funded by the Connecticut Office of the Arts and other contributors, is invaluable. Working together, students build a sense of community, challenge themselves beyond their own expectations and learn valuable lessons about the arts. Most of the students become even more disciplined
about their academic work also."
These programs and the new Klein Academy evolved from The Klein's interest in giving back to the Bridgeport community, according to Gasteyer, who had been an educator at the college and middle school level, as well as an actor, singer, dancer and theater administrator. "Our theater is dark during the week and what better way to bring it to life than with the sounds of enthusiastic students following their dreams for a career in the arts," he said. "And we always end the ASK season with an amazing presentation, showcasing all students."
Programs are open to Bridgeport middle school students in 7th and 8th grade and high school students interested in singing, hip hop, Broadway dancing, acting and more. Students younger than 7th grade can become involved with instruction with musical instruments.
"We expect these classes to fill quickly and, along with our partners, we're looking for about 100 students. Students, accompanied by a parent, relative or guardian, must be interviewed at the Klein. The interviews will be held at the following times and adults and students should contact Tonya Whitely at the Klein (800) 424-0160 x6 as soon as possible for an appointment."
INTERVIEW TIMES
Friday, September 5, 2014 – 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 6, 2014 – 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 13, 2014 – 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Parents, relatives or guardians of students, younger than 7th grade, and who are interested in the Saturday program should contact Laurie Bradbury at: aed@keysmusic.org or call (203) 818-9849.
"KEYS's mission is to bring one-to-one instrument lessons and group music instruction to under-served inner-city children in Bridgeport who have no other access to this empowering life experience", said KEYS Executive Director Rob Silvan. www.keysmusic.org.
ABOUT THE KLEIN
The Klein is a 1,400 seat, historic American theater built in the 1930s. It has played host to programs ranging in scope from symphonies, operas, theater, local dance recitals and political debates. In recent years, the Klein has hosted artists like Art Garfunkel, The Doobie Brothers, The Black Crowes, Loggins and Messina and Boys to Men. Its legacy also includes such luminaries as Eleanor Roosevelt, Leonard Bernstein and Martin Luther King, to name a few. In addition, one of The Klein's greatest assets is that for 60 years it has been the home of the Bridgeport Symphony Orchestra.