Prospector Theater To Open 2nd Location In Wilton

WILTON, CT — Ridgefield's Prospector Theater will be opening a second location, in Wilton.

The new first-run, four-screen, non-profit theater will move into the space currently occupied by Bow Tie Cinemas in the Wilton River Park shopping center at 21 River Road. Renovations will begin in September 2020, with an opening near the end of 2021, according to a post on the theater's blog.

As in Ridgefield, the new "boutique version" of the theater will provide jobs to disabled adults (called "Prospects") who are traditionally underrepresented in the workforce. Over its five years of operation, the Ridgefield theater has employed over 250 disabled people who have logged more than 600,000 hours of employment.

"Another theater brings more awareness of, and appreciation for, our important mission," said Valerie Jensen, Prospector Theater founder and executive director. "Since opening, thousands of people have reached out to us, asking us to build another Theater. We're so excited to share our sparkle with the town of Wilton and the joys of meaningful employment with a new generation of Prospects!"

Nationwide, estimates of unemployment among adults with disabilities are as high as 80 percent, according to the blog post.

“With our strong focus on environmental, social and governance issues, and diversity and inclusion in particular, Kimco applauds the Prospector Theater’s inspiring and impactful mission," said Joshua Weinkranz, president of Kimco Realty’s Northern Region. "We’re not only committed to the success of the center, but the entire Wilton community. Prospector Theater is a welcome addition to the neighborhood that will entertain, employ, and hopefully serve as a local favorite for years to come."