Dear Night Fall Friends and Family,
Night Fall historically has been an annual live performance for the Greater Hartford community celebrating creativity and change through music, art, dance, and Anne Cubberly’s legendary giant puppets. This eclectic live theater show and festival has taken place every fall since 2012, with the goal of bringing the people of Hartford and beyond together, showcasing the region’s artists, parks and creative spirit.
As you may know, Anne Cubberly stepped down as Artistic Director as of Spring 2023 to pursue personal projects and endeavors. She continues her craft independently of Night Fall, making magic full-time, with puppets all over the world. While her absence is felt, we are grateful and we celebrate her years-long hard work and dedication to Night Fall.
What remains is a collaborative body of local choreographers, composers, fabricators, actors, comedians, and writers who have worked as a team to create the original scenes, music, and dance for each annual Night Fall performance. Night Fall, Inc., continues as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to continuing to make magic in Hartford’s neighborhoods throughout the year with workshops, recruitment, employment and outreach. Our current board and artistic team is composed of people predominantly residing in Hartford, from various artistic, generational and cultural backgrounds. Our diversity and experience allows us to continue our activism through art, raising consciousness regarding sustainability, and advocating for marginalized people in the arts.
Looking to the future of Night Fall, we believe it is best to prioritize re-establishing our foundation by tapping back into our supporters, families and community members that make this organization thrive.
Our vision for Night Fall is to build a strong base and future with our amazing team of artists and fans excited about the new possibilities ahead.
This means three things:
- This year, there will not be a big Night Fall show as you have experienced in the past. Instead, we will be hosting a special event on Saturday, October 5 in Keney Park to celebrate 12 years of beautiful Night Fall performances. This celebration is in the planning stages, but it will include performances, interactive elements, opportunities for YOU to tell us how you would like to see Night Fall turn a new leaf, and many surprises. As has always been the case since its inception, this special Night Fall party in the park will be for all ages and free for everyone.
- Starting September 7, we will lead a series of Saturday workshops to engage and energize our community through art. This series will include comedy improv; African, Latin and hip – hop dance; theatre; upcycled instruments and crafts; and much more! Throughout this series of workshops, we will be focusing on nurturing your creative spirit, and bringing out your inner superstar! As always, these workshops will be free with some age recommendqtions. Donations gratefully accepted. Stay tuned to our website, Facebook, X, and Instagram for dates, locations, and more information. In the meantime, plan on joining us every Saturday in September!
- Most importantly, we will continue to learn from each other and expand the reach of our Night Fall network. For Night Fall, diversity and inclusion are at the core of cultivating a culture of welcoming and belonging. The intersectional spectrum of our community represents multiple identities, transcends race, gender expression, sexuality, age, abilities, social well-being, culture, creative expression, and beyond. A reenvisioned Night Fall needs fresh perspectives and we are welcoming new artists, board members, thought leaders, volunteers and donors to the family. Please join us at our September Saturday workshops and the October 5 celebration to learn what opportunities await and tell us what you think should happen next!
Night Fall is more than an annual show, it is a labor of love between families, and we are proud to call Hartford our home. Join us as we turn a new leaf to discover what Night Fall will be in the years ahead!
Sincerely,
NF Board & 2024 Collab Team