Company Profile
Oddfellows Playhouse
Company Overview
Oddfellows Playhouse is the largest and most active year-round youth theater in Connecticut. We are an independent, not-for-profit organization with an arts/social service mission.
Oddfellows strives to promote the growth of young people by helping them build skills and self-confidence through the performing arts. Our teaching artists are committed professionals with proven expertise in working with young people. Their goal is to produce high quality, original theater. Students learn the building blocks of theater, such as acting, mime, clowning, and movement. Just as importantly, however, they learn life skills. Our teaching artists stress teamwork, cooperation, and respect for others. Every student receives full attention, in every class and performance. At the same time, students learn to appreciate each other's talents and contributions. Finally, students broaden their educations by learning about literature, culture, and history that they might not have access to otherwise.
Company History
Oddfellows Playhouse was founded in 1975 by five Wesleyan University students. From that small beginning, the Playhouse now serves approximately 2,000 young people every year.
We're often asked about the history of our name. One of our first homes was a building owned the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In 1994, after 19 years of rehearsing and performing in dozens of rented and borrowed Middletown locations, Oddfellows Playouse, with extensive community support, acquired and renovated the 10,000 sq. ft. historic building that is now its home on Washington St. in Middletown
Notable Accomplishments / Recognition
Connecticut's largest youth theater.
Serving nearly 2,000 children per year.
36 years of operations.