The Puppet Co. presents professionally produced puppet theater reflecting excellence in both performance and visual experience as a means to excite the public about the potential of puppetry. Our performances include our Main stage show, Tiny Tot program (for toddlers), as well as classes.The Puppet Co. presents professionally produced puppet theater reflecting excellence in both performance and visual experience as a means to excite the public about the potential of puppetry. Our performances include our Main stage show, Tiny Tot program (for toddlers), as well as classes.
is presented as part of YPT's New Writers Now series of student plays performed in a staged reading by professional actors, followed by community discussion. During the fall of 2009, YPT worked with over 580 students at 12 schools. Together they completed over 450 plays. Thirty-two of these plays were recommended for the reading committee, made up of professional theater artists. Eight have been chosen for the annual New Play Festival to be held on April 19, 20 and 21st at GALA Hispanic Theatre. We congratulate these eight students and look forward to sharing more about them in the coming months. Young Playwrights' Theater is proud to announce that we have been chosen by a panel of 90 expert reviewers for inclusion in the 2009 ' 2010 Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington. Selected from a field of nearly 240 organizations, the Catalogue calls YPT one of the best small charities in the Washington, DC region. Young Playwrights' Theater is proud to premiere our new documentary! This film captures the magic that occurs in YPT workshops, and the thrill of YPT performances. You can hear directly from YPT staff, teaching artists, actors and students whose lives have been changed by learning to express themselves clearly and creatively through the art of playwriting. It was created by filmmaker Ken Chalk over a year of filming throughout the DC Area. At just under ten minutes long, it is an ideal way to share the magic of YPT with your friends and family. Watch the video and then forward it to a friend, colleague or potential playwright. Help us spread the message to the next generation of playwrights! We are proud to announce that our own Producing Artistic Director and CEO David Andrew Snider has won the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation's Exponent Award in honor of his innovative leadership. Mr. Snider has led Young Playwrights' Theater since 2005. The Exponent Award celebrates the accomplishments of exceptional nonprofit leaders. In selecting its awardees, the Foundation considered each nominee's track record as a manager and leader, including his or her success at increasing the quality and impact of the organization's work. "David is the rare combination of a great artist and great leader. He works tirelessly to ensure Young Playwrights' Theater thrives at improving the lives of thousands of students. He is an inspired and inspiring advocate for the entire nonprofit community of Greater Washington. I am thrilled he will receive this award." Her play 3434 depicts a futuristic world in which science has rendered women and girls unnecessary and illegal. "Usually, I'm the actress not the playwright. I was just thinking about the most snooty role, to the point that there's no arguing that you're the star, " she explains. "Then I was like, 'What if I was the only girl in the play? What if I was the only girl in the WORLD?"
Ignite The Light Performing Arts is Loudoun County’s only all-in-one performing arts destination — where students don’t just learn to perform, they learn to shine as humans. We offer vocal, dance, and acting training all under one roof for students K–12 and beyond, serving every level from first-time performers to elite competition troupes. Our award-winning programs have earned 10 Junior Theater Festival awards, and our students perform multiple times a year in full productions, vocal recitals, dance showcases, and more. What truly sets us apart? We’re not just a studio — we’re a community. Founded by Director Tina Smothers, who brings 20+ years of teaching experience, Ignite The Light is built on inclusivity, personal growth, and a drama-free environment where every student is celebrated. We believe in creating great humans who happen to be great performers. Families in Ashburn and across Loudoun County choose us because there’s simply nowhere else that offers this level of comprehensive, heart-centered performing arts education in one place. Scholarships are available through the Ignite The Light Foundation for families in need — because every spark deserves a chance to blaze.
