Rodriguez and DeCola.
Aldermen are coming together to showcase local talent and raise money for schoolkids’ arts education in the first annual Broadway Night at the Shubert Theatre.
Talent Haven will provide New Haven students scholarships to local arts programs at the Neighborhood Music School, Music Haven, and Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School.
“The money will be passed over from CAPA to the Community Foundation” for Greater New Haven, said Westville Alderman Sergio Rodriguez. “This is another opportunity and a long list of events that the Board [of Aldermen] has been actively involved in in trying to sustain the services that are going on in the community. We’re very excited about this opportunity.”
The announcement was made at a press conference Friday afternoon at the Shubert Theater. Broadway Night will take place June 4 at 7 pm.
“We’re going to be neighbors helping neighbors in this,” said Morris Cove Alderman Salvatore DeCola. “The mission of Talent Haven is to financially assist families who would not have the opportunity to send their kids to a local art program because of cost. Talent Haven believes that the art provides students with an education that will last a lifetime, by fostering a sense of pride in themselves, in their families, and in their city.
“Together, these advantages create an environment which incite maturity and can develop a student’s gifts and talents. Talent Haven gives students an opportunity to reach his or her highest potential.”
As for the inspiration behind creating a “Broadway Night,” Rodriguez says, “the board has made a conscious effort of looking for funding in sources not necessarily so traditional. We’re finding ways to bring in money so we can provide services for the kids out there that really need them.”
Neighborhood Music School marketing chief Jill Grossman (at left in photo) called the new fund “an exciting opportunity.”
Rodriguez adds that Talent Haven will “hopefully be able to add more programs, both by adding more schools and more local community organizations to promote scholarships for young boys and girls.”
New Haven-based performers can contact their aldermen for information on auditioning to perform in the Broadway Night event. Corporations interested in sponsoring the event or purchasing an ad in the program can contact DeCola .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office.
It is great to see the BOA taking the slogan "Kids First" literally. After all, they are what drives the economy in New Haven.