Bushnell Center for Performing Arts

As Connecticut's premier presenter of the performing arts, The Bushnell has delighted and inspired audiences for more than seven decades and plays a leading role in the state's cultural life. The Bushnell, a not-for-profit organization, is renowned for community programs, as well as being a leading educator and advocate of the arts.

With an annual roster of over 350 events and an annual audience of over 300,000, The Bushnell is a major economic driver for the Greater Hartford region and the State of Connecticut. The number of annual events and attendance has increased by 50% with the opening of the new addition.

Diverse programming

The Bushnell presents major Broadway tours, symphony orchestras, family presentations, and children's theater. In 2001, The Bushnell also began presenting off-Broadway, jazz, blues, cabaret and comedy performances as well as concerts and world music events.

The Bushnell is an active supporter of Hartford's diverse performing arts and community organizations. The theater serves as the performance home of Hartford Symphony Orchestra and The Connecticut Forum. In fact, three-quarters of The Bushnell's yearly bookable dates are utilized by local arts and community productions. In its role as supporter of the local arts, The Bushnell provides leadership and technical assistance to community and arts organizations, as well as rental discounts of more than $350,000 annually.

The Bushnell also reaches out to the community in numerous other ways. Each year, thousands of complimentary tickets are donated to schools, churches and civic groups, making the arts more accessible to everyone. Over the years, The Hall has also provided many community organizations with a venue for varied public activities, including spelling bees, war-relief efforts, naturalization ceremonies, high school graduations, charity benefits and political events, including the 1996 Presidential Debate.

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