Klein Memorial Auditorium Foundationinc

About the Organization

Organization category

Public Charity

Mission

To enrich, educate, and entertain through arts and ideas

Programs or services

Tuition-free arts education program for Bridgeport middle and high school students
Performing arts center with Broadway stage

Detailed programs

Klein Theatre Arts is a tuition-free arts education program available to Bridgeport middle and high school students. It is now in its 14th year. Students learn acting, dance, singing, video production, and technical production. High school students who complete the technical product course are eligible to become paid interns and work with union stagehands at Klein events.

Target Audience

General audiences

Geographic Focus

Greater Bridgeport, CT region

Current projects

Klein Theatre Arts operates for 20 weeks of the school year and 5 weeks in the summer. The Klein presents all the performing arts. 5 resident performing companies stage events annually, and we also present numerous other concerts, dance recitals and competitions, film screenings and cultural events.

Organization goals

Each year we strive to increase the number of self-presentations we stage. We also seek to increase capacity by hiring new staff in the areas of marketing, development and production

Leadership

There are 3 full-time staff members and 17 part-time workers.

Strategic priorities

Do more outreach to community organizations and individuals to solicit their participation in our programs.
Increase the board of directors by 6 new members in 2026-27
Increase enrollment in Klein Theatre Arts and train and hire more production interns
Grow capacity with new hires in marketing, production and development
Increase programming fund and capital improvement fund to better maintain the building and present more events

Organizational capacity

3 full time and 17 part-time workers. This includes 5 student interns.

Funding Needs

Funding needs

Klein Theatre Arts relies on grants from private and corporate foundations, government grants, and donations from individuals. We also raise funds each year for sponsorships of programs and capital improvements to our 86-year old theater.

Impact & Recognition

Outcomes and impact

The Klein is one of the few live entertainment venues in Fairfield County that presents ALL the performing arts. We are also unique by offering a tuition-free arts education program for middle and high school students, which also has an employment component for student interns

Success stories

In our 13 years, all Klein Theatre Arts students graduated high school and all but 2 enrolled in college. We currently employ 5 high school students as interns and also have 5 KTA graduates work in part-time jobs while they pursue their college educations. The Klein's impact on the community is realized through our educational efforts and also through the diverse slate of events we present. In 2010 the Klein was only in use 65 days. In 2025 it was in use 356 days, as our outreach and impact have grown.

Organization achievements

Bridgeport has the largest drop-out rate in Connecticut, yet every Klein Theatre Arts student has graduated high school, and all but 2 enrolled in college. Some of our graduates return in part-time positions while they pursue their college educations.
The Klein is used for events, classes, and meetings nearly every day of the year. Over 70,000 patrons attend Klein events annually, and our theater generates substantial economic benefits to the community. In June 2026, The Klein and its executive director were honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County. It's the first time that award has been bestowed.

Major funders

DECD
Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts
Werth Family Fund
Avangrid Foundation
M&T Charitable Foundation
Barden Foundation
Carstensen Family Foundation
Jones Family Foundation
Westport Sunrise Rotary Foundation
Fairfield Rotary Foundation
Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund
Santa Energy
Aquarion Water Company of CT
Southwest Community Health Center

Partnerships & Collaborations

We enjoy partnerships with 6 resident performing companies, such as: Bridgeport Film Festival, Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts, Greater Bridgeport Symphony, Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras, Fairfield County Children's Choir, and ConnectUS. Numerous community organizations use our stage for their events, and sometimes we co-produce with such organizations as Bridgeport Caribe Youth League, Juneteenth Society, and others.

Sustainability, dissemination & replicability

The Klein has operated continuously since its opening in 1940. The Klein Memorial Auditorium Foundation was established in 2002 as a non-profit. We are sustained through contributed income from grants from private foundations, corporate and government sources, and individuals. Earned income is realized through rental fees, concessions, parking fees, ticket fees, and ticket sales. We also stage small and large fundraising events annually.

Internal checks & balances to prevent fraud

The executive director and board treasurer are the only co-signers on bank accounts.
The staff prepares weekly reports of invoices, payroll and event settlements and submits them to the board treasurer and outside accountant. The organization is audited each year by another outside firm.

Get Involved

How can volunteers get involved?

We have opportunities for volunteers to serve as ushers, ticket takers, and box office assistants. We also appreciate in-kind expertise in the areas of IT, marketing, landscaping, and furnishings.

How can donors support your mission?

Donors can support The Klein through private donations, grants from foundations, sponsorships, and attendance at our events and fundraisers

Do you accept partnerships?

We embrace community partnerships as co-presenters and/or sponsors of our programs

Are you seeking board members?

Yes

Website & Social Media