Annual Meeting Recap

On Tuesday, April 8, 2026, we gathered once again at Surfridge Brewing Co. for our Annual Membership Meeting, and what a joyful evening it was. Now in our 3rd year partnering with Surfridge, this event has quickly become a favorite tradition. With artisan pizzas, homemade cookies, and glasses of Playhouse Pilsner in hand, our community came together to celebrate the 2025 season.

The formal program kicked off with a special performance by mentalist and I’m Connecticut cast member Kenneth Robert Marlow. With insight and humor, he set the tone by exploring the invisible threads that connect us all.

Executive Artistic Director, Jacqui Hubbard, opened the meeting with welcoming remarks, followed by reflections from Board President, Al Jaffe, on the strength of the 2025 season. He also recognized and thanked two outgoing trustees, Theresa Dryfoos and Don Weinbach, whose dedication has helped shape the Playhouse in truly meaningful ways. We are deeply grateful for their service. We were also pleased to welcome Chris Shane as a new member of the Board.

Al shared exciting news on the progress of our Act II Capital Campaign, which has now reached 95 percent of its 1.5 million dollar goal and is nearing the finish line. This achievement is made possible by the passion and persistence of our campaign committee, led by Sally Mayer.

Managing Director, Krista May, presented highlights from this year’s Annual Report, with touches of gardening imagery that matched the gorgeous spring day outside.

Jacqui Hubbard and Executive Producer Ben Hope then looked back on the 2025 season, celebrating the artistry and community that defined it. Ben also shared updates on several capital projects already underway, including the new accessibility ramp, sound system upgrades, and early groundwork for our new rehearsal studio, with construction set to begin in the coming days.

We were proud to honor several outstanding contributors to our Playhouse community:

• Volunteer of the Year – Mike and Debbie Barton
• Community Partners of the Year – Jonathan and Jules Steele
• President’s Award – Diane and Walter Miezejeski

This year, we were also thrilled to introduce a new honor: The Bruce Award, created to recognize an artist whose dedication to their craft and to Ivoryton Playhouse reflects the very best of our community. The award is named for its inaugural recipient, R. Bruce Connelly, who first performed on our stage 50 years ago. Bruce can currently be seen onstage in I’m Connecticut and will return this summer as Benjamin Franklin in 1776.

Kenneth Robert Marlow returned to close the program with a final moment that left the room with a shared sense of wonder and connection, a reminder of the unifying power of live performing arts.

It was an evening full of gratitude and celebration, one that captured why this place and this community matter so much. To our Members and supporters, thank you.