Connecticut Arts Connection: Scenes from Second Launch of CT League of Professional Theatre Women

The Connecticut Chapter of the League of professional Theatre Women held its second launch event to kick off its activities in the state. The organization serves as a networking and advocacy tool for women working in the theater.

This second event at Westport Country Playhouse's White Barn featured a panel on "Lean In and Branch Out: Claiming our Voice as Women in Connecticut Theater" moderated by Actress/Director/Producer Marie Reynolds, a co-founder of the chapter along with Lauren Yarger, a theater critic and editor of the CT Arts Connection, Mary Miko, soecial events coordinator at Goodspeed and Tracey Moore, an associate professor of theater at University of Hartford's Hartt School.

Panelists were Actress Mia Dillon (Tony award for Best Featured Actress Crimes of the Heart), NY Producer Pat Addiss (Eclipsed, Gigi, Vanya Sonya, Masha and Spike), Anne Keefe, artist associate and former co-artistic director at Westport Country Playhouse, and Director Jenn Thompson (Bye Bye Birdie at Goodspeed; Women Without Men Off-Broadway).

A "Seal of Approval" recognizing the achievements of Yale Repetory Theatre in hiring women on and behind its stages was accepted by Managing Director Victoria Nolan. At the first launch in Hartford, a Seal of Approval was presented to Hartford Stage. That panel featured Elizabeth Williamson, associate artistic director at Hartford Stage, Jacqueline Hubbard, executive artistic director at Ivoryton Playhouse and playwright TD Mitchell (Queens for a Year; TV's "Army Wives").

The group will hold regional meetings around the state and will present works by women. For information on joining the local chapter, contact LaurenYarger@hotmail.com. For information on the League and its many programs, visit theatrewomen.org.