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The Theatre Lab is turning 30! Please help us celebrate by sharing your Theatre Lab story.
Here’s ours, in a nutshell:
In 1992 Buzz Mauro and Deb Gottesman got their MFAs in acting from Catholic University, taught a brief acting class to five students in a borrowed office space in Alexandria, brought their friend Michael Rodgers on to help them incorporate as a nonprofit that would offer rigorous training in a fun and nurturing environment, and suddenly – 30 years later – The Theatre Lab is the area’s largest theatre school, and one of the largest in the country.
In those three decades, Washington has changed just a bit. Creative industries have more than doubled their contribution to the area economy, and the Washington theatre community has grown from about 20 professional theatres to about 80 – hopefully putting to rest that old rumor that this town is all about politics. The Theatre Lab’s annual enrollment has ballooned to more than 2,600. Many of those students take our acting classes to have fun, develop confidence, and/or pursue careers in the theatre. Many come to us through our Life Stories program, which elevates the voices of vulnerable people through our partnerships with more than 20 area nonprofits, and some come to learn how to do that kind of training in their own communities. And many participate on scholarships that our generous community makes possible – $120,000+ each year for our youth programs alone. We’ve come a long way!
What’s your Theatre Lab story? We are asking our incredible family of students, teachers, supporters, and partners to tell us how The Theatre Lab has touched your life. Whether you took a class that helped you land your dream role, or you learned to overcome shyness while doing improv, we want to hear from you! Have a story you'd like to share? Tell it to us here.
Throughout 2022, we’ll feature some of your submissions on our website and on social media.
Even more to come!
Over the next month or so, we’ll share more details about our 30th anniversary – including our monumental April production of King Lear – which brings together faculty, Honors alumni, and current students into one fantastic ensemble to tell this dramatic tale outdoors, lit by flashlights. We’ll go behind the scenes on the making of Blood Brothers, our first full-length show to be performed in our 900 Massachusetts Avenue NW location. We’ll feature exciting alumni events and some intimate conversations with the faculty and staff. Plus a few more surprises that we look forward to sharing with you in the weeks ahead.
" ["post_title"]=> string(24) "The Theatre Lab Turns 30" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(24) "the-theatre-lab-turns-30" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2022-01-10 12:56:17" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-01-10 17:56:17" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(31) "https://theatrelab.org/?p=49344" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [1]=> object(WP_Post)#12815 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(48912) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "2" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2021-12-02 12:50:05" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2021-12-02 17:50:05" ["post_content"]=> string(2230) "Last month, The Theatre Lab’s Cabaret Benefit brought together hundreds of friends and supporters for our annual Cabaret Benefit + Auction. While things may have looked a little different this year -- guests wearing masks, QR codes on auction items, at-home audiences enjoying dinner from Pizzeria Paradiso, and the new in-person venue, The Schuyler -- the event was a welcome return to a fun, fabulous gathering that attendees love! We watched talented young artists perform live on stage and honored the contributions of Maria Manuela Goyanes, Artistic Director of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company to DC's theatre community.
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors including Locke Lord, Nelson Mullins, United Therapeutics, RSM, The Rotary Club of Washington, DC, and all of the donors who supported the event, The Theatre Lab raised $233,000 -- exceeding our stretch goal for the evening. In this moment, when resources are scarce and community need is great, this is more meaningful than ever.
We are so grateful for your help in making sure the benefits of theatre education remain accessible to all.
Visit our event and step and repeat image galleries to view and download photos from the evening.
Feeling generous? Make an end of year gift to support The Theatre Lab.
Photo Caption: The view from two at-home Cabaret parties.
Featured photo by Ryan Maxwell Photography.
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Over the course of six weeks, Theatre Lab Life Stories teaching artists worked with members of Life Pieces to Masterpieces, whose mission is to use artistic expression to develop character and leadership, unlock potential, and prepare African American boys and young men to transform their lives and communities.
Life Stories instructors led improvisation and idea-generating theatre and writing exercises to enable participants to craft stories based on their own experiences. Then, using the Life Stories methodology, including exploring character, story development, and collaboration, to create scenes and monologues that the young men performed. Watch this video to learn more about this partnership.
Learn how to lead a Life Stories program. Gain the skills and take this creative training back to your own organization. Attend the Life Stories Institute January 20-23, 2022.
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- The faculty: Each summer The Theatre Lab’s youth faculty members bring energy, creativity, and extensive teaching experience to the classroom every day.
- The campers: From our youngest campers who are entering 1st grade (Bravos) through our 8th grades (Grand Finales), we love catching up with our returning students and meeting new friends while making theatre together.
- We're putting together a dazzling season of plays, musicals, camps and training opportunities!
Watch this space for a season announcement in the next few weeks!
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This month, we’ll unveil our Winter 2022 semester offerings -- and we’re thrilled to share programming that truly celebrates our 30th anniversary!
