UPDATEDÂ
Six months into the Lorton Workhouse’s “Studio 3 for Young Audiences” program, one official said it’s time to go back to the drawing board.
President and CEO of the Workhouse’s Arts Foundation John Mason said hosting the productions that cater to a young audience has not been financially feasible, and it’s been hard to fill the 100-seat theater at the arts campus in southern Fairfax County.
“As we reviewed our programming and refined our FY2013 budget, is has been necessary to make adjustments to our Workhouse business model. Most recently I made a difficult budgetary decision to change the business model of the current theater program. I regret that this shift will require less personnel, resulting in the loss of two performing arts staff positions. This business model is common in the theatre world and will allow us to continue to deliver quality theatre productions and to fulfill our mission,” stated Mason in an email.
An email sent Tuesday from Youth Arts Education Director Caren Hearne announced “Studio 3” would close at the end of the month and that their current production of Rapunzel would be their last.
The Workhouse will seek arrangements with other local theatre troupes to rent or profit share in new productions to take place at the theatre, and it is expected to announce its 2012-13 theatre season later this summer.
Other musical, dance, and film events are not impacted by the closure of “Studio 3” and will take place as scheduled.
ORIGINAL POST
LORTON, Va. — The Performing Arts Department at the Lorton Workhouse will be disbanded, according to an email from Youth Arts Education Director Caren Hearne.
Hearne sent out an email with the news this afternoon, and noted her upcoming dismissal from the arts center off Va. 123 in southern Fairfax County.
The move marks the end for “Studio 3 Theater for Young Audiences.” Rapunzel, the current show now playing at the Workhouse on Saturdays from now until June 30, will be the last for the theatre group.
“CEO of the Workhouse Arts Center Mr. John Mason has made the decision that the Performing Arts department is to be completely disbanded. Rapunzel, the current show for Studio 3, will be the last show that will be produced by the Workhouse Arts Center. The theatre facility will be utilized only for rentals from July 1 forward,” stated Hearne’s email. “We are as stunned as you.”
No reason was immediately given for the disbandment of the theater program.
The facility’s director of performing arts will also lose his job at the end of the month, according to Hearne.
The 100-seat Workhouse theatre, which includes stadium-style seating on collapsible bleachers, will continue to be made available for rentals.
In addition to children’s theater, the Workhouse’s Performing Arts Department also includes film art and culinary classes.
Recent Stories
Prince William County government offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025, as officials anticipate potential impacts from adverse weather conditions. The decision was made to ensure…
Fredericksburg Public Works staff has been actively preparing for the winter storm, applying nearly 3,000 gallons of brine solution to roads, bridges, and overpasses, with many treated at least twice….
The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) has announced that its locations will be closed on Monday, January 6, in anticipation of severe weather. Library officials decided to prioritize the safety of staff and patrons as forecasts predict hazardous conditions throughout the region.
CRRL serves the communities of Fredericksburg, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, and Westmoreland County through its network of branches. The library system offers an array of services, including access to books, digital resources, educational programs, and community events. With its mission to provide opportunities for learning, growth, and connection, the CRRL has become a cornerstone for residents seeking knowledge and enrichment.
In addition to traditional library services, CRRL provides resources such as free Wi-Fi, public computers, and meeting spaces for local organizations. The library also hosts a variety of programs catering to diverse audiences, including storytimes for children, technology training for adults, and book clubs for all ages.
Due to the winter storm affecting our region and expected significant snow accumulation, Stafford County offices, facilities, courts, public schools, and both locations of the R-Board/Regional Landfill (Eskimo Hill and Belman Road) will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025.
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
Travel to French soil and celebrate with us for an unforgettable evening of delicious food, wine and music.
What better way to celebrate the end of the 2024 wine harvest in style than at the Embassy of France at DC’s only official celebration?
This is the Wine Event Of The Year!
