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The Actors Repertory Theatre (ART), is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to bringing Broadway and off-Broadway quality theatre to our audiences. As a company, performing under agreement with Actors Equity Association — the national union of professional stage actors — ART has been an important and innovative force in the theatrical communities of southeastern Virginia and Frederick, MD since first opening our doors in December, 1996. It is our hope we will soon maintain that standard in our new home, Jersey City, NJ. In April, 2003, after helping co-produce the film version of our world premiere stage show, Player's Joy, ART began exploring the development of new works for the medium of digital film. Our goal is, and has always been, to be a major contributing force to the cultural life of the communities in which we are located and work. |
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The Khedive Masonic Temple, our former home in Norfolk, VA |
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HISTORY Over the past nine years, ART, operating first as 2nd Story Theatre, and, after our 2002 name change, has been nominated for more than 40 awards for theatrical achievement. Mal Vincent of The Virginian Pilot called us "The most daring and innovative theatre in Hampton Roads," and “head and shoulders above the rest.” Critic Robert P. Arthur of Portfolio Weekly, the arts and entertainment magazine of southeastern Virginia, concurred, having bestowed, among others, Best New Play, Best Actor, Best Actress and Most Innovative Theatre Awards on ART/2nd Story and its productions. We also mounted more full productions of new works than any other theatre in Virginia, including many written by playwrights living within the state. |
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Performing first, in a 75-seat, 2nd story loft space in the Ghent section of Norfolk, VA, and eventually, in a 23,000 square foot former Masonic Temple, ART/2nd Story brought many new works to the area including the original NY cast of From The Fires: Voices of the Holocaust. Among the many innovations ART/2nd Story presented were post-show open mike coffeehouses, cabaret performances, dance recitals, poetry competitions, improv nights, art and photography exhibits and ongoing classes, workshops and seminars. Past shows presented by ART/2nd Story include: The Players from Chelm, produced in cooperation with Norfolk'sfamed Chrysler Museum of Art and performed on their stage, The Search For Signs of Intelligent Life In The Universe, Spic-O-Rama, Manly Men: An Evening Chock Full of Lies and Testosterone, The Holy Fool, The Lunar Project, Quetzal Red and Green,The Music of Leaves: A Tribute to Vincent Van Gogh (a multi-media choreopoem in poetry, music, and dance), Caged Gorillas, Shirley Valentine, the Virginia premiere of screenwriter Pamela Gray’s Supernormal Clutches, and the World Premiere of Ralph Elias's Player's Joy. |
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