The Ridgefield Theater Barn is thrilled to announce they broke ground for their capital expansion on Thursday, June 2nd. Conceived in 2014, the Board delayed expansion, recognizing the need for internal development and reorganization, the first step of which was hiring a professional staff. Although the Theater Barn relies heavily on their strong volunteer base, the addition of a full-time Executive Director, Administrative Coordinator, as well as Directors for their children’s program, and various other part-time staff has greatly improved their ability to manage and grow their programming. A testament to their strength as an organization was their ability to not only survive but thrive during the COVID shutdown. While other theaters were scaling back, the Barn realized the time and circumstances were idyllic for embarking on their expansion.

Fundraising launched in full force just over a year ago, and the Theater Barn was fortunate to immediately receive several large donations. With the benefit of a number of grants, additional fundraising, and a line of credit, they are now well-positioned to break ground. Construction is slated to last 6 to 9 months, after which the expanded and modernized Theater Barn will have a second smaller “black box” performance space, a set-building workshop, multiple classrooms, including one for the exclusive use of the Theater Barn Kids’ program, as well as administrative offices, additional patron bathrooms, and updated dressing rooms in an ADA-compliant building. With the town’s new designation as the State of Connecticut’s first-ever Cultural District, the timing is ideal.

Fundraising continues, as the theater looks to fit out its new spaces with furniture, lighting, equipment, and anyone interested in making a donation is encouraged to reach out to Executive Director Pamme Jones at executivedirector@ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org to discuss naming opportunities and other gift possibilities.