Mission Statement: To enrich, educate and entertain through arts and ideas. 

The Klein is a 1,447 seat performing arts center that serves as a hub for Bridgeport and surrounding communities. Built in 1940, it is one only 7 Broadway-sized stages remaining in Connecticut. The venue was built with funds willed to the city by Bridgeport native Jacob Klein, a lawyer and active supporter of Bridgeport community organizations. 

As recently as 2010, The Klein operated as a rental house and was only in use 65 days per year. That all changed in 2013 when the after school program began, and The Klein held it's first fundraising event. Klein Theatre Arts (KTA) is the cornerstone of The Klein's education and outreach effort providing tuition free instruction in music, dance and drama to Bridgeport students in grades 6 through 12. KTA is run by top-notch staff comprised of Broadway and other performing artists and union stagehands who provide their expertise. KTA runs over spring, summer & fall semesters, and utilizes the best in regional facilities available only at The Klein. Expanding KTA allows more Bridgeport teens to experience the benefits of Arts Education, which has mostly been eliminated from public school budgets. KTA is tuition-free, and to fund it The Klein relies on support from foundations, government and corporations as well as the donations from individuals. Other operating costs are funded through rentals and self-presentations, which now total over 150 per year. 

The Klein is home to resident organizations Greater Bridgeport Symphony, Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras and Fairfield County Children's Choir. It is also home to numerous dance companies and concert promoters. 

In most recent years, The Klein has brought such diverse talent acts such as Vienna Boys Choir, Gilberto Santa Rosa, the Parris Island Marine Corps Band, and its own 75th Anniversary concert hosted by Paul Shaffer. Join us for an upcoming event to experience The Klein for yourself.