The timeless drama All My Sons by legendary playwright Arthur Miller returns to the stage in an Actors Theatre production at the ARTfactory in Manassas. First premiering in 1947, Miller’s powerful exploration of morality, ambition, and the consequences of personal decisions remains as compelling today as it was in the post-World War II era.

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The ARTfactory’s Actors Theatre will bring Every Brilliant Thing to the stage in an intimate, thought-provoking performance at the end of February. This one-man show, written by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donohoe, masterfully blends humor and heartache as it explores themes of joy, despair, and resilience through the eyes of a single storyteller.

The play follows a child who begins compiling a list of “every brilliant thing” worth living for—ice cream, water fights, staying up late—after their mother’s suicide attempt. As the child matures, the list continues, evolving into a deeply moving reflection on love, mental illness, and human connection.

Directed by ARTfactory Producing Artistic Director Kimberly Kemp, the production stars David Johnson as the storyteller. Johnson, a longtime ARTfactory actor and director, has had his sights set on this play for years. “I remember (in 2017) telling the theatre arts director of the ARTfactory about this breathtakingly beautiful play and how badly I wanted to do it in the theatre on the third floor of the ARTfactory,” Johnson states in a press release. The project finally came to fruition when Kemp expressed her desire to direct it in 2022.

Johnson has experienced the loss of a young performer from ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre program and likened him to the play’s protagonist. “He reminded me of the character because he was so fearless in his creativity and expression,” Johnson said. He also referenced the loss of actor Robin Williams, a world-renowned entertainer who privately battled depression. Johnson hopes to encourage open conversations about mental health and seek support through this production.

Initially performed in 2013 at the Ludlow Fringe Festival, Every Brilliant Thing gained widespread acclaim for its poignant storytelling. It premiered in North America in 2014 at New York City’s Barrow Street Theatre and earned a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Outstanding Solo Show.

The ARTfactory’s production will be staged in an intimate in-the-round setting, enhancing audience engagement. While the play incorporates optional audience participation, attendees can enjoy the performance with or without direct involvement. However, given its subject matter, audience members should be aware that the play discusses themes of depression and suicide.

Performances will occur on February 28 and March 1 at 7:30 p.m. and March 2 at 2 p.m. in the Wind River Theater at the ARTfactory. Tickets are available for purchase at virginiaartfactory.org.

Several ARTfactory theatre productions and individuals were named “Best Of” in the 2024 DC Broadway World Awards, with winners announced on January 16.

ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, now known as Actors Theatre, secured seven awards in the non-professional category. Notable accolades include:

• Best Choreography of a Play or Musical – Kimberly Geipel for The Rocky Horror Show
• Best Musical, Best Dance Production, Best Music Direction & Orchestra – Chelsea Majors for Kinky Boots
• Best Scenic Design of a Play or Musical – Jimmy Conroy for Kinky Boots
• Best Sound Design of a Play or Musical – Chelsea Majors for Kinky Boots
• Best Supporting Performer in a Play or Musical – BrandRick Levy for Kinky Boots

Additionally, ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre won Best Theatre for Young Audiences for its production of The Wizard of Oz.

The DC Broadway World Awards are determined through online voting, with patrons nominating and selecting their favorite performances, actors, directors, and productions in various categories. The results highlight the preferences of theatre-goers alongside professional recognition.

For a complete list of the 2024 DC Broadway World Award Winners, visit https://www.broadwayworld.com/washington-dc/.

ARTfactory serves as the home for Actors Theatre at the ARTfactory, a professional theatre company, as well as its youth theatre program, ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre. To learn more about ARTfactory and its productions, visit www.virginiaartfactory.org.

Birmingham Green Announces New Nursing Home Administrator

Birmingham Green, ranked Northern Virginia’s #1 Nursing Home by Newsweek Magazine, has named Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024.

Smith comes to Birmingham Green with a wealth of experience and expertise. He has held leadership positions in senior living communities based in Oregon, Florida, New Mexico, and Missouri.

Smith’s educational background is equally impressive. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and Political Science from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR, and holds an Associate of Science and an Associate of General Studies from Northwest Arkansas Community College. Additionally, he completed the Licensed Practical Nurse Program at Northwest Technical Institute and holds active licensure in multiple states, including Missouri, Arkansas, New Mexico, Florida, Virginia, and Washington.

