Wednesday’s Warrior: Not-for-profit children’s theatre encourages love of theatre in Waterbury

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — Putting a spotlight on the Brass City!

“We like to say this company was created by theatre kids for theatre kids,” said Ben Orlando, the co-founder and executive director of the Greater Waterbury Children’s Theatre, which helps kids grow and thrive through acting, singing, and dancing.

“We are brand new not-for-profit theatre company in Waterbury, Connecticut,” he said.

The organization is led by volunteers who believe in the arts and believe in giving back to Waterbury. The theatre welcomes young passionate performers from pre-K to eighth-grade.

Orlando said love takes center stage.

“We definitely have a heart to the organization and we like to say this is family theatre, not just community theatre. We treat everybody like they are our family,” he said.

Hanalei Cocchiola and Jaylah Pacheco- who are both staring in the production of Matilda this weekend- agree!

The Greater Waterbury Children’s Theatre is teaching the fundamentals of theatre all with little financial stress for families.

“We don’t charge a participation fee and we are bringing community theatre to the world in Waterbury. We welcome everybody,” Orlando said. “If you want to be in the show, you are in the show. We don’t turn anyone away we work with everyone of all abilities.”

To learn more about the Greater Waterbury Children’s Theatre and show dates visit their Facebook page or email gwctofficial@gmail.com.

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