Get Ready for High Drama Roles
Our ever-popular classes that culminate in full performances will be more exciting than ever this winter and spring.
Students in Creating a Role will have the opportunity to perform in a daring and innovative production of one of the great masterpieces of world theatre: King Lear. (Theatre Lab Co-Executive Director Buzz Mauro calls Lear the world's greatest play, certainly his favorite Shakespeare, and "a ride and a half" for anyone lucky enough to perform in it, which he's done twice.) The production, directed by Theatre Lab and DC theatre favorite Michael Russotto, will take place outdoors - rain or shine - and will be lit entirely by flashlights. Much of the play takes place in a storm, so we might actually hope for rain for once! And it's a chance to share the stage with a Theatre Lab faculty member (name to be released soon!) and graduates of the Honors Acting Conservatory. No Shakespeare experience will be required.
And if musicals are your thing, you'll want to be part of Blood Brothers. It's one of those "if you know, you know" kind of shows, with a devoted cult following ever since its premiere in the early 80s with Shaun and David Cassidy in the leads. It's a gorgeous story with great music, and it will be our first show in the theatre in our new space - the theatre we share with our partners the Washington Stage Guild. The show will be directed by Theatre Lab Co-Executive Director Deb Gottesman, and it's going to be one to remember.
Auditions for Creating a Musical Role and Creating a Role will take place in mid-to-late December 2021. We'll start reserving audition slots when classes go on sale, which will happen very soon. Check back.
Be a Part of Classes for All Experience Levels
We remain committed to providing extraordinary learning opportunities for actors and artists at any point in their performance journey. This session will offer beginner level classes including Intro to Acting and Beginning Scene Study, as well as more specialized technique courses for actors seeking to deepen their craft. Be sure to check out our on-camera classes too. Classes will go on sale soon.
" ["post_title"]=> string(36) "2022 Classes Make the Season Bright!" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(35) "2022-classes-make-the-season-bright" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2021-12-02 19:27:51" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2021-12-03 00:27:51" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(31) "https://theatrelab.org/?p=48893" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [5]=> object(WP_Post)#12811 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(48868) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "2" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2021-11-30 17:03:57" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2021-11-30 22:03:57" ["post_content"]=> string(4982) "The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts seeks experienced Finance and Operations Manager to join its dynamic team.
Founded to make the artistic, personal, and professional benefits of high-quality dramatic arts instruction accessible to adults and youth in the Washington metropolitan area, The Theatre Lab provides exceptional theatre education to students from beginners to professionals in a setting that strives to be antiracist, equitable, and culturally aware; generous need-based scholarships that remove economic barriers to community participation; and innovative drama outreach to traditionally underserved youth, adult, and senior populations.
POSITION:
The Finance and Operations Manager oversees the day-to-day financial and administrative operations of The Theatre Lab, a non-profit organization with an annual budget of 1.5M. This position is responsible for managing all accounting and banking functions for the organization, and works closely with the Co-Executive Directors to generate and track budgets for both internal and external reporting. In addition, the Finance and Operations Manager is responsible for human resource management and performs other administrative duties as assigned.
This is a full-time position that reports directly to the Co-Executive Directors.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Finance-
- Manage the overall accounting and bookkeeping for the organization (in QuickBooks), including accounts payable and receivable, inventory and capital assets, banking, and payroll functions
- Maintain student payment plans
- Work closely with the Co-Executive Director in charge of Development to handle revenue for all development initiatives, including but not limited to monitoring all grant budgets and grant-related financial information, processing and tracking all forms of donations, tracking use of restricted funds, producing revenue reports, and processing income from fundraising events, including major annual gala
- Allocate administrative overhead to classes and programs
- Work with CPA firm to coordinate annual financial audits and oversee Form 990 reports
- Work with Executive Directors to facilitate the annual budget process
- Provide monthly and quarterly financial reporting and analysis of financial statements, including statement of activities, fund balance, and sources/uses of funds, to the Co-Executive Directors and the Board of Directors
- Serve as staff liaison to the Board Finance Committee, coordinating meetings and taking minutes
Operations-
- Oversee office management including, but not limited to, telephone and internet services, connecting with building management, postage and UPS services, copier and all lease equipment
- Analyze and organize office operations and procedures to increase efficiency and productivity
- Work with payroll company to coordinate payroll for Theatre Lab staff, faculty and contractors
- Maintain updated contracts for employees
- Coordinate healthcare and other benefits for FT staff
- Respond to Department of Labor and IRS requests
- Track employee leave
- Request, pay, and follow up to obtain licenses for theatrical productions
- Work with providers to maintain appropriate D&O, Liability, Workers’ Comp and other insurance
- Provide administrative assistance, including oversight of contracts and management of vendor accounts and relationships
- Work with a team of staff members to meet organization’s strategic objectives
- Provide office support as needed, including: answering phones, taking course registrations and providing customer service, and other duties as assigned by the Co-Executive Directors
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- A flexible, creative, entrepreneurial spirit and a demonstrated passion for the mission and vision of The Theatre Lab
- Exceptional analytical and organizational skills
- Excellent interpersonal and networking skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated proficiency in QuickBooks and Excel
- Experience working with diverse constituents, teams and colleagues
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Proven project management skills
- Alignment with The Theatre Lab’s commitment to social justice and antiracism
- Substantial professional experience with arts/education administration and/or nonprofit management, including bookkeeping, financial reporting, and payroll,
Salary Range: $50,000-$60,000 commensurate with experience + exceptional benefits
Email deb@theatrelab.org to apply.
