With August in the rearview mirror and fall around the corner, many local theater companies are getting their upcoming fall season ready for theatergoers. Arena Stage is no exception, as the DC-based theater company has announced its upcoming virtual schedule for the fall and winter months ahead.
The Arena Stage virtual season will feature over 70 online events and programs. This includes fall classes for all ages, masterclasses, a cabaret series and weekly conversations with artists and community members.
“Every moment in history is a transition and this has been monumental. Our world has already seen major changes in 2020—and when we find ourselves on the other end, we will be surprised at who we are,” said Artistic Director Molly Smith in a recent press release. “It’s been challenging and energizing to transform our thinking online since we can’t gather in the traditional ways, but pioneering too as we innovate.”
The local company will open its virtual programming with the world premiere of The 51st State on Wednesday, Sept. 16, Arena Stage’s third film in four months. This film was inspired by the Black Lives Matter protests following the murder of George Floyd and DC’s journey to become the 51st state. According to the company, the film features 10 stories from 10 local playwrights based on interviews with those impacted by these events.
The film premiere will also launch the third outing of Arena’s Supper Club. This program partners with local restaurants to deliver delicious dishes to your front door in time for the opening credits.
Arena Stage will also be opening its doors and welcoming guests for its socially distanced Cabaret Nights. Beginning this fall, guests will be able to join some of their favorite performers for a night of music that includes everything from Broadway to jazz.
This fall, The Forum for Cultural Engagement will be pairing with the Lubimovka Young Playwrights Festival, the center for Modern Drama in Yekaterinburg and the United States Embassy in Moscow to present FLASH ACTS. The six-day online festival will feature short plays by both American and Russian playwrights. The festival will start on Thursday, Oct. 8 and will feature plays in both Russian and English.
After this virtual season, Arena Stage plans to welcome back patrons for live, in-person performances starting in 2021.
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