BWW Profiles: The New Paradigm Theatre

Connecticut has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the arts. What makes The New Paradigm Theatre different from others? A lot, actually. Founded by Kristin Huffman, a member of NATS, AEA, AFTRA, and SAG and a former Miss Ohio and runner-up in the Miss America competition, The New Paradigm Theatre "is an amalgamation of everything I've done. And the theatre company she created warrants a serious look by others who want to be in the entertainment business.

Huffman is completely realistic about the demands and challenges of the world of entertainment today. It's not enough to say "Let's put on a show." In addition to the usual problems of finances, she notes that theatres are not getting enough of the next generation in their audiences. Older audiences come to the theatre, the symphony, and the opera. Middle-aged people, not so much. Younger people. Now that's a huge challenge, making them want to put down their mobile device and experience live theatre.

Fluidity is another thing that makes The New Paradigm Theatre company different. Rather than being tied down to one place, Huffman and her cast and crew are on the move, performing in a variety of venues. That is one way to get newer audiences to see their shows. They strut their stuff in various theatre venues, schools and corporations. Yes, you read that right. Avoiding the brick and mortar model is one way to address the money issue.

Corporations have hired The New Paradigm Theatre for parties and for nurturing talent. What do most people fear? Public speaking. The old chestnut of just imagine everyone in their underwear usually isn't enough. Most people who make presentations bore the people they are trying to sell a concept or a product. The New Paradigm Theatre offers "Broadway in a Box" - custom "break out" training sessions that incorporate performance skills, including public speaking. As an incentive, the corporate event fees are tax-deductible. Huffman also encourages donations at the end of the event and any money raised can be donated to charity.

Schools are strapped for cash, but educators are noticing the need for STEAM rather than just STEM curriculums. The New Paradigm Theatre helps provide the arts among science, technology, engineering and math. Art, architecture and beauty enhance technology. Just think about Apple envy. The New Paradigm Theatre, a 501 (c) nonprofit organization, has solicited grant money to bring programs to schools to teach middle and high school kids learn to perform and to work backstage. Huffman assisted in the development with the After School at the Klein [Auditorium] program, a tuition-free leadership building program for inner city schools in Bridgeport.

Huffman and her two board of directors (one made of teens; the other of adults) are strongly committed to social justice. Various nonprofits such as the Connecticut Humane Society, United Way of Milford, At Home in Greenwich, the Center for Women and Families, and St. Anthony's Church in Fairfield have booked The New Paradigm Theatre for its fundraising events.

Another thing that makes this theatre company different is that Huffman does not see others as competitors. She is more than happy to work with others, share ideas, and help make everyone's theatre experiences better. She believes in "permission marketing" and not spamming people. It's about what people want to see. Long time Stamford residents recall the fall of the Hartman Theatre, which developed a reputation for alienating audiences with unpopular productions. There was no surprise when it folded.

See The New Paradigm Theatre's upcoming Second Annual Holiday Extravaganza at the Fairfield Theatre Company's Stage One on December 11 at 8:00 p.m. and December 13 at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. The show is filled with professional Broadway singers, dancers, instrumentalists and "Ms. Clauz with a Z" and her special guests. Also performing are singers from The Fairfield County Children's Choir and Cloonan Middle School (Stamford), the Singing Chef and MC Neil Fuentes from the Food Network, and a special version of "The 12 Days of Christmas." You will see how The New Paradigm Theatre lives up to its mission of "fostering creative problem solvers, leaders, and global citizens through theatre arts education and productions." Tickets are just $35.00. For more information, visit www.nptheatre.org.

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