The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts
At the Intersection of Creativity and Community

For more than three decades, the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University has stood as one of Connecticut’s premier destinations for the performing and visual arts. 

As Lori N. Jones, director of programming and operations explains, the Center, which features two theaters and one gallery space is more than just a showcase. Its mission is to engage the entire community in participation in the arts. 

Jones notes that the mission and work of the center reflects Fairfield University’s Jesuit tradition by involving the whole person, encouraging critical thinking, and emphasizing lifelong learning and fostering the arts as thriving, essential and accessible to anyone. It emphasizes the Jesuit principles of cura personalis—care for the whole person—and a commitment to educating individuals who will lead lives of service, compassion, and justice. 

As a result, since its founding in 1990, each year, tens of thousands of visitors have attended hundreds of performances, lectures, and community events, making the Center one of Fairfield County’s leading cultural institutions. Audiences include students, alumni, school groups, families, and visitors from throughout the region. Jones also said the Center has also been working with children from the Bridgeport public schools, and that for many of the participants, this is their first time in a theater. 

Jones emphasizes that this broad reach beyond the university community helps the Quick Center fulfill their commitment to being a cultural resource in the community and bringing people together for enriching experiences.  

For all this serious underpinning, however, there is a lot of fun going on—and for people of all ages. 

Jones cited the Center’s Missoula Children’s Theatre that celebrated its 35th season last summer, giving 60 children from grades 1-12 the chance to learn about performing and express themselves on stage, perhaps launching themselves into a life in the arts.

The overall programming spans classical and contemporary music, international dance companies, circus, jazz, theater, renowned speakers, film screenings, family programming, and exhibitions presented by the Fairfield University Art Museum. 

The fall season this year will be no exception, and Jones cites the diversity of offerings being presented. She’s particularly excited by the return of Mariachi Herencia de México on October 16. This popular band appeared previously in 2022, and is back with La Nueva Generación.

Other upcoming events include screenings of The Met: Live in HD, productions from England’s National Theater Live, and other live performances and lectures. 

The Center also has a dynamic Artists-In-Residence program. As Jones explains, there is no formal application process for this program. Rather, the Center identifies artists whose missions complement those of The Quick and provide them with the opportunity to develop and refine their pieces, giving Quick Center audiences the first looks at this exciting and often groundbreaking work. Current residencies feature contemporary, visionary artists working in theater, dance, and music. 

There is so much more there—and you’re all invited. Discover this vibrant arts community, which, for many, is in your backyard.

The Quick Center is on the Fairfield University Campus at 200 Barlow Road, Fairfield.

See all of the activities and opportunities online at quickcenter.fairfield.edu.