Playhouse Hosts First Young Professionals Party Tonight

The Westport Country Playhouse has created a network to engage young professionals in the live arts and host after-hours community events for those between the ages of 21 and 39 years old.

The first of several YP events this year is a cocktail party that begins at 6:30 p.m. today followed by the Pulitizer Prize winning play, Dinner with Friends. The event costs $30 and tickets can be purchased at the door. The $30 includes eating and drinking at the pre-party and a ticket to the play. The party will include live music from Rambunction and food from Burger Bar & Bistro.

"It's designed to create a fun environment and create opportunities for patronage at the Playhouse so young professionals have a place to socialize but also be part of the community," said Jenn Bond, the Playhouse's community relations liaison. "It's also an opportunity to pull together that voice and hear what young professionals want from the Playhouse."

Bond said the bulk of the theater's audience consists of individuals who are more established in their lives and their careers. "The young professionals are our future audience," Bond said. 

In 2007, the Playhouse conducted focus groups and found young professionals didn't know such a place existed in Westport, Bond said.

"It speaks for itself if we can just get you there," she said. "We hope the young professionals network will serve as ambassadors to extend our reach into friendship circles and businesses and share what we have to offer."

To attend the Young Pros party, show up at the Playhouse at 6:30 tonight.

To become a part of the committee, which now consists of about 20 people, call Bond at 203-227-5137 ext. 120 or e-mail her at Bond@westportplayhouse.org.

Editor's Note: In the interest of full disclosure, Westport Patch Editor Liz Mitchell is a member of the Young Professionals Network.