Volunteer-run theater group wins $8,400 humanities grant

NEW BRITAIN — Connecticut Humanities, the statewide, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, recently awarded Hole in The Wall Theater an $8,400 Connecticut Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant.

Hole in The Wall Theater plans to use this grant to continue presenting live theater for the people of New Britain. The year 2022 is the 50th anniversary of HITW, and its new season is fully set up with seven productions planned.

When 2020 and the COVID pandemic forced Hole in The Wall to close its doors and cancel the 2020 season, the theater continued with a goal of entertaining everyone by filming and streaming performances of stage productions, original scripts, variety shows and more.

“Hole in the Wall is a place of community for hundreds of people. It is a second home. It is a place for everyone to huddle around the fire and tell stories to each other,” said Luis Marrero, HITW vice president and head of the marketing committee. “It is a place where anyone who walks through the door has an opportunity to learn the craft of theater, to engage with our community. I appreciate the effort put into writing these grants.

“I appreciate the efforts of all of our volunteers. I appreciate this community that has given me a home. I appreciate the Connecticut Cultural Fund for helping us with meeting our expenses, keeping our doors open, and keeping this second home for so many alive,” Marrero said.

Hole in The Wall Theater was one of 624 organizations in Connecticut that was awarded Connecticut Cultural Fund support totaling $16M from Connecticut Humanities. The CTCFOSG is part of $30.7M of support allocated to arts, humanities and cultural nonprofits through Connecticut Humanities over the next two years by the Connecticut General Assembly and approved by Gov. Ned Lamont. The CTCFOSG will assist organizations as they recover from the pandemic and maintain and grow their ability to serve their community and the public.

This grant was administered by Connecticut Humanities, with funding provided by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts from the Connecticut State Legislature.

Hole in The Wall Theater is a volunteerrun theater located at 116 Main St. in New Britain. HITW welcomes all not just to shows, but to general meetings, set builds and is always looking for more volunteers to help plan and put together future productions. HITW is on its way to celebrating 50 years of “Letting in the Light” and about to open its latest season with Sam Shepard’s “Heartless” on Jan. 14.

Hole in the Wall Theater / Contributed photo Connecticut Humanities, the statewide, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, awarded Hole in The Wall Theater an $8,400 Connecticut Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant. Hole in The Wall Theater plans to use this grant to continue presenting live theater, including its January production of Sam Shepard’s play, “Heartless.”