The Downtown Cabaret Theatre is an impressive example of the commitment to the downtown area. Originating from Sacred Heart University, where it achieved several successful seasons, the theatre company, led by Claude McNeal, made the move to the downtown area in 1975. Alexander Hawley, Samuel Hawley, Norwick Goodspeed, Mayor Nicholas Panuzio, Leete Doty and other business and civic leaders saw the importance of having a professional theatre company in the area. To make the move happen, the assembly room of the former YWCA was converted into a theatre, installing a balcony and air conditioning. The Downtown Cabaret Theatre has a long history of supporting the downtown area. After achieving several successful seasons at Sacred Heart University, the theatre company, under the artistic direction of Claude McNeal, moved to the downtown area in 1975. Alexander Hawley, Samuel Hawley, Norwick Goodspeed, Mayor Nicholas Panuzio, Leete Doty and other business and civic leaders were determined to make a professional theatre company part of the area. This included converting an assembly room of the former YWCA into a theatre, installing a balcony and air conditioning.