Ridgefield Playhouse Launches Community Engagement Program

**News Release Submitted by The Ridgefield Playhouse**

March 6, 2024

Today Ridgefield Playhouse announced the launch of its latest initiative, the Community Engagement Program. Formerly known as “Arts for Everyone,” the program has been reimagined to concentrate on the Playhouse’s core mission: to entertain, enrich, and educate the extended community, with a specific focus on making programming available to underserved groups across the region.

The Community Engagement Program comprises the Playhouse’s free Reel to Real Movie Series that connects diverse communities through cinema, and further explores equity and inclusion with on-screen interviews; The Silver Cinema Series that offers seniors the opportunity to gather and enjoy a film for free with their family or friends; the Playhouse’s annual Bernie Williams Day, which includes a celebrity softball game and all-star concert, and newly introduced free concerts. Additionally, the Program will donate over $100,000 worth of tickets to the surrounding community, including underserved households, Title 1 schools and other nonprofits. The broad spectrum of offerings is all meant to foster a greater sense of community and connectivity through the arts.

The Program is currently made possible by the generous donations of the Ridgefield Playhouse Board of Directors, M&T Bank and HMTX Industries.

“At M&T, we understand that when our communities succeed, we all succeed,” stated John Namnun, Senior Vice President, M&T Bank. “The Ridgefield Playhouse’s Community Engagement Program aligns perfectly with our company’s purpose – to make a difference in people’s lives. That is why we are proud to support this Program.”

“At HMTX Industries, we are dedicated to doing everything we can to improve people’s lives,” said CEO, Harlan Stone. “We believe in people before profit, now and always. With the Community Engagement Program, the Ridgefield Playhouse will touch the lives of hundreds and help educate people while enriching their lives – that is why we are thrilled to support this endeavor.” The Playhouse will celebrate the launch of the Community Engagement Program this International Women’s Day, Friday March 8th with a free event, featuring the all-female vocal group, the Resistance Revival Chorus.

For more information, or if you are interested in supporting this Program, please contact Development Director, Jon Haddorff, at 203-438-5795 or [email protected].