No More Stage Fright
The child stands frozen on stage with the jitters and a bad case of a deer-in-the-headlights stare toward the audience. Hopefully, he will be coaxed offstage and convinced that he should give theater another try, no matter how horrible he felt that first time.
Hartford Stage helps children develop on the stage, and Dulcie Giadone leads the charge as the newly appointed executive director.
“I always enjoyed the way children grow through theater and the arts,” Giadone said. “You don’t need to be an actor to start and get exposure to the things it can teach you.”
Giadone, 53, has undertaken many positions involving children since her stint at various nursery schools in the Hartford area. She started a playgroup for her own children when the family moved back to Hartford after living in New York City. In getting involved, she became president of Hartford Areas Rally Together where she saw issues that badly needed attention.
“Instead of complaining, I decided to participate and be active in addressing these issues,” Giadone said. “I became a school volunteer with the Hartford Board of Education. My priority was my children.”
As her involvement with education issues broadened, Giadone co-founded the Southend Knightriders Youth Center to combat the gang violence that she saw affecting Hartford youth. The organization has since evolved into the COMPASS Youth Collaborative.
In 1995, Giadone found herself involved in small ways with Hartford Children’s Theater when her son performed on the Main Stage.
“I started as a volunteer working the concessions and distributing brochures to schools, and a year later I was president of the board of directors.”
Giadone switched gears again and became executive assistant to Hartford City Councilman James Boucher for his 2003-2007 term. That over, she was ready for her next challenge.
“Hartford Stage is a wonderful organization, and I’m able to bring my community networking and volunteering to tighten bonds with the arts community and involve more parents and children,” Giadone said. “I see it as a resolution to start the new year with a new person at the helm.”
The theater, which puts on quality, developmentally appropriate productions for children of all ages, has also expanded its offerings of theater education to preschool children.
“This is my focus and where I’m putting my time and energy,” Giadone said. “In one mile’s distance, I’m living, working and playing.”
Emily Boisvert is a Hartford Business Journal staff writer.
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