Cheshire Town Players to Host “Festival of the Arts” Showcasing Local Talent

 Cheshire Town Players to Host “Festival of the Arts” Showcasing Local Talent

CHESHIRE, Conn. (April 2026) — The Cheshire Town Players (CTP) will present a two-night Festival of the Arts on April 23 and 24, offering residents an opportunity to experience a wide range of performances by local artists.

The event will be held at The Reading Room, 134 Elm St., in Cheshire, with doors opening at 6 p.m. each evening. Admission is $25. Food and beverages will be available for purchase through Avanti Grille.

The festival will feature an interdisciplinary lineup including theater, music, poetry, dance and visual arts, reflecting the organization’s mission to provide accessible creative opportunities for community members of all ages and experience levels.

“This is exactly what we envisioned when we started,” said founder Lynne Gannon. “A place where people can come together, share their talents, and support one another in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.”

Founded in late 2024, CTP is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven theater group created to reestablish a local performing arts presence following the closure of a previous Cheshire-based company in 2022. The organization operates under the Connecticut Community Empowerment Federation (CCEF), which focuses on inclusive programming and community engagement initiatives.

CTP’s home venue, The Reading Room, is located above ReRead Books & More, a nonprofit bookstore also operated by CCEF that provides job training and independent living opportunities for individuals with special needs.

In addition to seasonal showcases like the Festival of the Arts, the group hosts cabaret-style performances and interactive “10-minute play” nights, where participants are assigned roles and perform short works with minimal rehearsal time.

“We want people to feel like they can just walk in and be part of something,” Gannon said. “Whether you’ve been on stage for years or never at all, there’s a place for you here.”

As a community-based organization, CTP relies on local volunteers for all aspects of production, including acting, directing, stage management and technical support. Auditions and participation opportunities are announced on a rolling basis.

At this time, no mainstage auditions are scheduled for Spring 2026; however, additional events and casting calls are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Event Details:

What: Festival of the Arts

When: April 23–24, 2026

Time: Doors open at 6 p.m.

Where: The Reading Room, 134 Elm St., Cheshire

Admission: $25

For more information, visit the Cheshire Town Players website, follow the group on Facebook, or contact cheshiretownplayers@gmail.com