Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Northwest Connecticut Association of the Arts, Inc.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Warner Theatre
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1012
City: Torrington
State: CT
Postal Code: 06790
Main Phone: 860-489-7180
Main Fax: N/A
Organization Website: https://www.warnertheatre.org/
Employer ID Number: 06-1048713
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3-5-2026
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Daytime Performances 2026-27
Project Description:

The Warner Theatre’s Daytime Performances program brings live, professional theatre into school curricula, providing high-quality, curriculum-connected arts experiences that many students in Northwest Connecticut might not otherwise access. Since 2009, the program has served over 42,000 students across 57 districts, offering performances accompanied by educator guides, classroom activities, and post-show discussions that foster critical thinking, creativity, and empathy. Past productions have included Pinkalicious, Once Upon a Time: Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk, and We Can Do It: A Celebration of Women’s History Month.

The $10,000 requested will support the 2026-27 season, funding artist fees, educational materials, staff, and production costs to ensure equitable access for schools with limited arts resources. Specific titles are expected to be confirmed by May 2026 to begin outreach to schools, ensuring a smooth scheduling process. The season is projected to serve at least 1,500 students from 15 districts (including high-need urban schools, rural towns, and private/religious schools) through reduced ticket costs ($12 per student, one free chaperone per 10 students) and additional subsidies or transportation support.

Curriculum-aligned performances paired with educator guides, classroom activities, and post-show discussions actively engage students in developing critical thinking, creativity, and empathy. The program also supports social-emotional growth, fostering collaboration, emotional expression, and a sense of school belonging. Offering performances at the largest performing-arts center in Northwest Connecticut, the only local venue with school-day programming, ensures students can experience professional theatre without traveling 60-90 miles. Program evaluation includes attendance tracking, teacher feedback, student reflections, and an annual third-party report, allowing for continuous improvement and measurable impact.

Total Project Budget: $40,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Potential: David, Helen, and Marian Woodward Fund – $10,000; Potential: Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation – $20,000

Project Duration: 11-01-2026 to 06-30-2027
Geographical Area Served: The Daytime Performances program serves students across Northwest Connecticut, drawing on nearly twenty years of relationships with schools. Past participating districts include Torrington, Waterbury, Plymouth, Bristol, Canton, Avon, Cornwall, Sharon, Kent, Hartland, Colebrook, Middlebury, and Southbury, as well as private and parochial schools such as Holy Disciples, Emmanuel Christian Academy, and St. John Paul the Great Academy.
Age Group To Be Served: The Daytime Performances program serves students in Pre-K through grade 6, with individual shows targeted to specific age ranges: some designed for Pre-K to grade 3 and others for grades 3 to 6.

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Lesley
Contact Last Name: Budny
Contact Title: Senior Director
Contact Phone: 860-489-7180 x1020
Contact Email: lbudny@warnertheatre.org