Connecticut Humanities (CTH), the statewide, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), has awarded ACT (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut a $106,800 CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant (CTCFOSG). This grant was administered by CT Humanities, with funding provided by the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) from the Connecticut State Legislature.
ACT of CT aims to use part of these funds to supplement the additional unforeseen costs of producing theatre during the COVID pandemic, including additional required COVID testing and PPE costs to keep staff, actors, musicians and crew safe.
Additionally, this funding will allow ACT of CT to further grow its Audience Access Initiative (a program launched by the theatre during the pandemic), which reaches out to students and individuals who have not had the opportunity to experience live theater first-hand.
Daniel C. Levine, Artistic Director of ACT of CT says, "The generous support received from CT Humanities, with funding provided by the CT State Department of Economic and Community Development and the CT Office of the Arts, is doing a tremendous amount to help theater stay afloat during these trying times. We are so grateful for this very needed support."
ACT of CT was one of 624 organizations in Connecticut that was awarded CT Cultural Fund support totaling $16M from CT Humanities. The CTCFOSG are part of $30.7M of support allocated to arts, humanities, and cultural nonprofits through CTH over the next two years by the CT General Assembly and approved by Governor Ned Lamont. The CTCFOSG will assist organizations as they recover from the pandemic and maintain and grow their ability to serve their community and the public.
ACT of CT’s mission is to elevate the level of entertainment in Fairfield County and to foster a sense of community through the arts by producing exceptional theater and encouraging an environment of inclusivity and artistic excellence. ACT (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) professional theatre located in Ridgefield, CT.
Founded in 2018 by Katie Diamond, Daniel C. Levine and Bryan Perri, and along with the more recent addition of R. Erin Craig, ACT of CT presents limited engagement runs of well-known musicals, as well as world-premiere productions by the next generation of writers and composers. In addition to fully produced mainstage productions, ACT of CT’s programing also includes a New Works Series, a Broadway Unplugged Series, and an extensive theater education program. With its 182 seats and turntable stage, the theater offers an intimate, unique, and immersive theatrical experience for its patrons. Given the proximity to New York City, ACT of CT has access to top theatre talent and professionals. In just three seasons, ACT of CT has become one of the most well-known and highly respected regional theatres in the area and received a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album for the cast album of their 2021 production of Stephen Schwartz’s SNAPSHOTS. ACT of CT is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to inspiring, creating, and nurturing a culturally diverse and equitable environment for its staff, creative teams, cast, musicians, crew members, and audiences. ACT of CT does not discriminate in matters of employment, recruitment, admission or administration of any of its programs on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information. ACT of CT is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and to maintaining an inclusive and discrimination-free environment.
ACT of CT’s 2021-2022 season includes SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE (September 30 – October 24, 2021), NICKEL MINES (January 20 – January 30, 2022), JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (March 24 – April 17, 2022) and RENT (May 26 – June 19, 2022).
ACT of CT is located at 36 Old Quarry Road, in the beautiful village of Ridgefield, CT. For more information about ACT of CT, ticket and annual subscription sales, spring and summer education programs, sponsor/donor opportunities, ACT of CT’s Audience Access program, and other theatre-related news and announcements, visit actofct.org.
About Connecticut Humanities
CT Humanities (CTH) is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. CTH connects people to the humanities through grants, partnerships, and collaborative programs. CTH projects, administration, and program development are supported by state and federal matching funds, community foundations, and gifts from private sources. Learn more by visiting cthumanities.org.
About Connecticut Office of the Arts
The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) is the state agency charged with fostering the health of Connecticut’s creative economy. Part of the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development, the COA is funded by the State of Connecticut as well as the National Endowment for the Arts.