Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts facts for kids
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| Address | Fairfield, Connecticut USA |
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| Owner | Fairfield University |
| Type | Indoor theatre |
| Capacity | 740 |
| Opened | 1990 |
The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is a special place for theatre and arts. It is located at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut. The Quick Center hosts many exciting events. These include popular music, classical music, dance shows, and plays. They also have programs just for young audiences. A magazine called Westport Magazine once said the Quick Center was the "cultural epicenter of Fairfield County." This means it is a very important place for culture in the area.
The Quick Center was built and opened in 1990. It was made possible by a kind supporter of Fairfield University, Leslie C. Quick Jr.. He named the center after his wife, Regina. Mr. Quick was a leader on the university's Board of Trustees for many years. He even received an honorary degree from the university in 1999.
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What's Inside the Quick Center?
The Quick Center has several important spaces for performances and art.
- Aloysius P. Kelley, S.J. Theatre: This is the main theatre. It can seat up to 740 people.
- Lawrence A. Wien Experimental (Black Box) Theatre: This is a smaller, more flexible theatre. It can hold about 150 people. It's called a "black box" because it's a simple, dark room. This allows for many different stage setups.
- Thomas J. Walsh Jr. Art Gallery: This is a gallery where art is shown. People can visit to see different art exhibits.
Gerard Manley Hopkins Award for Artists
Fairfield University and the Quick Center started a special award in 1990. It is called the Gerard Manley Hopkins Award for Excellence in the Arts. Gerard Manley Hopkins was a priest. He was also a very important and creative English poet. This award celebrates artists who are innovative. It honors those who bring new and exciting ideas to the arts.
Many famous artists have received this award over the years. These include actor Jason Robards Jr. and composer Stephen Sondheim. Painter Paul Cadmus and ballerina Gelsey Kirkland have also been honored. Another famous painter, Robert Vickrey, also received this award.
Open VISIONS Forum: Learning and Ideas
The Quick Center is also home to the Open VISIONS Forum. This program brings interesting speakers to the community. It connects the university's ideas with the wider Connecticut area. The forum's goal is to share knowledge. It helps students and professors connect with the public.
The forum hosts many lively talks. These "public conversations" feature important thinkers. They include artists, authors, and experts in different fields. Political leaders and commentators also speak. They discuss important topics facing the world and the country.
Many well-known people have spoken at the Open VISIONS Forum. These include historian David McCullough, who won the Pulitzer Prize twice. News anchor Brian Williams has also spoken there. Other past speakers include former prime minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto. Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and businessman Steve Forbes have also visited. Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Richard Holbrooke was a guest. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky and Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim also spoke. Author Terry Waite and journalist Bill O'Reilly have also shared their insights.
Exciting Performances at the Quick Center
The Quick Center has hosted many memorable performances.
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Since 2002, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center has visited the Quick Center every year. This group is known as "the nation's premier repertory company for chamber music." Chamber music is a type of classical music played by a small group of instruments. The group travels all over the country and the world. They perform a three-part concert series at the Quick Center. This helps them reach many different audiences.
Live Music Project: Music Without a Conductor
The Live Music Project has been based at the Quick Center since 2004. This is a special kind of group called a conductorless orchestra. This means they play music without a conductor leading them. Violinist Netta Hadari and composer Daniel Smith started this project. The Live Music Project performs both classical and modern music. They do this in a relaxed and friendly setting.
Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut
The Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut is now the main choir at the Quick Center for the Arts. This choir was formed in 1984. It was started by students from the Fairfield University Chamber Singers. After they graduated, they wanted to keep singing together. They continued to perform under the direction of Dr. Carole Ann Maxwell.
