Anacostia Playhouse

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Theater Alliance’S DAY OF ABSENCE

 

 

 

Thank You

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Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Words cannot express how truly grateful and humbled we are by the sheer volume of support and care we have received over the past few days. When we returned to the Playhouse the day after Christmas to discover we had been burgled, it was a blow. Not only did we have to process the physical shock of being victims of a crime, we were faced with the harsh realities that come with a break-in. As with all nonprofits, resources are limited, and the financial and tangible losses were significant. 

We have spent over five amazing years Anacostia. It is both our work and home. And it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience and the best community we could wish for with our Ward 8 neighbors being partners and friends. In no way will this incident will disrupt our ability to bring quality arts programming to the community. We will continue to be a home for performers, theater companies and all artists to showcase their craft. 

We are so honored that so many amazing people thought enough of us to give so generously of their time and money. Please know that every cent of the funds raised will be used thoughtfully and responsibly. Your gift will not only replace everything was stolen but will allow us to make security improvements, install new doors and come back better than ever.  

So from the entire Anacostia Playhouse family—everyone who performs, designs, works, and volunteers—thank you. Thanks to you, the show will go on! 

Adele Robey

Anacostia Playhouse presents Black Nativity December 14- January 5

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BLACK NATIVITY
directed by Stephawn Stephens
Black Nativity is the Afro-centric retelling of the birth of Christ through exuberant Gospel music and Modern dance.
Opening: December 14, 2019
Closing: January 5, 2020
Thursday matinees and evening shows, Friday and Saturday evening shows, and Saturday and Sunday matinees through the holiday season.
For tickets, click here.
For group prices, please call 202-290-2328

Silenced Voices: Anacostia Playhouse New Works Festival 2019 Submission

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Silenced Voices

EXTENDED DEADLINE: November 15

The Anacostia Playhouse is seeking new and non-produced 10-minute plays for its annual new works series. Selected playwrights will have the opportunity to work with a professional director and actors to prepare for the final staged reading or performance.

Play submissions should address the prompt: What happens when a city loses its soul?

We ask playwrights to ponder the themes of displacement and its effect on the residents of Anacostia and neighborhoods East of the River. As residents are displaced, what does a city lose? What voices are at a threat of being silenced today?

Shine a spotlight on the silenced voices. What has made this neighborhood? Maybe it’s Go-Go Music; maybe it’s the special cuisine that was once sold at a neighborhood cornerstone; and maybe it’s the people themselves who built an amazing culture and city. Or maybe it’s something else entirely.

 

The guidelines:

 

The play should be short: 10-15 minutes

The play should have no more than 4 characters

The play should focus on neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River

 

EXTENDED DEADLINE: November 15

 

Submit online at

Anacostia Playhouse New Works Festival 2019

Shakespeare for the Young presents Adventures in Arden October 19

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Based on Shakespeare’s As You Like It, Adventures in Arden been created by Shakespeare For The Young as an interactive show for 3 to 10 year olds.

Children are introduced to a puppet of William Shakespeare, who helps start the story. Large bodied puppets, small hand-held puppets, and shadow puppets help tell the story of unkindness turned to love. Set in Africa, the story takes place in both city and country, in particular in the healing forest of Arden where love between two people blossoms and forgiveness between two sets of brothers takes place. Aided by interactive play with the audience, the actors engage children’s imaginations through Shakespeare’s words, using music of many African instruments as an additional medium. A short workshop for the children follows the play. Children use their bodies and voices to explore the rhythms and beats they heard in Shakespeare’s language during the play.

This is a free event open to the public.

October 19 @ 10:30 AM at Anacostia Playhouse

November 9 @ 10:30 AM at Anacostia Playhouse

 

For more information on Shakespeare for the Young, click here. 

The Welders present: the earth, that is sufficient

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November 2019

Part theatre, part ritual, and part epic journey, the earth, that is sufficient is a contemplative inquiry into the precarity of human relationships to extraction, consumption, and power. the earth, that is sufficient is an iterative performance project that conceptualizes theatre-making as an ecology, and asks audiences to consider the braided legacy of our past and the infinite possibilities we might stitch into a shared future.

The iterative performance project is told through the eyes of Lucy, the australopithecus, the 3.2 million year old hominid fossil. She speaks of the earth’s vast history and her relationship to lands, place, and time. With her, we wonder, “when a body has been turned into an object, where does it find rest?”

