West Hartford’s Connecticut Family Theatre to Celebrate Fifth Anniversary Gala

will be celebrating its fifth anniversary on Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, with a gala fundraiser at its home at 20 Jefferson Avenue in West Hartford, CT.

Under the direction of Lori Solak, Connecticut Family Theatre is increasingly recognized as a leading teaching theatre in Connecticut. CFT offers theatre education and performance opportunities to youth ages 6-18, serving students from all corners of Connecticut and Massachusetts. Their mission is focused on helping children develop confidence, discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills, as well as their individual potential for acting, song, and dance. 

Ms. Solak has almost two decades of experience in the theatrical arts. Primarily a theatre educator, Ms. Solak also wears several other hats including director, choreographer, scenic designer and artist, costume designer, prop artist and playwright. She also has quite a following. Several of her students have been working with her for over 10 years. Some have returned as adults to join the staff. Many of her students have also gone on to work on Broadway, in film, and TV commercials. It is her belief that, whether students choose to pursue a career in theatre or not, they will walk away with skills that will last a lifetime. CFT's Spring 2011 production of "Once Upon A Mattress" marked Ms. Solak's 75th production.

In commenting on the quality of CFT productions, Melissa Millan of Simsbury describes how a friend of hers who teaches in Boston came to see her son, Zeke Hodkin, perform in "Alice in Wonderland" when he was 9 years old. Impressed, her friend said, "I've seen a lot of children's theatre and this is the most professional show I've ever seen."

Besides proudly watching their children perform on stage, parents and family comment on seeing them develop a sense of responsibility, camaraderie, and professionalism.  Jodi and Ron Peikes of West Hartford, whose four children all participated in CFT, observed that, “CFT infuses intimacy with professionalism. It has been a wonderfully positive experience for our family.”

Having performed under Lori Solak’s direction since she was 6 years old, Caroline Kriesen, 13, of West Hartford, agrees. She explains that, “because the cast isn’t overwhelmingly huge, everyone gets individual attention and learns, no matter what your role. What makes CFT special are the people who make CFT happen, particularly the staff.” She adds, “They love watching you grow as an actor from the first audition to the last curtain call. They genuinely believe in you. And they want to do their very best … they work so hard to make every last detail right.  It really inspires you to work to your potential.”

Maya Lis, 9, of West Hartford, has been acting with CFT for three years. Her eyes light up when she talks about how much she loves it. She says, “I love acting with kids of different ages and how Miss Lori helps me with expression or my lines or the feelings my character should have.” Maya says the only thing that makes her sad is when the show ends. 

For the students, the CFT experience is not only fun, but one they realize will shape them as adults. Kerry Maguire, 15, of Simsbury and another long-time CFT participant, said that not only was CFT “a blast” but that it changed her life. She remarked, “CFT is like a family to me; it is a piece of me.”

Tickets to the fundraiser are $50 per person, including live entertainment, auctions, hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer.  Individuals wishing to attend or make donations should contact Lori Solak at 860-233-2238 or connecticutfamilytheatre@yahoo.com. Auction items and sponsorships from area businesses are being accepted in exchange for complimentary advertising by CFT.

Connecticut Family Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization which relies on the generosity of its donors and sponsors to continue to provide high-quality theatre education for the youth of Connecticut and beyond!