The Klein Memorial Auditorium is a 1,447-seat performing arts center that serves as a hub for Bridgeport and surrounding communities. Built in 1940, it is one of only 7 Broadway-sized stages remaining in Connecticut. The venue was built with funds willed to the city by Bridgeport native Jacob Klein (1862-1932), a lawyer and active supporter of Bridgeport community organizations. The auditorium, designed by local architect Leonard Asheim, was designed in the Art Deco style and features bronze doors, a marble lobby, inlaid wood and geometric motifs.
The Klein is home to After School at the Klein (ASK) and Klein Dance Company (KDC). ASK, now in it's fourth successful year, is the cornerstone of The Klein's education and outreach effort providing tuition=free instruction in music, dance and drama to Bridgeport students in grades 7 through 12. ASK is run by a top-notch staff comprised of Broadway and other performing artists who provide their expertise. Over 120 students attend classes three days each week. ASK runs 20 weeks over the school year and utilizes the best in regional facilities available only at The Klein, one of only 7 remaining Broadway-sized stages left in the state. At the end of each session in the late fall and spring ASK students perform in a show that is free and open to the public. NEW in January 2017 - A stage hands course. This course is open to students in high school ages 16+ that are interested in stagecraft. The course is designed to teach students lighting for the stage, set construction and audio. This program will allow two students to work as interns over the summer months with our Local stage hands union, IATSE Local 74!
NEW in August of 2016 - KDC (Klein Dance Company) was formed and has performed at over 6 events since the conception. KDC will perform at local festivals, parades, community events and much more! Thank you to the City of Bridgeport who provided the grant to allow ASK to expand!
As recently as 2010, The Klein operated as a rental house and was only in use 65 days per year. That all changed in 2013 when the after school program began, and The Klein held its first fundraising event. ASK is totally tuition-free, and to fund it The Klein relies on support from foundations, government and corporations as well as donations from individuals. Other operating costs are funded through rentals and self-presentations, which now total over 150 per year.
The Klein houses 5 resident companies: Greater Bridgeport Symphony, New England Ballet Company, All Stars Project of Bridgeport, Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestras, and Fairfield County Children’s Choir. It also is home to numerous dance companies and concert promoters (such as Fairfield Theatre Company), civic ceremonies, including iiConn naturalization ceremony, and graduations. In the past 12 months, The Klein has also brought such diverse talents as Vienna Boys Choir, the original concert series Footsteps of Peace, the Parris Island Marine Corps Band, Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Ensemble, and its own 75th anniversary concert hosted by Paul Shaffer. In 2016 The Klein will present two-time Emmy Award recipient Loretta Swit of M*A*S*H in a 1-woman play entitled, “Eleanor Roosevelt: Her Secret Journey”, as well as the satiric comedy troupe Capitol Steps, and many more.
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See and Do
- The Klein Bridgeport (0.0 miles) - The Klein Memorial Auditorium is a 1,447-seat performing arts center that serves as a hub for Bridge...
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