SPHERE’s community activities engage members directly with the community, allowing them to develop social skills, providing them with relief from isolation, helping to overcome discrimination in the community and contributing to the health and emotional well-being of the program participants. Here are a few examples of member involvement in the community:
Ridgefield Conservatory
of Dance
SPHERE is thrilled to partner with The Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dance school, who is nationally recognized as a “distinguished, high achieving, pre-professional performing arts school” that “nurtures young dance artists in strong movement technique.” RCD is dedicated to educating and encouraging students to become knowledgeable, passionate, thinking artists. RCD’s weekly SPHERE dance instructors include Executive Director Amy Piantaggini and weekly volunteer student assistants. RCD is instrumental in the success of many of SPHERE’s performances.
ACT
ACT (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) professional theatre located in Ridgefield, CT. In addition to fully produced mainstage productions, ACT of CT’s programing also includes a New Works Series, a Broadway Unplugged Series, and an extensive theater education program. SPHERE most recently worked with ACT of CT on the 2019 Reach for the Stars Gala performance which can be viewed here:
Ridgefield Symphony
Orchestra (RSO)
SPHERE and the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra have a very special partnership. SPHERE members have performed on several occasions with the RSO, bringing joy and pride to all involved. The RSO received a prestigious Getty Education and Community Investment Grant, which has furthered our special partnership by supporting visits by orchestra member, SPHERE member attendance at concerts and a joint special performance. The recent SPHERE-tacular show is an example of this special collaboration. Watch video>
Ridgefield Chorale
The Ridgefield Chorale is a popular musical singing group with over 70 members known for its vocal excellence and unique repertoire. The Chorale has been a special partner to SPHERE and our members have performed with them on several musical collaborations, including the Concert of Healing and Unity after the Orlando tragedy. Watch video>
Memorial Day Parade
SPHERE’s participation at Ridgefield’s annual Memorial Day Parade is a highlight of the year for members, volunteers and the community alike. Members show their community spirit on the vintage truck that parades down Main Street to welcoming cheers from the spectators that line the parade route.
Holiday Stroll
During this past Holiday Stroll, SPHERE members regaled the Ridgefield community, dressed as snowmen (and snow-women) and spread holiday cheer with Christmas caroling and an outdoor screening of “It’s a Wonderful Life”.