Seven Angels Theatre Receives Small Venue Operators Grant

WATERBURY, CT - The board ofSeven Angels Theatre welcomed Senator Blumenthal to visit the Waterbury theatre on Thursday.

Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal appeared at Seven Angels Theatre to discuss the SVOG (Small Venue Operators Grant) that the theatre recently received.

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant is allowing Seven Angels Theatre to bring back live and in person productions to the residents of Connecticut. The theatre has scheduled many shows beginning in August and will have their Summer Youth Workshop this year.

They are also planning to return to producing theatrical plays and musicals very soon. Upcoming events can be found on their website.

The SVOG is giving Seven Angels the opportunity to return to normal.

Semina De Laurentis, Artistic Director was on vacation at the time but previously commented about the grant.

"We are very excited to bring our existing Seven Angels family, both staff and patrons, back to the theatre. We can't wait for our patrons to see the changes we have made and to welcome new people to the theatre. We are anxious to open our doors and support our community.”

“The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant is helping us do all this." De Laurentis also stated. "The theatre truly appreciates the work done by Senator Blumenthal and members of Congress to make this possible. The consistent support of the Senator and his staff and the CT Small business Association throughout the application process was tremendous and we are very grateful.”

Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary attended the event to thank the Senator for his efforts. He noted that this money represents “life or death” for the Waterbury landmark that has connected with the surrounding community for years, as well as bringing strangers together. The Mayor added that the grant was a team effort between Senator Blumenthal, Senator Chris Murphy and the office of Representative Jahana Hayes.

“We are also very thankful to Mayor O’Leary and his staff and the support they have given Seven Angels not just during the pandemic, but throughout his years in office," noted De Laurentis.

Development Director and drama teacher Scott Kealey (at right in the photo above) explained to the Senator the importance of the popular Summer Youth Workshops in encouraging confidence in the young performers.

Seven Angels has finished the installation of new seating for patrons, as well as updating the air conditioning system.

The Senator remembered that he had a bit of difficulty finding the theatre located in Hamilton Park the first time he attended a show there. Before Blumenthal left this press event on the Seven Angels stage, the board members invited him to attend the theatre’s 30 year gala, postponed because of the pandemic, but nonetheless in the planning stages.

Seven Angels Theatre is located on Plank Road in Hamilton Park, Waterbury, CT.