BY LAURENCE CASO
The Klein, a 1,437-seat performing arts center in Bridgeport, is now optimistically celebrating its 75th year. I started as executive director in September after having served on our board of directors the previous four years. During that time the board proactively re-assumed management of the operations and implemented several positive changes. In 2011 we hired our first executive director who quickly secured a grant from the Fairfield County Community Foundation. This enabled us to hire consultants who helped us form a strategic plan. So far, we”™ve met every goal. Our mission is to “Enrich, Educate, and Entertain through Arts and Ideas.”
In 2013 a grant from the Bridgeport Board of Education led to After School at the Klein (ASK), where Bridgeport students in grades 7-12 receive instruction three days a week in music, dance and drama taught by professionals. This tuition-free program fills a desperate need for arts education missing in Bridgeport schools. Every Saturday more students receive lessons with musical instruments through our partnership with KEYS (Kids Empowered through Your Support). This summer we”™ll add a third component with another nonprofit, TrueSpark. It helps students analyze films for their social values and character traits.
Our 75th anniversary will promote The Klein through our first series of our own presentations. The Vienna Boys Choir concert in December was a sell-out. We are also pursuing collaborations with restaurants and business associations to promote Bridgeport and its many cultural attractions. The Klein proudly hosts annual performances by Greater Bridgeport Symphony, New England Ballet, Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestra, Parris Island Marine Corps Band, Fairfield County Children”™s Choir and All-Stars Project in addition to civic ceremonies.
In 2011 we had no staff and today we have two full-time and four part-time employees. We grew from 65 days of activity a year to more than 220 today. Our mailing list now engages 20,000 subscribers. This all started with the realization of our challenges, a new attitude from our board, and a generous grant from FCCF. Our next presentation is “Footsteps of Mandela,” a joyous concert event Feb 8. Tickets can be purchased at theklein.org.
Laurence Caso is executive director of The Klein, a member of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County.
