Open Arts Alliance, a Greenwich nonprofit, is planning a dedicated rehearsal studio at 299 Greenwich Ave. for its expanding youth performing arts programs.

The organization announced the new space after a summer season that drew sold-out audiences for three productions: Aladdin KIDS, At the Bandstand and Chicago, the Greenwich Sentinel reported. The studio will host multidisciplinary classes, workshops and performance intensives during the 2026–27 academic year.

The building at 299 Greenwich Ave. already houses the Greenwich Arts Council and The Wallace Center, which serves residents 55 and older. Open Arts Alliance has not specified whether it is leasing a separate suite or sharing existing space.

Jennifer Dunn, who directed the summer Chicago production, said the young cast went beyond learning choreography. "They learned about the work of choreographer Bob Fosse … as well as the historical context of what was happening in our country one hundred years ago," Dunn said.

Cindy Busani, the organization's director of programs, said the growth she sees in students each season reinforces the value of youth musical theater.

Fall lineup

Open Arts Alliance's fall 2026 season, announced in a July 23 Greenwich Sentinel article, includes five programs based primarily at the Greenwich Arts Council:

  • Seussical KIDS (grades 1–6): Weekly rehearsals through the fall, with performances Nov. 13 and 14 at Round Hill Community Church, 395 Round Hill Road. Tickets go on sale Oct. 26. A snow date is reserved for Nov. 20.
  • Winnie the Pooh (ages 5–6): Saturday mornings, Saturday, Sept. 5 through Oct. 24.
  • Storybook Stars (ages 3–4): Wednesday mornings, Wednesday, Sept. 9 through Oct. 28. A caregiver must attend with each child.
  • Wickedly Fun dance workshop (grades 1–6): A one-day session on Nov. 21, led by choreographer Morgan India Miller.
  • Junior Ensemble Tour (grades 7–12): Students rehearse six Sundays from Sept. 27 through Nov. 1, then perform Shake, Rattle & Roll!, a 1950s medley, at three Greenwich senior living communities on Saturday, Nov. 7. Stops include Nathaniel Witherell at 10 a.m., The Greens at Greenwich at 11:15 a.m. and The Mews at 1:15 p.m. A dress rehearsal for family and friends is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 6, at 6:30 p.m. at the Greenwich Arts Council. Participants receive community service hours.

The Junior Ensemble Tour ties into Open Arts Alliance's intergenerational programming. The organization also partners with The Wallace Center and the Greenwich Commission on Aging on Broadway By The Year, an eight-week series held Thursdays at noon at The Wallace Center, according to the town's event calendar.

Registration is open at OpenArtsAlliance.com.

Fall dates

  • Saturday, Sept. 5: Winnie the Pooh classes begin (Saturdays, Greenwich Arts Council)
  • Wednesday, Sept. 9: Storybook Stars classes begin (Wednesdays, Greenwich Arts Council)
  • Sept. 27: Junior Ensemble Tour rehearsals begin (Sundays, Greenwich Arts Council)
  • Oct. 26: Seussical KIDS tickets go on sale
  • Nov. 6: Junior Ensemble Tour dress rehearsal (6:30 p.m., Greenwich Arts Council)
  • Nov. 7: Junior Ensemble Tour performs at Nathaniel Witherell, The Greens at Greenwich and The Mews
  • Nov. 13–14: Seussical KIDS performances at Round Hill Community Church
  • Nov. 20: Seussical KIDS snow date
  • Nov. 21: Wickedly Fun dance workshop