Learn more about the project’s history, the creative team,  and upcoming performances at www.sufficientearth.com. 
the earth, that is sufficient is a collaborative, emergent process.
Process design by Annalisa Dias and mia susan amir, with contributions by Eric Swartz
Original content created by Annalisa Dias, mia susan amir, Nina Budabin McQuown, Cecilia Cackley, Sanam Emami, DeLesslin George-Warren, Kara Turner, Melissa Strova Valencia.
Tickets on sale soon!

Anacostia Playhouse Seeks an Events Manager

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JOB POSTING

Anacostia Playhouse Seeks Events Manager

The Events Manager will serve as the on call person for evening and weekend events at Anacostia Playhouse. They will serve as the coordinator between the executive director and renting companies, and will be present for events held at the Playhouse as necessary. In addition, they will provide box office assistance and support as needed to rental companies.

Essential Job Tasks
– Providing keys or entry to renters
– Presence at the playhouse for events and functions
– Providing support for renters throughout events
– Ensuring theater is properly locked up at the end of events
– Providing some box office help
Qualifications
– Some theater familiarity
– Evening and weekend availability
– Punctuality
– Some box office experience preferred, but not required

Pay: $15/hr
Will be called on evenings and weekends, depending on Playhouse schedule. As much advance notice as possible will be provided.

To apply, please send resume and cover letter to natasha.anacostiaplayhouse@gmail.com

AUDITIONS: Black Nativity October 17-19, 2019

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Anacostia Playhouse NON-UNION Auditions October 17-19, 2019
BLACK NATIVITY
directed by Stephawn Stevens
Black Nativity is the Afro-centric retelling of the birth of Christ through exuberant Gospel music and Modern dance. Singers should be familiar with traditional and contemporary styles of Gospel Music.
Anacostia Playhouse seeks an ensemble of singers that move well and have acting experience. We are looking for performers that can blend and harmonize with others plus hold their own as a soloist. The piece is very ensemble in nature.
Also seeking dancers with technique in classical ballet and modern dance.
You should also be able to sing.
If you would like to be seen please submit your preferred audition time and date, as well as your headshot and resume in pdf format to natasha.anacostiaplayhouse@gmail.com. In the subject line please put BLACK NATIVITY – SUBMISSION.
Anacostia Playhouse compensates all employees with a stipend for the rehearsal and run.
NON-UNION LOCAL HIRES ONLY.
Auditions will be:
October 17th from 5pm-9pm Dancers/Singers call
October 18th from 5pm-9pm Dancers/Singers call
October 19th from 10am-2pm Singers only
Call backs October 25-26
Location of auditions/callbacks TBD
Singers prepare:
A one-minute contemporary monologue.
An Up-tempo Gospel selection.
A standard Gospel selection.
There will be a pianist to accompany.
Dancers prepare:
A combination highlighting your skill set in ballet and modern no longer than 3 minutes. Music should be prerecorded. You will be asked to sing 32 measures of a Gospel song.
A CD player will be available.
First Rehearsal: November 4, 2019
First Preview: December 11, 2019
Opening: December 14, 2019
Closing: January 5, 2020

 

A Nite at the Dew Drop Inn August 31- September 21

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Anacostia Playhouse presents A Nite at the Dew Drop Inn

Directed by Stephawn Stephens

Music Direction by William Knowles

August 31- September 21

For tickets click here.

DC Theatre Scene Interview with Stephawn Stephens on working with castmate Jacquelyn Hawkins

DC Theatre Scene Reivew: “The blues take center stage during Anacostia Playhouse’s relentlessly engaging revue, A Nite at the Dew Drop Inn. For one all-too-brief night (the show flies by in about 75 minutes), six talented performers assemble, under the direction of Stephawn Stephens, to bring back to life a swanky historical New Orleans nightclub, known locally as “The Drop,” which welcomed all, catered particularly to African-American audiences during segregated times and, in its heyday, hosted everyone from Otis Redding to Ray Charles (Little Richard even wrote a song about the place)”

 

 

Let the good times roll as you experience a raunchy, raucous night of song filled with laughter, high jinks, and tears of joy. This fun-filled musical journey will take you on a ride of those Unforgettable moments of that first date, first kiss, the one that got away, or maybe the one you kicked to the curb!  A Nite at the Dew Drop Inn is a musical celebration and tribute to the Juke Joint, to those iconic nightspots that were known for good food, music and maybe a little trouble (if you weren’t careful). This cabaret-style presentation highlights themes of love found, love lost and love renewed. It features songs made famous by Big Mama Thorton, Fats Waller, Etta James, and Dinah Washington, just to name a few.

