Greater Waterbury Children’s Theater seeks continued use of Rotella for student productions

Danielle Orlando, president of the Greater Waterbury Children’s Theater, thanked the board for district support and asked the Waterbury School District to approve renewed use of Rotella Magnet School for theater productions. Orlando described the nonprofit’s mission of teaching social-emotional learning—confidence, teamwork and resilience—through theater and said the organization serves students from about 20 district schools, averaging roughly 75 students annually.

Orlando told the board that 79 percent of last year’s participants had little to no prior theater experience and that 44 percent performed for the first time with the group. She described family involvement in set building and backstage work and said the group hopes to produce The Wizard of Oz in the upcoming season. The organization asked for board approval to continue using school facilities so it can provide expansion and more opportunities for Waterbury students.

The board had previously moved to suspend the order of business to allow public comment and reminded attendees that speakers are limited to five minutes and that the board would not respond during the meeting; comments would be referred to administration for follow-up. After public comment, the board returned to regular business and did not take an immediate vote specific to Rotella’s request during the meeting; the request was entered into the record for administrative review.

What happens next: The district administration will review the written request and facility-use details and follow up with the applicant per standard facility-use and waiver procedures.