our story
Branford Parks &Shoreline Theatre Company started in the Spring
of 2018 as a discussion with The Branford Parks and
Recreation Department to try and fill a void in our community as
we felt more performing arts opportunities should be available
for people of all ages. Our first show, Hairspray, had a cast of 60 from
10 different towns ranging in age from 13-70.
We also offered a summer theatre camp experience for
2nd through 8th graders that concluded with performances
of Aladdin Jr. Due to the success of the summer theatre camp,
we then offered a Winter camp opportunity
with the production of Elf Jr. From the summer of 2018 to
the year our number of campers doubled, which allowed
us to have two completely separate casts for our productions
of Alice in Wonderland Jr.
Well, as they say, “The rest is history.” The CoVid-19 Pandemic
made us slow down and readjust. However, we celebrated our 5th Year Anniversary in January of 2023 with ‘You Can’t Stop The Beat’, a lookback at the past 14 shows we produced through songs and stories.
The community has been very supportive of us and we look forward to offering a wide array of shows with different sizes of cast members and immersive experiences for audiences in the future. We hope that Branford Parks & Recreation Shoreline Theatre Company continues to influence and inspire everyone that experiences a production with us whether it be onstage, behind the scenes or as a spectator.
Thank YOU for supporting THE ARTS!
- Mike Martone Jr. & Colin Sheehan
meet the founders
Our team is composed of passionate individuals who share a common goal - to bring the arts into our community. We are dedicated to providing high-quality performances for all ages and towns to enjoy.
Mike Martone Jr.
Co-Founder & Co-Artistic Director
Graduated from Branford High School in 2001 where he was fortunate to play in Crazy for You!, Lil’ Abner, and especially the role as Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls. He attended Western Connecticut State University where he obtained his B.S. in Music Education. Mike performed in several operas as a member of the WCSU Opera Ensemble. Credits include; Tamino in The Magic Flute, Don Basilio in The Marriage of Figaro, King Kasper in Amahl and the Night Visitors, as well as several others. Mr. Martone graduated with high honors and was awarded the Ruth P. DeVillafranca Certificate which is given to the most promising music educator as deemed by the music faculty. He also has his M.S. in Music Education from WCSU again graduating Magna Cum Laude. Mike also created and directed a summer music camp for young performers for the last several years as well as performed in a couple plays with a theater company himself.
Colin Sheehan
Co-Founder & Co-Artistic Director
Colin Sheehan is a local arts enthusiast and serves as the Arts, Culture & Special Events Coordinator for the Town of Branford, Director of The Branford High School Performing Arts’ Spring Musical, Producer of The Broadway Spotlight Series and Community Arts Coordinator at Legacy Theatre, and Co-Founder/Co-Artistic Director of Branford Parks and Recreation Shoreline Theatre Company. Prior to his current roles, Colin worked as an Associate Producer for the Tony and Olivier Award winning Seaview Productions. He graduated from Branford High School (2003) and continued his studies at Wagner College (2007) with a B.A. in Theatre and Speech Performance. In 2003, he made his Broadway debut in the closing night production of Les Misérables. In 1999, Colin appeared numerous times on “The Rosie O’Donnell Show” and remained in contact with the actress/comedian in college (and for a few years after graduating) before taking a position at “The Wendy Williams Show” for three seasons. Colin has produced, directed, hosted, and performed in the tristate area and abroad with Broadway Cruises, Nickelodeon Cruises, and R Family Vacations Cruises. Colin is a philanthropist and has hosted, produced and raised funds and awareness for many organizations in Branford and beyond. Colin is a proud Branford Community Foundation Board Member, Lions Club Member, Beacon Award Winner, BroadwayWorld nominated Director and Godfather to Claire Bear! For more information, visit: ColinSheehanEvents.com.