NBC Connecticut, Telemundo Connecticut and NBC Universal are proud to bring you Project Innovation. We are awarding $225,000 locally to non-profits using tech-based approaches to solve real-life problems.
New Britain Youth Theater is one of six Project Innovation winners this year. NBC Connecticut and Telemundo Connecticut are awarding the program $30,000 in grant money for production technology.
“We are a strong, growing, but small operation,” said Executive and Artistic Director Darren Farrington. “We have a small staff and volunteers. We don’t have a home of our own. We work in schools. We perform in other spaces.”
Now, they’re using borrowed equipment, but with money from the grant, they can purchase new equipment, like microphones and lights.
“We’re going to offer classes specifically in the tech, so our teens will learn how to run this equipment,” Farrington said.
Twelve-year-old Jonathan Kelly loves being on stage.
“It’s an experience it really is,” he said.
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His mom said performing has given him confidence.
“My son was having troubles with social skills and other skills when he was younger, and theater has really changed the way he’s developed,” Ruth Tibodeau Kelly said.
Nationally, NBC Universal Foundation will award $5 million over the next 2 years to non-profits across the country.
