Crystal Theatre Is Fairfield County's Leading Child Theatre Group

Crystal Theatre is a performing arts academy dedicated to the development of young artists through rigorous training in all aspects of musical theatre. It offers a supportive and encouraging environment and specializes in the use of original musicals written specifically for the organization.

Patch caught up with Cheryl Kemeny, Artistic Director and President of Crystal Theatre, to learn more about the performing arts academy.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

Kemeny: Crystal Theatre began under the auspices of the Norwalk Parks & Recreation Department in 1987 by founders Cheryl and Alexandrea Kemeny, David Jackins and Mariner Pezza. The founders pooled their experience as professional performers, teachers and artists to create a space open to all students who wished to participate, without special audition requirements. Thirty-four years and 42 original productions later, Crystal Theatre is still going strong and morphing into a professional training academy under the oversight of Program Director Joseph Santaniello Jr. while still maintaining its regular offerings of shows open to all. At its founding, there was little opportunity for musical theatre participation available to students in Norwalk, outside of the annual high school musicals. We saw a need and wished to provide such an opportunity to children hungering for the chance to perform.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger, what would you say?

Kemeny: Our mission is “artistic development through doing” and our students have been accepted into the top acting and musical schools all over the country, including NYU, Carnegie Mellon, Boston Conservatory, Oberlin Conservatory, Syracuse, Peabody, Hartt School of Music, Manhattan School of Music and so many more with our graduates appearing on Broadway and in film such as Norwalk’s own 2-time Tony nominee Robin DeJesus (Camp, Rent, In The Heights, La Cage aux Folles, The Boys in the Band), super musician Kyle Brenn(West Side Story, Sweeney Todd), the Labbadia Sisters (recording artists and songwriters), Brittany Uomoleale (Baron) (Steppenwolf Theatre, Glow), Brennyn Lark (Les Miserables and Tony-award-winning producer, Ben Simpson (Waitress, Funhouse, Hello Dolly).

What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Kemeny: Crystal Theatre’s biggest challenge has been the weathering of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the help of many small donors matched with government PPP we were able to keep our doors open and our programs operational. A benefit of the interruption was that it allowed program director, Joe Santaniello, time to successfully implement our new 4-year diploma program based on his “Rising Star” courses which were developed over a 9-year period. In addition to this audition-only “Company” pre-professional program geared for students looking for conservatory level training, we have also expanded the program into having lots of College Bound services and counseling for students and parents looking to pursue the performing arts.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?

Kemeny: Crystal Theatre differs from other theatre groups in that our programs are “student-centered” as opposed to “production-centered”. It is a subtle yet profound distinction. We get to know our students’ strengths and needs through their long-term participation and we select performance material on that basis as opposed to selecting a season of shows based on audience or director’s preferences. For the past 15 years we have been producing “senior” shows that showcase and celebrate our graduating high-school seniors as an ongoing tradition. In another departure, Crystal Theatre’s Board is composed of its teachers in order to maintain our mission and stay true to our purpose. Seeing the personal and artistic growth and success of our students from year to year is the most satisfying part of our job here.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about?

Kemeny: We are thrilled to be emerging from the Covid restrictions with some exciting performances in the works, including our student-directed Play Festival (Sunday August 15) and our production of Little Women, the Musical (Sat. & Sun., August 7 & 8) along with all the camp performances scheduled and a performance at Stepping Stones Children’s Museum on July 30.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Kemeny: New fall classes and shows will be online as of August. Auditions for our Rising Stars Pre-Professional Professional Company program will be Wednesday September 1st at 6pm. Registration for camps and classes are on our website, www.crystaltheatre.org. To learn more about us, visit our website and various social media platforms.

Facebook: @crystaltheatre
Instagram: @crystaltheatrect
YouTube: Crystal Theatre