WESTPORT — The Depot Theatre has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Cloudsplitter Foundation for ongoing operational needs and improvements to its artist housing.

The grant represents continued support from Cloudsplitter Foundation for this mission-driven project which will ultimately allow the theatre flexibility to expand programming into the winter months.

In 2019, the Depot was awarded a $4,000 grant from the Cloudsplitter Foundation for capital improvements to its artist housing, following a $2,000 grant in 2018 toward Phase 1 of the project, which included upgraded HAVAC and new smoke-CO2 alarm systems.

The nine-bedroom house currently serves as seasonal housing for part-time artistic and educational staff, crew and visiting Actors’ Equity artists. As a professional theatre operating under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Depot is required to provide housing for its visiting artists who work at the theater during its summer main stage season. The goal is to ultimately also use the building as a center for artistic collaboration, including community access and year-round programming.

“Our actor housing is not only essential to our operations, but it is a key element of our strategic goals that include year-round programs using that space,” said Kim Rielly, Depot Theatre executive director. “We are grateful to the Cloudsplitter Foundation for their ongoing commitment to the improvement of our vital infrastructure and support of our mission.”

“It is encouraging to see that even in these challenging times, the Depot continues to pursue its strategic goals,” said Chenelle Palyswiat, Director of the Cloudsplitter Foundation. “We are committed to supporting projects and organizations that improve the quality of life in our communities, and we’re pleased to be part of this Depot Theatre initiative.”