Garde Arts Center, Flock Theater Partner Up

A theater company whose performances have entertained the city for 15 years has found a new home.

has moved their stage, costume, and prop inventory to a storefront on Meriden Street owned by the . The not-for-profit company was formerly stationed at the .

In an announcement, the two organizations said the move is a way of strengthening the collaboration in the New London performing arts community. The executive artistic director of Flock Theatre, Derron Wood, has worked with the Garde’s summer youth and after-school programs in a number of roles and the Garde and Flock partnered to create a Promenade Play for the city’s 350th anniversary.

"[The Garde's] commitment to the arts in New London makes [it] a keystone to downtown development," said Wood. "Their work in the community shines as an example for arts organizations everywhere. We’re proud to be part of the Garde family and look forward to the many possibilities that such a partnership might hold. The Garde staff have been incredibly welcoming. With their positive energy and optimistic spirit, we believe that, as we work together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve."

The Garde’s executive director, Steve Sigel, was also pleased with the move.

“Derron is a relentless, creative leader who allows the community to participate in and help shape Flock Theatre’s unique creations, from stilt walkers and puppets to historic dramas and outdoor Shakespeare,” he said. “They are a key cultural asset that helps make New London such an attractive hotbed of artistic activity.”

Flock Theatre’s stated mission is to work with any community that invites them through “original, collaborative and educational efforts.” The company was formed in 1989 in Boston with puppet theater shows, and was introduced to New London in 1992 after an invitation to perform by the Eugene O’Neill Center. Two years later, the company moved to the city and started productions of Shakespeare’s plays in the Connecticut College Arboretum. These plays are ongoing, with the start of this summer’s season scheduled for Saturday. Performances have also been held at the First Congregational Church, Pier, and .

The Garde Arts Center, which contains both a 1,450-seat theater and 130-seat Oasis Room performing space, oversees a complex of four buildings including the Meriden Street storefronts. The Garde has been hosting performances since 1985.