When most people imagine community theater, they think of the thrill of the stage — the lights, the applause, the moment in the spotlight. But for many in Ridgefield, Wilton, and the surrounding towns, that’s the cherry on top of the sundae. The greatest joy comes from everything else: the friendships formed over late-night set builds, the laughter in rehearsals, the sense of belonging that grows in the wings and lingers long after the curtain falls.
Community theater in the area has always been about more than performance. “The goal is to be in the show, not just on the stage,” says Laura Ploss, Executive Director of The Wilton Playshop, currently celebrating its 88th season with a production of Sweeney Todd. For newcomers rediscovering a love of theater or residents picking up a paintbrush, sewing needle, or script for the first time, these theaters create a space where everyone can contribute and feel at home.
“Throughout all cultures and throughout all time, people have a need for community – that common experience of joy, grief, war, peace—it’s primal,” says Pamme Jones, Executive Director of Ridgefield Theater Barn (RTB), which is celebrating its 61st year with a production of Our Town, and gearing up for holiday shows.
In many ways, theater mirrors youth sports. Parents often get involved because of their children, helping to sew costumes, run lines, or build sets. And just like in sports, some kids age out — but the parents often stay. What starts as support for their children evolves into a personal passion and a community that becomes hard to leave behind.
