Photo: Contributed Photo / Hearst Connecticut Media

A group gathered as Union Savings Bank donated $25,000 to the Ridgefield Theater Barn. Pictured in photo, left to right, are: Wayne Leiss, Ridgefield Theater Barn Manager; Jill Mcguire, Union Savings Bank senior branch manager in Ridgefield; Pamela Jones, president of Ridgefield Theater Barn Board of Directors; and Cynthia Merkle, president and CEO of Union Savings Bank.

DANBURY — Union Savings Bank, which is based in Danbury, announced it has donated $25,000 to help fund the expansion of the Ridgefield Theater Barn community theater.

The donation will help the theater build a costume shop, a space for set construction, a classroom for its Theater Barn Kids program, a conference room and a separate performance space to be used for events.

“Given our dedication to the cultural entities within the communities we serve, we felt it was essential to help support the growth of this wonderful, multi-dimensional theater as a source of both entertainment and education,” Union Savings Bank President and CEO Cynthia C. Merkle said. “We look forward to seeing the Theater Barn thrive as it enters its second half-century.”

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Ridgefield Theater Barn holds a series of performances over 30 weekends. In addition to dramas and musicals, the facility holds play-readings, improv-themed comedy nights and an “Evening of One Acts” series. The theater seats approximately 70 people at 11 tables.

“This very generous donation will help us in so many ways,” Ridgefield Theater Barn Manager Wayne J. Leiss said. “We’ve worked with Union Savings Bank for several years. They continue to be a truly valued business partner.”

Courtesy of News Times