" ["post_title"]=> string(42) "NOW HIRING: Finance and Operations Manager" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(41) "now-hiring-finance-and-operations-manager" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2021-12-02 19:32:30" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2021-12-03 00:32:30" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(31) "https://theatrelab.org/?p=48868" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [6]=> object(WP_Post)#13129 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(48337) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "2" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2021-11-03 00:01:24" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2021-11-03 04:01:24" ["post_content"]=> string(344) "The Theatre Lab is grateful to have received the following grants in October: $25,000 from The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation for general operating support and $5,000 from the Cummins-Levenstein Foundation in support of youth scholarships. Our work would not be possible without the support of our wonderful foundation partners!
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The Theatre Lab welcomes five new board members this fall, our largest incoming "class" ever.
Julie Lloyd has taken many Theatre Lab classes and played major roles in many of our productions. She brings to the Board years of expertise as a digital communications, research, advocacy, and strategic planning consultant. Liz Whisnant is the principal of Horace Mann Elementary School and hopes to help The Theatre Lab expand our work with DC public schools, as does Amana Simmons, an accomplished attorney who has specialized in advocating for the rights of employees. Gil Gallagher has taught at the Field School (where Deb attended high school and Buzz used to teach) for 18 years, and brings a special interest in learner-centered design and integration of DEI work in the classroom. Rae Vann, whose husband Roger recently served on the Board and whose children Chad and Mozelle have participated in many Theatre Lab programs, offers her skills as an attorney specializing in labor and employment law, and her enthusiasm as one of The Theatre Lab's most valued supporters and advocates.
And we are sad to lose Lisa Brown from the Board, but proud to report that she has just been confirmed by the Senate as General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Education. Lisa's son Phil Cullen has been one our most active participants in summer youth programs for many years, and Lisa's support and guidance on the Board will be greatly missed--though she'll always be part of the Theatre Lab family.
" ["post_title"]=> string(48) "The Theatre Lab welcomes five new board members!" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(47) "the-theatre-lab-welcomes-five-new-board-members" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2021-10-14 19:35:51" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2021-10-14 19:35:51" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(31) "https://theatrelab.org/?p=42058" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [9]=> object(WP_Post)#12973 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(42018) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "2" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2021-10-07 20:30:38" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2021-10-07 20:30:38" ["post_content"]=> string(2960) "Updated: As of October 15, 2021, this position has been filled.
NOW HIRING: Event Associate, The Theatre Lab
Join The Theatre Lab for a temporary position: This role will support The Theatre Lab as we prepare for fall events, including our biggest fundraiser of the year, the Cabaret Benefit on November 14 at The Schuyler.
Schedule and Compensation: 13 hours per week, $15.20 per hour (in-person). Most work will take place between 9am-5pm, M-F.
NOTE: During the week of November 8-14, up to an additional 15 hours may be required, including evenings on weekdays and the weekend.
Primary Job Location: 900 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Full COVID vaccination and the ability to work on Sunday, November 14 is required.
The ability to lift up to 30 pounds is also required for this role.
Cabaret Duties May Include:
- Take inventory of event materials and make recommendations based on quality
- Prep printed materials, decor, and swag for event guests
- Print and assemble name tags, guest lists, and other materials as needed
- Provide support for pick-up and delivery of event materials and auction items
- Photograph auction items
- Guest relations and auction assistance prior to and during event
- Package items for both transport and delivery
Development Duties May Include:
- Follow up with guests on required information including vaccine cards, menu options, etc.
- Enter table assignments and donation information into Handbid software
- Communicate/follow up with sponsors and hosts as needed
- Help draft and assemble thank-you letters post-event
Marketing Job Duties May Include:
- Promote educational programming on Actors’ Center and TheatreWashington websites
- Promote public performances on TheatreWashington website
- Use established templates to make programs for public performances
The ideal candidate will:
- Be a good communicator with an eye for detail
- Have some photography/styling experience (to photograph still auction objects in a pleasing way)
- Ability to treat objects with care and package delicate items securely for transport
- Follow instructions carefully, and keep clear records of their work
- Have an interest in events and/or nonprofit arts organizations
TO APPLY: Please send your resume and a cover letter that lets us know why you’d like to work with us this fall and if you have any skills that specifically relate to the job description that would make you a good candidate. Email materials to marketing@theatrelab.org.
