Residents know, admire and support our performing arts institutions (Westport Country Playhouse, Westport Community Theater, Staples Players, etc.). They do the same for organizations that train students for the arts, here and everywhere (Triple Threat Academy, Music Theatre of Connecticut, etc.).
We’re justifiably proud of the schools that Staples graduates go to, preparing for performing arts careers. Michigan, Northwestern, NYU, Carnegie Mellon, Berklee, Juilliard — we punch above our weight, there and elsewhere.
But how many Westporters know there is an accredited performing arts college in the next town over?
Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts burst on the scene 3 years ago, with 5 campus buildings and 2 dorms, on Wall Street, Isaac Street, and East and West Avenues.
Its 2-year program trains 96 young men and women (ages 18-22) for careers on stage and television. There are 3 tracks: musical theater performance, musical theater dance, and TV/film performance.
NoCo attracts students from high schools with rich arts heritages similar to ours — and underserved ones, who thought Broadway was far beyond their dreams.
NoCo has discovered a trove of talent through TikTok, Instagram and YouTube videos.
It is the first not-for-profit college to gain accreditation in Connecticut in 25 years.Launched in New York City in 2018 by Broadway creatives Ricky Lee Loftus and Danny Loftus George, NoCo moved to Norwalk in 2022.
Dance rehearsal, at Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts.
Westporters are already making their mark there.
Former Board of Finance chair and energy executive Jeffrey Mayer teaches a semester-long entrepreneuship class for second-year students.
“Requirements for an associate degree demand more than dance classes,” he says.
“Most of these kids will become, in essence, independent businesses. They also may need other sources of income. I teach them basic business skills, like contract negotiation and business planning. They are curious, bright, fully engaged, and a pleasure to teach.”
Ruth Winnick — 97 years old, and a 70-year Westport resident who teaches body awareness at the Senior Center — feels so strongly about the school that she joined student dancers at its annual gala.
“I am in awe of what NoCo provides these kids,” Ruth says.
“Not only professional training, but the financial support to do so, and industry mentors to get them going in their careers. Their talent, energy and commitment is phenomenal.”
97-year-old Ruth Winnick, at the NoCo gala.
One of those students, Zalah, grew up in Louisiana. She was on her way to nursing school when NoCo spotted her on Instagram singing “I’m Here,” from her high school production of “The Color Purple.” She was given a full scholarship. (All students receive at least some scholarship money.)
Zalah graduates this year, with a degree in musical theatre performance. She was a recent guest on the Jennifer Hudson show and now has an agent.
This Monday (March 3, 7 p.m.), Westport Arts Advisory Committee co-chair and Short Cuts Film Festival producer Nancy Diamond will joined NoCo co-founder Loftus (and “surprise” student performers) in a conversation at the Westport Library.
They’ll discuss how the school is changing lives — and contributing to the revitalization of downtown Norwalk. Click here for details.
“Westporters know how fortunate we are to have so much at our fingertips,” says Diamond. “And we care about our neighbors.
“NoCo is helping to revitalize Norwalk by opening its arms to so many young people from around the country. It’s beautiful to see them strolling down Wall Street with their lattes, logowear and smiles.”
And — perhaps quite soon — we’ll see them on stage and screen.
(“06880” covers the arts scene — here, and wherever Westporters work. As another non-profit, we rely on reader support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
