Editor's note: Big news for the Ridgefield artistic community! Last night during a Ridgefield Town Meeting, "ACT", a brand new theater company, got the nod to bring a Broadway Caliber Theater to the former Schlumberger property. Founder of ACT, Katie Diamond said, "We are thrilled to announce that our lease was approved unanimously by the amazing citizens of Ridgefield, CT! We are honored that the good people of Ridgefield have entrusted us to bring the historic Schlumberger auditorium back to life. What a gift we have been given! We thank everyone for this amazing outpouring of support. It is an honor and a privilege for ACT to call Ridgefield home." Read the ACT story below:
ACT of Connecticut is bringing New York City Broadway Caliber Theater, executed by Broadway professionals, to the Historic Schlumberger property. The theater company is restoring the old building and will offer self-produced, limited engagement runs, using Broadway talent.
Take a look inside the theater here.
ACT –A Contemporary Theater of Connecticut will take over the famous Schlumberger auditorium adding to the community’s anticipated cultural center that will span 30 acres of the former Schlumberger property. Produced and led by two accomplished theater professionals, this contemporary theater is likely to be the regional theater destination theatergoers choose. ”Given our proximity to New York City, we have access to world class talent in the theater industry. We intend to utilize the talents of our residents and neighbors to bring a professional theater to our town.” says Daniel C. Levine, Artistic Director of The Ridgefield Playhouse Broadway & Cabaret Series.
Both Daniel and Co –founders, Katie Tomlinson Diamond are industry veterans with a special interest in their Ridgefield community; both reside in the thriving arts town. “Similar to the support that The Westport Playhouse or Westchester Broadway Theater enjoys in their respective communities, we believe that the greater Ridgefield area will also support this type of venue and it will elevate the arts community,” says Katie.
ACT of Connecticut will present limited engagement runs of well-known Broadway plays and musicals, as well as world premiere plays and musicals by the next generation of writers and composers. The theater company is expected to produce four shows per year with Broadway professionals, alongside Ridgefield’s professional actors and actresses delivering performances and productions of the highest quality. In addition to fully produced, main stage productions, the producers will launch youth education classes, camps, workshops, and a conservatory program for high school students. ACT brings yet another level of artistic professionalism to Ridgefield along with the world renowned Aldrich Museum, The Ridgefield Guild of Artists, and The Ridgefield Playhouse.
ACT was founded by two accomplished theater professionals with a vision to provide their community with a professional theatre offering self-produced, limited engagement runs, using Broadway and professional talent. Daniel C. Levine- Artistic Director has appeared on Broadway and in the Broadway National Tours of: "Mamma Mia!”, "Little Shop of Horrors" (The Dentist, dir. Jerry Zaks), "The Rocky Horror Show" (Circle In The Square - Broadway, dir. Christopher Ashley), "Jesus Christ Superstar" (Tony Nomination For Best Revival), “Chicago" (Mary Sunshine), "Les Miserables" (Marius), “Tommy" (Cousin Kevin). Daniel was nominated for Best Actor in a Musical –League of American Theaters and Producers, for his role as Cousin Kevin in “The Who’s Tommy”.
Katie Diamond- Executive Producer, a singer, actor, writer, and producer, Katie Tomlinson Diamond has written, produced, and/or performed in numerous musical theatre and cabaret shows over the past fifteen years. Broadway and tour performing credits include: “Jersey Boys” (Lorraine), “The Pirate Queen” (understudy for Stephanie J. Block), “White Christmas”, and “The Wedding Banquet”. Favorite regional performing credits include: “The Secret Garden” (Lily), “Oklahoma” (Ado Annie). “How to Succeed…”, (Rosemary), and “Great Expectations” (Estella).
Complete bios can be found at www.actofct.org