" ["post_title"]=> string(55) "We're hiring: Join us this fall as our Event Associate!" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(15) "event-associate" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2021-10-18 18:58:28" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2021-10-18 18:58:28" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(31) "https://theatrelab.org/?p=42018" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } } ["post_count"]=> int(10) ["current_post"]=> int(-1) ["in_the_loop"]=> bool(false) ["post"]=> object(WP_Post)#12816 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(49344) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "2" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2022-01-06 10:29:03" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-01-06 15:29:03" ["post_content"]=> string(2779) "The Theatre Lab is turning 30! Please help us celebrate by sharing your Theatre Lab story.
Here’s ours, in a nutshell:
In 1992 Buzz Mauro and Deb Gottesman got their MFAs in acting from Catholic University, taught a brief acting class to five students in a borrowed office space in Alexandria, brought their friend Michael Rodgers on to help them incorporate as a nonprofit that would offer rigorous training in a fun and nurturing environment, and suddenly – 30 years later – The Theatre Lab is the area’s largest theatre school, and one of the largest in the country.
In those three decades, Washington has changed just a bit. Creative industries have more than doubled their contribution to the area economy, and the Washington theatre community has grown from about 20 professional theatres to about 80 – hopefully putting to rest that old rumor that this town is all about politics. The Theatre Lab’s annual enrollment has ballooned to more than 2,600. Many of those students take our acting classes to have fun, develop confidence, and/or pursue careers in the theatre. Many come to us through our Life Stories program, which elevates the voices of vulnerable people through our partnerships with more than 20 area nonprofits, and some come to learn how to do that kind of training in their own communities. And many participate on scholarships that our generous community makes possible – $120,000+ each year for our youth programs alone. We’ve come a long way!
What’s your Theatre Lab story? We are asking our incredible family of students, teachers, supporters, and partners to tell us how The Theatre Lab has touched your life. Whether you took a class that helped you land your dream role, or you learned to overcome shyness while doing improv, we want to hear from you! Have a story you'd like to share? Tell it to us here.
Throughout 2022, we’ll feature some of your submissions on our website and on social media.
Even more to come!
Over the next month or so, we’ll share more details about our 30th anniversary – including our monumental April production of King Lear – which brings together faculty, Honors alumni, and current students into one fantastic ensemble to tell this dramatic tale outdoors, lit by flashlights. We’ll go behind the scenes on the making of Blood Brothers, our first full-length show to be performed in our 900 Massachusetts Avenue NW location. We’ll feature exciting alumni events and some intimate conversations with the faculty and staff. Plus a few more surprises that we look forward to sharing with you in the weeks ahead.
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Jan 06
The Theatre Lab Turns 30
The Theatre Lab is turning 30! Please help us celebrate by sharing your Theatre Lab story. Here’s ours, in a nutshell: In 1992 Buzz Mauro and Deb Gottesman got th... -
Dec 02
Relive the Excitement: 2021 Cabaret Benefit
Last month, The Theatre Lab’s Cabaret Benefit brought together hundreds of friends and supporters for our annual Cabaret Benefit + Auction. While things may have lo... -
Dec 02
Life Stories Partners with Life Pieces to Masterpieces
“Words have power,” says David Adams, a young man who participated in The Theatre Lab’s Life Stories program this fall with nonprofit partner, Life Pieces to Ma... -
Dec 01
The Top Three Reasons We’re Excited About Youth Programs
It may be cold outside, but we’re already thinking about summer camp. For 2022, you can count on engaging, creative acting camps that parents and kids love! While w... -
Dec 01
2022 Classes Make the Season Bright!
This month, we’ll unveil our Winter 2022 semester offerings -- and we’re thrilled to share programming that truly celebrates our 30th anniversary! Get Ready for ... -
Nov 30
NOW HIRING: Finance and Operations Manager
The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts seeks experienced Finance and Operations Manager to join its dynamic team. Founded to make the artistic, personal, and pr... -
Nov 03
November 2021: Development News
The Theatre Lab is grateful to have received the following grants in October: $25,000 from The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation for general operating support a... -
Oct 14
The Theatre Lab welcomes five new board members!
The Theatre Lab welcomes five new board members this fall, our largest incoming "class" ever. Julie Lloyd has taken many Theatre Lab classes and played major roles... -
Oct 07
We’re hiring: Join us this fall as our Event Associate!
Updated: As of October 15, 2021, this position has been filled. NOW HIRING: Event Associate, The Theatre Lab Join The Theatre Lab for a temporary position: This...
