Madison Lyric Stage

Mission

Madison Lyric Stage is an award-winning, non-profit arts collective serving Connecticut. Its mission is to expand participation in the arts by presenting accessible, inclusive and affordable professional-quality opera, musical theater and drama.

Needs Statement

Madison Lyric Stage caters to a diverse community along the shoreline and from the greater New Haven region, with varied cultural, artistic and age-related needs. We offer a repertoire of entertainment options spanning different genres (musical theater, opera, drama, concerts, new works) working toward inclusivity across different age groups, backgrounds and interests. In terms of cultural needs, we serve a population that values and appreciates the arts, seeking opportunities for cultural enrichment and artistic expression. Our audience includes individuals who appreciate theater, music and other performing arts, as well as those who may be less familiar but have an interest in expanding their cultural horizons. Economic accessibility is crucial, with a mix of programs for affordability; we often offer discounted tickets to younger people and to our community partners (ie New Haven Pride Center). We also offer free programming for all at the Scranton Library. Our theater plays a role in arts education, offering free workshops and opportunities for our young performers. This not only fosters an appreciation for the performing arts but also contributes to the development of a new generation of artists, enriching the cultural fabric of the community. We also actively engage with the community for input on preferences and expectations. Overall, we do our best to stay attuned to the dynamic and diverse interests of our audience to create a culturally enriching experience.

Impact Statement

2024 Accomplishments: Madison Lyric Stage had a fantastic 2024 season here in Madison: - We continued to enhance our theater space on the grounds of the Deacon John Grave House – last year with new chairs for enhanced audience safety and comfort. - We produced 6 productions: Freedom a vibrant pop concert with Marc Deaton performing the music of George Michael and Elton John in May; the incredible operatic masterpiece, Elektra by Richard Strauss, in June; the beloved musical The Fantasticks by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt and in July; All That Jazz, a revue of the music by Kander and Ebb in September and in December, our first family holiday event, Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors in collaboration with First Congregational Church of Madison. - Over 1600 people purchased or were provided with tickets during the season. Many of these people come to Madison specifically for the theater, and then dine in our restaurants, shop in our stores, etc. - We hired more than 50+ contractors: actors, singers, stage crew, musical directors, lighting and sound designers, etc. - We offer free programming at the Scranton Library throughout the year (and soon will also be at Evergreen Woods). - We in part help support the Deacon John Grave House (another Madison non-profit).

CEO statement

Part of our mission has always been to present classics from the worlds of opera, musical theater and drama in a new and intimate way. I cannot think of any other theater or music company in Greater New Haven that presents the breadth of work and eclectic repertoire that we do. We strive in our efforts toward enhanced diversity, equity and inclusion. In 2021, we partnered with the New Haven Pride Center and raised $1,622 for their youth programming via our production of The Boys in the Band. In 2023 we supported the local chapter of the Trevor Project. And In 2025, we will be supporting Madison Youth and Family Services. DEI is important to use and we are making an effort to address equity: - We have adopted a formal DEI charter (August 2021). - We are committed to diverse casting whenever possible. - We are committed to the LGBTQ+ community in terms of our performers and staff and in terms of the work we produce. We provide training and performance opportunities for young artists - maintaining a young artists program who perform in our Studio and Mainstage productions. We have multiple community relationship, including with the Scranton Public Library (free previews of our productions), the Madison Rotary Club (volunteering for their annual carnival), and a continued relationship with the New Haven Pride Center.

Board Chair Statement

As the incoming president of the company's board, it is exciting to be involved at a pivotal moment in the life of the Madison Lyric Stage. With each season, the company has grown, has pushed the boundaries of immersive theater through creative productions in spaces that to some, would be impossible performance spaces, and all to the delight of our audiences. Especially rewarding has been the relationship that our Artistic and Executive Directors have established with our neighbors at the Deacon John Grave House, the home of the 2019 season. This win-win partnership brings an audience to an experience that combines significant theatrical and musical works in an historically significant landmark. The company's growing success has created the opportunity to enhance the audience's experience by building the production and front-of-the-house staff. Additionally, a Guild has been initiated to provide the opportunity for more community volunteer involvement. This year also brought a new record number of audition applications and our apprentice program has become a recognized learning experience for young talent. The Madison Lyric Stage season has become a shoreline staple. It is truly exciting to be a member of the MLS family at this point in its continued growth and relevance in the greater New Haven area. It would be our privilege to partner with the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven through the receipt of grant funding.

Areas Served Narrative

Madison Lyric Stage is a 501(c)3 non-profit and an arts collective created to benefit the residents of Madison and the neighboring shoreline communities. We produce high-quality entertainment, including musicals, operas, plays and concerts, using both professional and local performers.

CEO statement (optional)