As we approach the end of the FY22 fiscal year, The National Theatre Foundation team is reflecting upon the milestones we’ve reached with each of our community programs.
We were ecstatic to be able to welcome teens back to The National Theatre for performances starting this spring with Rent. We’ve formed new partnerships with groups such as KippDC, the boys and girls club TEEN program, Roosevelt S.T.A.Y., and Sitar Arts Center. Additionally, we were excited to welcome back some familiar faces with students from Young Playwrights Theatre and Southeast Tennis and Learning center. We also successfully piloted a Student Interest Form, which allows for students in the D.C. Metro area to submit their names for a chance to attend the production with a friend.
Dramaturg Jared Strange did extensive research to create learning guides for Rent, Come From Away, and Hairspray and engaged students in insightful conversations during the post show discussion. One student said of the experience “I really enjoyed this program, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to see some of my favorite musicals!”
While Covid-19 precautions still prevent us from being able to interview cast members directly following a production, Jared did get the opportunity to virtually interview James Earl Jones II who is a member of the touring cast of Come From Away. You can view that interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKDmKatPyWg
This season proved to be an encouraging return to in-person programming at The National Theatre and we are excited to see what the next season has in store.
Thanks to the generosity of Jacqueline Badger Mars we are pleased to offer Teens Behind the Scenes programming for nearly every production in the 2022/2023 Broadway at The National season. For more information, visit our website here: https://www.nationaltheatre.org/teens-behind-the-scenes/upcoming-events/