Giving Back to the Community PDF Print Email

last_supperSam Bliven, 2nd from right, program member and Artreach Board President, acting in "The Last Supper" with Stage Door Productions.

walking_eventsArtreach members with Robin Fleming volunteering at a Norwich dog walking event.

thrillThrill the World 2009

Artreach believes in giving back to the communities that support us. The benefits of volunteering impact community and program members alike. The joy of giving increases motivation to be more active in the community, and reminds us that we each have something to give. Meeting a diverse range of people on equal ground reminds us that we are all working together to make things better. Volunteering provides another opportunity for our members to attain sustainable self-esteem through giving, and also helps reduce stigma in the community. 

From fundraisers for good causes, to assisting fellow theater troupes, we have delighted in participating fully in the community. Our Community Theater Liaison Program has been growing since 2008. Artreach staff supports program members to audition for community theaters, and as an incentive to the community theater, will provide technical crew, stage management, and house crew for the performances. Artreach members attend these community performances in support of their fellow program members. New pathways to integration and acceptance in the local arts community have been forming rapidly, and perceptions have changed for the better.  Integrity is a key quality here at Artreach, so people can count on us to show up on time and to do a good job. And man, can Robin organize a backstage!

Some examples of Artreach members' participation in the community:

  • Relay for Life
  • NAMI Walks
  • Thrill the World 2009
    We danced with people all over the world to break the previous world record for “Largest Simultaneous Thriller Dance” (multiple locations) on October 24/25 2009.  22,596 people in 264 cities from 33 countries danced “Thriller” at exactly the same time, and 21 of them danced with Artreach in Norwich, CT. These records were set with the Record Holders Republic.
  • Spirit of Broadway Theater:  Ushering for productions
  • Intentional Theater: Backstage and Stage Management
  • Stage Door Productions:  Backstage and stage management, House Crew and Acting
  • Chelsea Players:  Acting and Backstage Crew