Smith has also been actively involved in community organizations and has received notable recognition for his contributions. He was nominated for Man of the Year in Sullivan, MO, and has served on the Board of Directors for the Sullivan Chamber of Commerce. He also served as vice president of the Florida Health Care Association.

In accepting his position, Smith said, “I am excited to join the talented team at Birmingham Green. Birmingham’s reputation for excellence and quality is well-known throughout the industry and becoming a part of this incredible leadership line-up is an honor. I look forward to contributing to the Birmingham legacy of superior senior care.”

Birmingham’s CEO, Denise Chadwick Wright, added to Smith’s comments by saying, “At Birmingham Green we are committed to hiring the best and the brightest and Duane Smith brings a formidable depth of experience to Birmingham’s leadership team. Not only will our nursing home residents thrive under his care, but we will all benefit from Duane’s gifts, knowledge, and talent.”

For more than 90 years, Birmingham Green has been home to Northern Virginians needing long-term care but who do not necessarily have the personal resources to afford the services. Birmingham Green has continually provided dignified, caring assistance to its residents.

Today, the campus comprises the recently refurbished 30-bed District Home Assisted Living, a 180-bed Northern Virginia Health Care Commission facility built in 1991 to provide nursing and rehab services, and Willow Oaks Assisted Living, a 92-unit supportive housing facility opened in 2008 to offer additional assisted living services.

Birmingham Green is located at 8605 Centreville Road in Manassas.

Date: February 1, 2025
Time: 6–8 PM
Location: 9419 Battle St, Manassas
Admission: Free and open to the public

Join the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for an evening featuring contemporary figurative painter William Kennedy. Explore his exhibit, “Beyond the Surface,” which delves into the emotional depth of Black male figures. The reception includes light refreshments and an opportunity to meet the artist.

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ARTfactory’s community theatre, Rooftop Productions, will be functioning under a new name, ARTfactory Actors Theatre, and paying its actors beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

The ARTfactory’s transition marks a significant one for the area, as it is the only professional theatre company in the Greater Manassas area.

Talya Conroy, CEO of the ARTfactory, said paying actors is part of the organization’s mission and the nonprofit was ready to take the leap.

“We have worked hard to be able to pay production teams for their time and talents, and now the ARTfactory is in a position to extend that professional credit to local actors,” she said in a press release.

In an interview, Conroy said this was a big step for the nonprofit to take, but it provides more grant opportunities both in the Commonwealth and in the United States if they were to pay their actors. She also noted with the community’s support and volunteers, this was made a possibility.

As for the professional status, this was another leap the nonprofit took on its own. Conroy said she and Producing Artistic Director Kimberly Kemp presented the opportunity to gain a professional status to the ARTfactory’s Board of Directors.

Conroy clarified the only difference moving forward is that the nonprofit now pays its people, but it will always be community-oriented.

“Our culture … will always remain: that community-based culture. We are just going to the next step, but we are community-based and invite everyone to participate and audition,” she said.

Update Nov. 12, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.: An earlier version of this article stated the ARTfactory would become the only professional theater company in the Greater Prince William County area. There is another professional theater company in Bristow. This article has been updated with the correct information.

The ARTfactory is looking for high school students to submit their artwork to their 21st annual “Off the Wall” art exhibit and competition.

The exhibit, which runs from Dec. 18 to Jan. 19, 2025, features art created by Manassas City, Manassas Park and Prince William County high school students. Eligible mediums of art include art and technology; painting and drawing; poetry; wearable art; and photography. Students have the opportunity to showcase their work and be judged by a professional in their respective fields.

Here’s some more information on each of the categories from the ARTfactory:

Art & Technology: ie: 3-d printing/digital designs – 2-d digital designs (primarily created with computer software) are included in this category. Work must be printed and framed to hang on gallery walls or ARTfactory can provide gallery pedestals for display if the work is standalone sculptural (contact jexum@VirginiaARTfactory if pedestal is required for display). Entries must be submitted in .jpg/png format with a recommended resolution of 300 dpi.

