TheaterWorks Announces Funding For Extensive Renovations

TheaterWorks announced today that they have received an Urban Act Grant in the amount of $2.5 million as a grant-in-aid from the Connecticut Bond Commission to assist with renovations and improvements to City Arts on Pearl, its home at 233 Pearl Street in downtown Hartford. TheaterWorks' development team has raised an additional $1.5 million from individual contributions, foundations and corporate support. Fundraising continues to reach the projected budget of $4.5 million. Funding will be used to support extensive improvements to the historic 1927 building, which include replacement of the HVAC system, electrical and fire protection systems upgrades, elevator upgrades, and renovations to the theater lobby and performance space.

TheaterWorks is a cultural mainstay in downtown Hartford and has produced over 150 plays over 32 seasons. The theater has owned City Arts on Pearl since 1991 and has invested tens of thousands of dollars each year to maintain the building as a home for the theater company and a resource to other non-profits. City Arts is a community resource and draws thousands of visitors to Hartford from nearly every city and town in Connecticut and from the surrounding states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York.

Rob Ruggiero, TheaterWorks Producing Artistic Director for the last 5 years, will lead the building wide renovations designed to address health, energy efficiency and safety issues as well as improve the patron experience and the artistic product. Rob said "TheaterWorks is committed to Hartford, the state of Connecticut and growing our creative economy in meaningful ways that support and help revitalize our neighborhood."

TheaterWorks Board President Gerry Lupacchino added, "TheaterWorks is committed to growing not only our business but also in supporting the vitality and energy of the Pearl Street neighborhood. As the theater enters its 33rd season, we are intent on securing our place in downtown Hartford as we look to the future."

Renovations are scheduled to begin in late spring of 2018. TheaterWorks Board

Gerry Lupacchino (President)
Vice President for Experience, Engagement and Organizational Development, Hartford Healthcare

Dina Plapler (Vice President)
Senior Advisor, Mission Advancement, American Heart Association

Evan Johnson (Secretary)
Grants Administration Manager, ESPN

Dan O'Connell (Treasurer)
AVP - Enterprise Data Office, The Hartford

Michael G. Albano
Member, MacDermid, Reynolds & Glissman, LLC

Stacy Brusa
Talent Acquisition Lead and HR Business Partner, Hartford Steam Boiler

Jennifer DiBella
Partner, Corporate and Financial Institutions Practice, Cranmore, FitzGerald & Meaney

Jack Ellovich
Principal, Jack Ellovich, CPA LLC

Grace Figueredo
Vice President, Workplace Culture and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Aetna Inc.

Lee Kuckro
Retired Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Advest

Roberta Prescott
President, The Prescott Group

Robert Pulito
President, The S/L/A/M Collaborative

Dennis Russo
President, Wondriska Russo

Lawrence Samplatsky
Vice President and Chief Counsel - Annuities, Lincoln Financial Group

Tara N. Spain
Vice President & COO, Travelers Foundation and 2nd Vice President, Community Relations

Montell Taylor
Senior Vice President, Global Claims, Combined Insurance Compan

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