 

About Stephawn Stephens

Stephawn P. Stephens has become a recognizable presence, as a local actor, singer, and director in the Metropolitan area theater scene.  He is a native of Cleveland, Ohio and received his formal training at the Karamu House, Cleveland State University, majoring in English and Music Education and Bowie State University completing his studies in Musical Theater/Acting.

In his professional endeavors, Mr. Stephens has performed at several local and well-known venues such as Arena Stage, African Continuum Theater Company, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Ford’s Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, Round House Theatre, Theater Alliance, Theater J, Signature Theatre and Woolly Mammoth.  He has been a member of Actors Equity Association since 2004. He is currently the Lower School Music Teacher at Creative Minds International PCS.

Throughout his career, Mr. Stephens has developed his craft, gained invaluable knowledge and experience in theater and education. He believes in cultivating an atmosphere where undiscovered talent is trained and perfected.  While building partnerships within the community through volunteering and his faithfulness to his church, Mr. Stephens has been touted by his peers as a “game changer”.  He strives to help build and motivate cross-functional teams that exceed worldly expectations and marries passion to purpose

 

About William Knowles

William Knowles is originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended Howard University and the

University of Massachusetts and now lives in Washington, DC. As a composer, arranger, music director

and pianist, he has worked at regional theaters around the country, including Dallas Theater Center,

Philadelphia Theatre Company, Arena Stage, Northlight (Chicago), CenterStage (Baltimore), Indiana

Repertory Theater, and the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, where he has performed in eight different

productions. He has received five Helen Hayes nominations for Musical Direction, winning twice.

Offstage he has released seven jazz CDs with music partner Mark Saltman. Their latest release is titled

Almost (SaltmanKnowles.com).

 

ON STAGE

Sherice Payne

Yvette Spears

Jacquelyn Hawkins

Marcel Worrell Miller

Robert Person

Rodni Williams

 

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION STAFF                         

Set Design: Megan Holden

Lighting Design: Willie J. Blakeney, Jr

Costume Design: Alison Johnson

Choreography: Rodni Williams

 

Stage Manager: Monica Cook

Production Manager: Rachel Walsh

Pianist: DeAndre Shaifer

The Phyllis Hyman Experience presented by LA Young Entertainment, LLC & The All About the Drama Theatre Group August 23- 25

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Anacostia Playhouse – August 23 – 25, 2019

LA Young Entertainment, LLC & The All About the Drama Theatre Group Present: The Phyllis Hyman Experience, directed by Ella C. Davis

Join us for an unforgettable weekend, Friday, August 23 – Sunday, August 25 (3 performances only) at the Anacostia Playhouse as Ms. LA Young and the Unusual Suspects engage you from 1977 to 1995, the career path of the late Phyllis Hyman.  The Phyllis Hyman Experience is not just a tribute concert but a musical biography bridging the gap between concert and theater; a blend of music, visual and theatrical arts.  LA Young’s performance will dazzle you, leaving you with wonderful memories of the artistry and legacy of Phyllis Hyman.

Meet LA Young:

LA Young is an international recording artist.  LA’s song “No One Can Love You More” continues to top the UK FM soul/jazz charts for several months at number 2.

Known to Grammy winning recording stars around the world as “The Voice,” grew up in the midst of a musical revolution in 1980’ Ohio; the epicenter of Funk-a-fusion of Jazz, RU&B, Rock and Blues—Funk defines so much of LA’s core raised on bands including Cameo, the Ohio Players, Lakeside, Slave and Dazzband.  But it was not just Funk, she was heavily influenced by Motown and Pop.

LA has been described as Chaka Kahn meets Phyllis Hyman.  Phyllis, however, is LA’s alter ego; a contralto, who possesses a haunting similarity to Hyman whose vocal range, timbre and love of ballads with lyrics tug at your heart.  L.A has recorded in the studio with members of the great jazz band, Pieces of a Dream.  In addition to touring and performing at Jazz, R&B and Funk Festivals across the nation, LA chose to premiere this phenomenal production of The Phyllis Hyman Experience as a benefit performance in April at the Langston Hughes Community Center in Baltimore, MD, on behalf of the Youth Education Services Initiative, a core mission of the Center.  We’re excited about the next stop on the touring schedule being in the DMV at the Anacostia Playhouse.

