I think it's fair to say that the world we live in is changing. In times like these, we often turn to the arts to help us make sense of it all. Theatre expands our understanding of the world and our place in it, comforts us in troubling times, and offers a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard. That's why one thing that will never change is Studio Theatre's commitment to producing provocative, uncompromising plays that explore and celebrate our common humanity. 

This season, we introduced you to a diverse array of fascinating characters, some pitted against profound institutional forces, others simply looking for connection and hope in the face of life and loss. Next season will be no different.  

We’ll open in the fall with The Heart Sellers, a funny, poignant story about two immigrants finding friendship in a hostile world. Then we’ll introduce you to an eccentric, ferocious family facing the perils of growing up gay in the late twentieth century DC suburbs with Mother Play: A Play in Five Evictions by Paula Vogel (How I Learned to Drive). I’m excited to be directing Octet, a musical about the human cost of our relationship with technology played exclusively on the oldest musical instrument that exists: the human voice. Jonah, one of Off Broadway’s buzziest new plays, torques time and reality to bring you a tender and surprising story about trauma and trust. And then Purlie Victorious brilliantly uses the cover of madcap comedy to take a look at the long, ugly shadow of slavery. (There’s one more show to be announced in our main stage series; although we can’t divulge the title just yet, we know our audiences will truly enjoy it.) And in a special presentation, The Unfair Advantage, renowned close-up magician Harry Milas will offer an extraordinary experience: part magic show, part peek into the world of card cheating, with an audience limited to 35 people per performance. 

Just as Studio remains steadfast in our artistic vision, we also remain fully invested in theatre’s future. In addition to hosting the second year of our Fellows-in-Residence Program, we also have plans brewing to showcase some exciting new works-in-process. We can’t divulge details just yet, but our new work incubator Studio R&D will continue to nurture rising stars of the theatre world. Our student matinee program will also continue, giving local youth an experience with live professional theatre they might never have otherwise. 

At Studio, we do what we do because we believe that it matters, that confrontational and fearless art has intrinsic value, and so we intend to continue producing theatre that challenges assumptions and confronts difficult questions. We hope that you'll join us for another season of unforgettable theatre. I’ll see you there.