Wall Street Theater

Entertain. Enrich. Educate.

www.wallstreettheater.com

The THEATER

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he Wall Street Theater (WST) is the first next-generation performance space in Connecticut to provide theater enthusiasts live shows, interactive entertainment, cinema, digital productions, art space, stateof-the-art digital streaming technology and a community arena in which to play.

Refurbishment of this national historic landmark at 71 Wall Street in Norwalk, most recently the Globe Theater, is an integral part of the greater re-development of the Wall Street area.

Theater History

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he WST has enjoyed an illustrious history, involving numerous prominent community members and physical renovations, along with several transitions in identity over the last century.

Originally opened in 1915, by Samuel Kantor, The Regent hosted many important performers and occasions.

John Philip Sousa, Lillian and Dorothy Gish, John Barrymore, Mary Pickford and Ruth Chatterton are just some of the stars that graced the stage during its first decade.

In the 1930s, the newly named Norwalk Theater opened as one of the finest theaters in New England. It lasted for nearly 50 years, playing double features to satisfied moviegoers, marking one of the ways in which the city was greatly advancing.

The Norwalk Theater closed unceremoniously in October of 1989 and after several years of attempted revivals, the theater finally reopened as a music club on May 29, 1993. Known then as The Marquee, it was run by well-known music impresario Robert Ellis, who had successful ventures in New York City. Acts such as Wu-Tang Clan, Living Colour, Concrete Blonde and Primus graced the stage. After just a year, The Marquee ran into financial difficulties and closed its doors.

In July of 1994, local entrepreneurs Brendan McGee and brothers TG and Jason Diamandis opened the theater once again, this time as The Globe Theater. For most of the 90’s, the theater played home to many national acts.

In 1999, C. B. Enterprises bought the property and transformed it into The Roxy.

Under new ownership and a fresh name, The Roxy offered a dance club environment in this new rebirth, operating under state-of–the-art laser lights that pulsated to high-tech sound entertainment, Today, the theater sees yet another reincarnation—as a 501c3 non-profit organization, that will fill the needs of the community, as vibrant entertainment art space, which will contribute to the economic redevelopment of a thriving downtown marketplace.

OUR MISSION

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he WST is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide diverse programming and promote arts education, thereby enriching the cultural life of Norwalk and greater Fairfield County.

To support our mission, the theater shall: • Offer a variety of high-quality professional music, comedic and stage performances •● Provide educational opportunities for children and adults to develop talents in the performing arts •● Contribute to the economic viability of downtown Norwalk, as a cultural asset •● Enhance the historic preservation of Norwalk •● Uphold the standards of its audiences and maintain fiscally sound management

OUR EVENTS Norwalk is a unique and highly diversified market, blending traditional values with cutting-edge culture and lifestyles.

Performance

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heater and music offer a gateway to new worlds of experience, emotion and knowledge. The WST features world-class production, capable of catering to the highest-level of national and international touring productions.

• Musical theater and plays

• Children’s performers

• Variety shows

• Dance

• Rock/pop/jazz concerts

• Classical music

• Comedy

• Opera

OUR EVENTS Family Education Classes and workshops are one of the best ways to directly engage people in the arts. Classes at the theater for adults and children offer personal enrichment and an opportunity for self-expression.

• Music instrument instruction • Theater and drama master classes • Choral and voice lessons • Visual arts classes and workshops • Ballroom/traditional dance

Private/Business Rentals While there are many traditional function spaces in Fairfield County, historic aspects of the WST, combined with its cutting edge technology and the elegant décor provides a unique and memorable venue for any occasion.

• Weddings, private dinners and receptions • Business meetings – from conference rooms to the 700-seat theater • Fundraisers • Community meetings

Community There are countless positive effects that can be attributed to arts program participation by those youth who are economically disadvantaged.

These include increases in test scores and high school graduation rates, as well as college enrollment, career development and workplace achievement.

The WST’s programing will help to compliment the resources available in the Norwalk school system and the critical need to educate children in the arts.

• Mentoring programs for at risk-youth in the arts • School system utilization for music and drama programs • Space for local emerging artists to develop their work • Community oriented lectures, discussions and short performances

Entertain. Enrich. Educate.

The WST is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Gifts are fully tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. There are a variety of ways you can support the WST. Please consider becoming a sponsor by making a donation today to support the arts and help preserve The Wall Street Theater.

71 Wall Street, Norwalk, CT 06850 www.wallstreettheater.com

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203.283.5290