The Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts Receives Official Authorization as a Connecticut Enrollment and Degree-Granting College
Published November 29th 2023
Local Norwalk Performing Arts Institution is the
First Non-Profit In 25 Years to Attain College Status
November 17, 2023, Norwalk, CT: "Today, we received word from the State of Connecticut that the Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts is now an accredited degree-granting college. An accredited college my husband and I built together. A not-for-profit institution in the great state of Connecticut that offers the opportunity for kids from all walks of life to study, grow, and earn their degrees," said Danny Loftus George in a statement today, "My husband Ricky and I are builders. We like to make things. I especially love making them together. We've made a lot of things over the last ten years—our proudest and most precious being our son Aspen. But today, we feel a different sense of pride. Today, we celebrate."
The Norwalk Conservatory, Fairfield County's first performing arts institution, was established in 2018 by Broadway performers Danny and Ricky Loftus George. Their journey towards creating a safe and nurturing environment to train young performers and encourage them to embrace their talent and hone their skills has been as challenging as it has been motivating and educational. With the city of Norwalk as its home base, the duo worked closely with city officials, landlords, and community partners to form an all-encompassing environment for its students who hail from throughout the country and abroad.
The Campus consists of The Campus consists of 69 Wall Street, Norwalk Conservatory’s main space, office, and class center. Additional dorm quarters and rehearsal spaces are located throughout the East Norwalk and Wall Street neighborhoods, with Aspen Hall located at 102 East Avenue.
The Norwalk Conservatory's curriculum is divided between Musical Theater Performance, Musical Theater Dance, and Television/Film Performance. The Conservatory can now provide its students with an Associate of Arts Degree (2 years) in addition to "the skills and tools needed for a career in the performing arts." Currently, there are 40+ students enrolled within these three course concentrations, all of whom went through an in-depth audition process. A Pre-college Summer Intensive is also offered, providing a unique opportunity for high school students to learn and sample The Norwalk Conservatory's core programs and student culture.
"There were no blueprints. There was God, love, patience, tenacity, and faith. Sit down, buckle up, and watch what our college kids are about to do. Stars are being formed. GO TREES! We don't walk; we run!"
For more information about The Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts and the application/audition process for the upcoming 2024 year, visit: https://www.thenorwalkconservatory.org/
MISSION STATEMENT: The Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts was founded in 2018 by industry creatives with the goal of creating a college that was equal parts training and opportunity. A conservatory comprised of industry professionals for faculty, 'For actors, by actors.'. A suburban campus in the backyard of the biggest theatre city in the world. A place where the artists of today can train, audition for professional work, and grow simultaneously. With many alumni working on Broadway and on Television, its close proximity to New York City, small class sizes, and a curriculum built for today's industry, The Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts is Connecticut's premiere college of the arts. The Conservatory's mission is to deliver exceptional arts education to aspiring artists while fostering a positive influence within the local arts community.
69 Wall St., Norwalk, CT 06850 | (203) 343-0384
