TheaterWorks Announces Wadsworth Residency

TheaterWorks - Rob Ruggiero, Producing Artistic Director announced today that the theater will perform 2 full productions this season at the Wadsworth Atheneum. The theater company anticipates being off-site for the latter part of the 2018 - 2019 season due to previously announced renovations to City Arts on Pearl, its home at 233 Pearl Street in downtown Hartford. Actually by Anna Zeigler (May 23 - June 23, 2019) and Fully Committed by Becky Mode (August 1- September 1) will both be performed in the Wadsworth theater.

Rob said "We are so excited to partner with the Wadsworth Atheneum. Tom (Tom Loughman, Director and CEO of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art) and his staff have been incredibly generous and gracious in accommodating our needs. When we realized the scope and impact the renovations would have on our building, we were very concerned about finding the right home for our audience. Collaborating with the Wadsworth created a perfect fit and an awesome opportunity for both organizations. Some of our audiences may even remember that a few of our earliest productions were performed on the museum's historic stage."

"TheaterWorks and the Wadsworth are in the same business, bringing people closer to their humanity," said Tom Loughman, Director and CEO of the Wadsworth Atheneum.

Rob went on to say that "We know how our audience feels about the intimacy of our space but taking up residency at the Wadsworth will give us a chance to connect with our community in new ways and will give us dynamic opportunities to stretch ourselves. We can - because we must - reimagine our shows this season and that's creatively energizing. We are excited to bring TheaterWorks audiences full circle back to the Wadsworth and to embrace and stretch into the possibilities."

TheaterWorks commitment to downtown drove the decision to collaborate with the Wadsworth. In the early planning stages, it became clear that a move beyond the walk-able downtown district would have significant economic impacts to many local businesses. TheaterWorks and the Wadsworth recognized that by joining forces, they could deepen their community participation, and contribute substantially to the capital city's on-going economic well-being.

Throughout the years - from the Avery Theater at the Wadsworth, to the Wallace Stevens Theatre at The Hartford, to the Charter Oak Cultural Center, to the Bronson and Hutensky Theater at 233 Pearl Street... the one unifying factor has been the theater's commitment to deliver uncompromised artistic standards and to grow the creative economy in meaningful ways that support and help revitalize our neighborhoods and broader communities.

TheaterWorks 2018-2019 season includes:

THE RIVER
October 4 - November 11, 2018
Performed at TheaterWorks

CHRISTMAS ON THE ROCKS
November 27 - December 23
Performed at TheaterWorks

A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2
January 18-February 24, 2019
Performed at TheaterWorks

GIRLFRIEND
March 21 - April 20
Location TBA

ACTUALLY
May 23 - June 23
TheaterWorks at the Wadsworth

FULLY COMMITTED
August 1- September 1
TheaterWorks at the Wadsworth


Celebrating its 33rd season, TheaterWorks produces high quality, contemporary theater that is relevant to our audiences, engages a diverse community, and provides insight into the human experience. Founded in 1985, TheaterWorks has produced over 150 plays and presents approximately 225 performances per season. TheaterWorks also owns and manages the historic 1927-built property at 233 Pearl Street, known as City Arts on Pearl. City Arts provides an affordable home and services to a diverse family of arts organizations. City Arts is a community resource and draws thousands of visitors to Hartford annually.

Founded in 1842, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is the oldest continuously operating public art museum in the United States. The museum's nearly 50,000 works of art span 5,000 years, from Greek and Roman antiquities to the first museum collection of American contemporary art. The Wadsworth Atheneum's five connected buildings-representing architectural styles from Gothic Revival to modern International Style-are located at 600 Main Street in Hartford, Conn. Hours: Wednesday-Friday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $5-15; discounts for members, students and seniors. Free admission for Hartford residents with Wadsworth Welcome registration. Free "happy hour" admission 4-5 p.m. Public phone: (860) 278-2670; website: thewadsworth.org.