PlayDate Babysitting Program Extended

HARTFORD, CT — PlayDate, the pilot babysitting program jointly developed by Hartford Stage and Christ Church Cathedral last year, will extend through the remainder of the 2019/2020 season.

PlayDate provides free convenient, reliable babysitting for parents and caregivers eager to relax and enjoy a live theatre performance. The service will be offered on the following 2 p.m. Saturday matinees: Jane Eyre on February 22; The King’s Speech on March 28; Ah, Wilderness! on May 16; and The Complete History of Comedy (Abridged) on June 13.

“As a parent myself, I remember how challenging it could be both logistically and financially to get to the theatre. So, I'm delighted that we are able to continue this great program with Christ Church Cathedral,” said Hartford Stage Artistic Director Melia Bensussen. “Attending the theatre is a wonderful way to reinvigorate and recharge, as well as to reconnect with one's friends and one's partner. Hartford Stage wants to lift all obstacles to parents and caregivers joining us and make attending the theatre part of their New Year's routines.”

Parents and caregivers of children ages 2 to 10 can participate in PlayDate. Babysitting services are provided by background-checked and vetted caregivers at Christ Church Cathedral, located directly across the street from Hartford Stage. During their PlayDate, younger children can play with age-appropriate toys and coloring pages, while older children can enjoy movies and board games.

PlayDate, which received a soft launch last October during the final performance of Quixote Nuevo, debuted during two weekend matinee performances of Cry it Out in November. The babysitting service has garnered positive feedback from the parents and caregivers who have participated.

For more information on upcoming PlayDate performances, visit https://www.hartfordstage.org/playdate/ or call the Hartford Stage Box Office at 860-527-5151.