Steel Magnolias at Connecticut Theatre Company

Connecticut Theatre Company was formed in 2013 by the members and directors of two local community theatre groups, Bristol Theatre Arts and the New Britain Repertory Theatre group. These two groups wanted to combine their volunteers, talent and resources to ensure that central Connecticut had a theatre presence that delivered consistent, valuable and exciting theatrical opportunities, education and entertainment. Out of these collaborative discussions, Connecticut Theatre Company was born.

Our Mission

Connecticut Theatre Company is a non-profit 501(c)(3) theatrical and performing arts group serving central Connecticut. Our goal is to stimulate, promote, teach and develop interest in the dramatic arts; to educate the general public in the dramatic arts; to advance the general level of culture in the field of dramatic arts by the production of plays, musicals, readings, dramas, comedies, shows, and dramatic arts in all forms and of the highest standards. Connecticut Theatre Company is a performing arts group that is dedicated to entertaining, educating and supporting our community. Our focus is on providing great, year-round performances and entertainment events for central Connecticut and the surrounding areas.

Connecticut Theatre Company is a 100% volunteer-based organization with a team of dedicated individuals who firmly believe that performing arts can provide a number of benefits to individuals, families, businesses, communities and the state of Connecticut. While all theatres are based around performing arts, Connecticut Theatre Company is dedicated to finding and pursuing opportunities to partner with other entities for the betterment of the community.

Our Theatre

Connecticut Theatre Company operates out of the historic Repertory Theatre in New Britain, Connecticut. In 1955, a theater group known as the Repertory Theatre of New Britain acquired the Norden Street Lodge.  The lodge became known as The Repertory Theatre, as it is to this day.  Members of the Repertory Theatre of New Britain sold bonds to theatre members and friends in order to acquire the property. Each year, bondholders received interest on their investment, sometimes reaching as much as 65 cents! Since 1955, at least four theatrical productions have been produced each year in the space.  Since 1999, the theatre has also been home to numerous cultural events, children’s theatre and playwriting competitions.

The theatre itself is rich in history thanks to a constant supply of dedicated individuals.  There have been notable names to grace the stage, such as Meryl Streep, who was active in children’s theatre at the Repertory Theatre during her time as a student at Yale University.  The Repertory Theatre has always served New Britain and central Connecticut as a destination for quality community theatre and will continue to do so long into the future.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity

Connecticut Theatre Company and its Board of Directors value Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity as one of our guiding principles. 

Connecticut Theatre Company recognizes the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. While this statement is constantly evolving as we as an organization learn, this is a starting point for instituting actions that will encourage equity and make an impact in our community.

The board, staff, and volunteers of the Connecticut Theatre Company believe in the transformative power of the arts to enrich lives and revitalize communities. We also recognize the value that diversity serves in helping our theater and community thrive.

We are committed to sustaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where everyone who walks through our doors —  patrons, artists, and volunteers — feels valued and respected regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, education, or ability.

• By reflecting the diversity of New Britain and our surrounding communities, we model diversity and inclusion for the entire arts industry of the nonprofit sector and better serve our patrons’ and constituencies’ needs for art and culture.

• We contribute to the revitalization of the community by providing diverse entertainment/arts programming that respects and values diverse life experiences and heritages.

• We are committed to using inclusive practices to attract and retain artists and volunteers and to providing equal opportunity for development and advancement in all aspects of the theatre.

• We build a stronger theatre by ensuring that all voices have an opportunity to be heard and a safe environment to share ideas.

We understand that the foundation of a vibrant, thriving arts theater and performance venue is the cross-pollination of creative/diverse programming, the cultivation of inclusive practices and strategies, and the development of a diverse team of employees and volunteers who share in these values.

We believe this is a continuous evolution as we strive to reflect and meet the needs of our patrons and our community. Our commitment to upholding these principles and strengths is interwoven within our mission to entertain, educate and support our community.