Quick Center and Bridgeport Schools Move to Virtual Arts Partnership | Press Releases

Megan Beauregard ’21 and Kiersten Bjork ’21 practice stage combat during rehearsals for Theatre Fairfield’s production of Titus Andronicus

(FAIRFIELD, Conn. June 12, 2020) – The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University and the Bridgeport Public Schools (BPS) Department of Performing and Visual Arts (DPVA) took their “Arts for All” partnership to a virtual platform this month, in coordination with the College of Arts and Sciences’ theatre department and Theatre Fairfield program.

With a joint commitment to continue to provide BPS students with arts access, high-quality arts instruction, and exposure to diverse arts experiences, Theatre Fairfield students and faculty used their production of Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicusto engage Bassick High School students in virtual sessions, sharing rehearsal and synopsis videos, and providing three curricular-focused videos as part of the “quick sessions” online series led by professor and artistic director of Theatre Fairfield, Marti LoMonaco, PhD.

A week of daily sessions between Bassick High students and Theatre Fairfield members featured conversations around acting, writing, lighting, set design, costume design, stage management, and the role theatre plays in social and racial justice. Through these virtual sessions, Bassick High students extended their classroom learning to gain a deeper understanding of theatre arts.

Alicia Robinson, Director of Performing & Visual Arts for BPS, explained, “While many organizations are telling educators what they should be doing to support students during distance learning, the Quick actually took the time to ask. It is this nature of collaboration that has served as the foundation of the ‘Arts for All’ partnership between Bridgeport Public Schools and the Quick Center for the Arts. ‘Arts for All’ has led to programming, resources, and arts access based on the identified needs of BPS students and staff for the past year — and it perseveres even during a pandemic.”

Robinson added, “The Quick’s programming and finances have suffered greatly due to Covid-19. Yet, they remain steadfast in their mission to serve as an inclusive arts organization for the community and Bridgeport Public Schools.”

Dr. LoMonaco of Theatre Fairfield said, “Since we couldn't bring Bassick students to the theatre, it is a joy to bring the theatre to them… even though we can't officially "open." I am so proud of Theatre Fairfield's terrific students and their willingness to continue this process with such gusto and love. Theatre is all about sharing our work with others — what better opportunity than this?”

Following the week of virtual learning, Bassick High students worked with Theatre Fairfield mentors to help them with their final projects. "This collaboration gave me something to look forward to during all of the craziness in the world right now,” said Fairfield University student Kiersten Bjork, '21. “Getting to work with these students is a great way for Theatre Fairfield to help promote the arts in schools, and also allowed us to establish relationships during a time that has us putting so many relationships on hold.”

Bassick High partner teacher, Megan Brockway, noted, “The partnership with the Quick Center and Theatre Fairfield is an amazing opportunity for Bassick High School Performing Arts students. As distance learning is a struggle, this has newly motivated my students to complete their work and stay engaged through the end of the school year. I have already spoken to Dr. LoMonaco about continuing this partnership next school year, and am looking forward to a time when Theatre Fairfield and our students can meet in person for a shared theatrical experience.”

For more information on the “ARTS FOR ALL” program, please contact Lori Jones, Director of Programming and Audience Development for the Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts at Ljones@fairfield.edu or 203-254-4000 x2975.