For tickets, click here.

3 performances only!  – August 23-25, 2019

Friday & Sat at 8:00 p.m.

Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

Adult Gen – $35

VIP – $45 – Includes Hosted Reception and Signed Event Tee Shirt following Fri & Sat performances.

A Nite at the Dew Drop Inn Auditions May 29 & June 2

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ANACOSTIA PLAYHOUSE AUDITIONS

Anacostia Playhouse is casting for A Nite at the Dew Drop Inn

A Nite at the Dew Drop Inn is a musical celebration and tribute to the “Juke Joint”. These iconic nightspots were known for Good Food, Music, Drinking and Gambling for African Americans that were not permitted to attend white establishments due to Jim Crow laws. This cabaret-style presentation highlights themes of Love Found, Love Lost and to Love Again. It features songs made famous by Big Mama Thorton, Fats Waller, Etta James, and Dinah Washington just to name a few.

Seeking singer/actor, singer/musician and singer/dancer types (piano, drums, bass or guitar). This group of performers forms the Juke Joint house band. This is a PAID opportunity.

Please prepare a short monologue and two contrasting songs from R&B, Gospel, Jazz, and or the “Juke Joint’ era. Bring sheet music in your key. Bring a current headshot and resume.

First rehearsal August 5, 2019
First Preview August 29
The show runs August 31 – September 21, 2019. Shows will be Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday matinee and evening, and Sunday matinees.

Auditions: May 29 5 PM – 9 PM

June 2 5 PM – 9 PM

Callbacks: June 16 5 PM – 9 PM

While this audition will be an open call and we will see walk ins, scheduling an audition appointment is preferable. Please email your headshot, resume, and preferred audition slot to natasha.anacostiaplayhouse@gmail.com

All auditions and callbacks will take place at Anacostia Playhouse (2020 Shannon Place SE, Washington, D.C., 20020)

American Moor

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We are so excited to announce the return in January 2019 of American Moor

Written and Performed by Keith Hamilton Cobb

Directed by Kim Weild

What is the role of a lifetime? What is the role of a life?

Playwright/performer, Keith Hamilton Cobb directed by Drama Desk nominee, Kim Weild , uses his love of language and 30 years of experience in the American theatre to explore Shakespeare, race, and America, not necessarily in that order.  His 85-minute award-winning play, American Moor, that considers the dilemma of a seasoned African-American thespian auditioning for a role fraught with racial animus, Othello, is an unapologetic peer into a hindering industry irony that stands as metaphor for our most pressing societal condition: a white culture dictating rules of conduct to a non-white one from an often inadvertent place of privilege.  Cobb, with a facility for poetry entertains, and with the pathos of a veteran tragedian engages while asking questions that demand answers, and answering questions that too seldom get asked.

 American Moor  had its first staged reading in March of 2013 under the direction of Brent Buell. It had its first public performance under the direction of Paul Kwame Johnson at Westchester Community College in November of 2013 as a presentation of the WCC Humanities Institute with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Between 2014 and the present it has had multiple presentations contributing to its development. Among the most notable of these were an 11-performance showcase produced by Phoenix Theatre Ensemble at The Wild Project, Manhattan in April of 2015, directed by Paul Kwame Johnson; a production here at The Anacostia Playhouse in July of 2015, directed by Craig Wallace; and a joint production of O.W.I. (Bureau of Theatre) and Phoenix Theatre Ensemble at Boston Center for the Arts in July of 2017, directed by Kim Weild. The 2015 Phoenix Theatre Ensemble showcase garnered an AUDELCO Award for Outstanding Solo Performance. The Anacostia Playhouse production brought the play to the attention of The Folger Shakespeare Library, the script now a part of the library’s permanent collection. The O.W.I./Phoenix production in Boston earned two IRNE (Independent Reviewers of New England) Awards for Best Visiting Production Small Theatre, and Best Visiting Performer Small Theatre, and an Elliot Norton Award (Boston Theater Critics Association) for Outstanding Solo Performance.  Most recently  American Moor was presented on the stage of The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London, England.

If you missed it in 2015, do not miss it this time.  

For tickets, click here.  

To learn more about American Moor, please click here.

PWYC previews are January 9 and 10.

Post-show discussion will be Thursday January 17, January 24, and January 31. 

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