Locals Arts and Culture Easily Accessible with Ridgefield Streams

On the heels of a wildly successful live streaming event that attracted a whopping 32,000 viewers, ACT of Connecticut's Artistic Director announces Ridgefield Streams

In an effort to keep audiences engaged and to keep Ridgefield the arts destination that it has become, Artistic Director of ACT of CT, Daniel C. Levine had an idea. Levine explains, "Last week at ACT, we closed down our current production that was meant to open this week. And as I was locking up the theater. After sending the actors, directors, technicians, and staff home, I thought to myself that now more than ever people need some hope. It seems that we are going to be at home for some time and everyone could use some entertainment; just a little escape from our crazy reality that we find ourselves in currently." Levine got busy and organized a livestream event on a social media platform, adhering to all social distancing recommendations. "This past Friday (March 20) at 8 p.m., we went live," he says.
 
This was an ACT of CT and a Ridgefield Playhouse co-production featuring some Broadway legends (including Stephen Schwartz) and some incredible local talent. "Our 'little' livestream event was viewed live by close to 3,000 people and by Sunday night over 32,000 people had watched the event! I should mention that the New York Times caught wind of our livestream just 24 hours before it happened and wrote about it - thus the 32,000 views!" says Levine.
 
Levine says that he received hundreds of emails from all over the world. "Thank you emails for the brief escape. This got me thinking about all of the other arts and cultural organizations in Ridgefield that may also want to continue to communicate and engage with their audiences. Since we can’t physically be together at the moment, being together remotely makes sense."
 
Levine organized a meeting with some local arts organization leaders to discuss Ridgefield Streams and has some big news - "I am thrilled to announce that we are creating a new landing page [website] that will be launched within two weeks."
 
This innovative website called 'Ridgefield Streams' will be a page where Ridgefield residents can visit to see what all of Ridgefield’s arts and cultural organizations are up to. "We think that having one central location for Ridgefield residents to look at where they can find information about all remote and virtual events that are being offered by arts organizations in town is priceless. Instead of having to stumble upon a Facebook posting about a virtual event, or reading about a livestream in a random eblast, this one central 'page' allows residents to see all 'goings-on' — in one location," Levine explains.
 
Those creating the website include Daniel C. Levine, Allison Stockel, Dee Dee Colabella, Bryan Perri, Katie Diamond, and Daniela Sikora. Levine says, "There is no cost to the public and there is no cost involved to anyone visiting the website or any organization wishing to post on the site. All Ridgefield arts and cultural organizations are welcome to participate."
 
"The above-listed individuals are donating their time and expertise to make this happen for the town of Ridgefield," says Levine.
 
Be on the lookout for the official 'Ridgefield Streams' launch. "Our hope is that this brings some entertainment, excitement, and relief during this challenging time," Levine says.
 
For any organization wishing to participate, please email RidgefieldStreams@gmail.com

 

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Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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