Utilizing the Arts to fulfill the needs of our youth.
Empowering Through Creativity and Community
Mission:
The Barn empowers young people to pursue their interests and passions:
encouraging a sense of community through creativity, music and the arts in a safe and supportive environment.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Our doors are open to everyone!
The Barn is committed to embracing, nurturing and preserving a culture of inclusion and acceptance. Our community thrives from sharing unique experiences, perspectives and knowledge. Together we build each other up and we are better and stronger when we are all connected. There is always room on our stage, and at our events, for you to shine; regardless of race, gender, religion, skill or economic status.
Vision:
To further evolve and identify the ever changing needs of our youth and our community.
We want to continue working collaboratively with local organizations to be a resource and a partner.
When a need is identified we want to be able to provide programs that meet those needs while enriching the experiences of our youth.
We will continue to strive to find resources to keep our promise to never turn away a child due to financial ability and keep our doors open to everyone.
History:
In 1997 a group of youth conscious citizens formed Friends of Madison Youth, Inc., now doing business as, The Barn. The Barn's support and funding came from a wide range of organizations in addition to individuals. In 1999 the Town of Madison agreed to allow the organization to use The Madison Arts Barn and with the generosity of The Wilbur W. Pardee Fund, the Greer Fund for Youth, The Erwin C. Bauer Trust, The Madison Foundation and many individuals they raised over $300,000. The monies raised were used to renovate the Arts Barn including adding a stage, control booth, professional sound and lighting systems, interior walls, cafe and an office space. On May 5th 2000 The Barn opened its doors to the community and has been open ever since. As of 2020 more than 80,000 have participated in our programs and events.
Board of Directors:
President - Zachary Hollback
Vice President - Emily Webster
Treasurer - Will Philbrick
Secretary - Trisha Barba
Director Emeritus:
Tammy Boris
Board Members
Amanda Stiewing
Catherine Barden
Cristal Philbrick
Amanda Waggoner
Want more information about The Barn's Board? Contact us at info@madisonartsbarn.org
Our Staff
Robyn Klaskin
Executive Director
Robyn Klaskin is proud to be associated with the mission of The Barn. She has worked for more than a decade to provide a safe place for shoreline youth to explore their talents and build their skills in a supportive environment. Prior to her involvement with the Barn, Robyn served on the Madison Youth and Family Services Board, with the culminating position of Board President. In 2012 Robyn was recognized for her commitment to Connecticut’s youth by the CT Youth Service Association. In addition to her love of theater and the arts, Robyn maintains a specialty law practice in town where she offers mediation and collaborative dispute resolution for family matters.
Robyn is excited to serve as Director of The Barn, leading the efforts in addressing the needs of our youth. She has raised three daughters in town with her husband, Seth Klaskin, and they are both aware that it is not easy to raise children on the CT Shoreline.
Robyn knows community assets like The Barn are a treasure. She works tirelessly to raise the funds and write grants that enable The Barn
to do its primary work of providing supportive and enriching programming for shoreline youth.
Amy Johnson
Program Coordinator
Amy Johnson, a Madison native, lives with her husband Jason, her children Violet and Mason, and a menagerie of pets.
Since starting out as a parent volunteer at the Haunted House 9 years ago, she has gradually worked her way up to where she is now by using her versatility, creativity, and ability to work with the different technical aspects of The Barn. Amy started out as a pre-school teacher easily transitioning into a stay-at-home mom, where she became the head chairperson for the Ryerson Fun Fair several years in a row as well as volunteered for various programs, schools, and sports organizations. Now settling into her new position as programming coordinator, she hopes to continue to use her knack for graphic design and artistic abilities to provide the best experience possible for everyone who participates in The Barn’s programs and events.
Alyssa Bartone
Summer Camp & General Staff
Alyssa is a graduate of DHHS and is on her way to a Degree in Social Work at Central Connecticut University. Initially she started at the barn as a volunteer for one of its musicals, but fell in love with the kids and atmosphere that The Barn provides. She now works full time in the summer as a Summer camp First Aider/Instructor and during the school year she fills various positions in the productions and general programming.
Erika Klaskin
Media Coordinator
Erika, the embodiment of a disney princess, is a triple threat actress who is a former attendee of The Barn's programs and shows. She graduated from DHHS and from Pace University, then traveled the world with a small troupe of actors this last summer. Besides sharing the latest news about The Barn to the community, Erika often directs our MadBarn Minis program that gives our younger aspiring actors a chance to perform.
Find us
The Madison Arts Barn
8 Campus Dr. Madison, CT 06443
203-245-2689