Photography: Photos from mobile device cameras are eligible. Minor digital manipulation or alteration of content is permitted; however, please note: If the majority of the photograph is heavily manipulated/enhanced with software, your submission may be more appropriate for the Art & Tech.category. We recommend using a resolution of 300 dpi .jpg format to ensure the photograph is not grainy.

Painting/Drawing: Create an original painting/drawing using acrylic, watercolor, tempera, oil, pastel chalk, charcoal, colored pencils, graphite, etc. (or any combination of these) on a surface of your choosing (keep in mind all works must be framed). All paintings and drawings must be original artwork. Painting/Drawing pieces will be submitted electronically as high-quality photographs of the original artwork. Images should show only the artwork, not any mats or frames. Note: Mixed media works are included in this category.

Poetry: Enter a one-page poem and within the structure of the poem include the phrase: When Thoughts Wander. The first place poetry winner will be invited to recite their poem at the Awards Ceremony on Jan. 11. Poetry Submission Idea: Email a video or audio clip of your poetry recitation for additional impact! Poetry judges love to be able to hear a poet’s inflection and tone. Please send any videos or audio clips to: [email protected] Note: Central Library’s makerspace in Manassas has a recording studio perfect for recording.

In addition to assisting with the Art and Tech. category, Central Library’s makerspace is also equipped with a recording studio and sewing and embroidery machines suitable for the Poetry and Wearable Art category! Leading up to the competition students can visit the Central Library Makerspace during Open Hours or by appointment to work on their “Off the Wall” creations.

Wearable Art: Make something different in 3-D! You’ll get to show off during the “Off the Wall” Awards Ceremony at ARTfactory, January 11, 2024. This category is judged on site.

• Contest rules for wearable “art”:
  • Make something original that can be worn, either you or your own selected model will wear the art for judging purposes at the “Off the Wall” Open House.
  • Use a layer of clothing underneath to build your art, around or attached, and be able to easily get in and out of it. Test what works: shorts and a loose top, a jumpsuit, short dress or tights and a top.
  • Use at least 50% recycled materials

You may not want to wear your wearable art traveling between your home and our venue, so think about this in planning your construction.

Show up at 2:15 pm at the “Off the Wall” Awards Ceremony. You can wear or bring your wearable art with you, and we will allow you a private space on our second floor to change.

Please note: Wearable art participants may submit “in progress” pics for this category.

Students have until Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. to submit their proposal via Jotform. They will then be notified if their artwork is to be displayed on Nov. 22 via email. Students are also responsible for delivering their own artwork to the ARTfactory either on Dec. 13 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. or on Dec. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. The awards ceremony will take place on Jan. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m.

“Into the Woods,” the Tony Award-winning musical by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim, will be getting its own production at the ARTfactory starting Oct. 11.

One of Sondheim’s most popular musicals details the tale of the Baker and his wife, who in their quest to have a child, make a bargain with a vengeful witch. The couple finds themselves on a journey through the woods encountering familiar fairytale characters.

Performances will be held in the Wind River Theater at the ARTfactory from Oct. 11 to Oct. 20.

If you’re going:

• Tickets can be purchased on the ARTfactory’s website
• All performances will be held in the Wind River Theater
• Schedule of shows:
  • Oct. 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 7 p.m.
  • Oct. 13 and Oct. 20 at 2 p.m.

Directed by David Johnson. The cast includes Aiden Brennan, Erin Rigby, Chloe Steverso, Logan Bintz, Glenna Moore, JJ Calavas, Kaitlyn Byrdy, Petra McMahan, Ellie Bowling, Vaughn Schweitzer, Maya Vilchik, Isabella Lacson, Amelia Robertson, Alexis Cottrell, Casey Williams, Anthony Palladino, Deen Lateef, Ysabella Nicastro, Parker Bowling, Sara Lepore, Kaylee Tilch, Juliet Durham, Betsy Woodward, Grace Mulligan and Keaton Brennan.

Rooftop Productions presents Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show. In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter.

“The Rocky Horror Show” is coming to the ARTfactory’s Wind River Theater starting on Sept. 20.

Written by Richard O’Brien, the story follows a newly engaged couple who happen upon a mysterious castle and chaos eventually ensues.

Two-time Riff-Raff actor James Maxted said he’s always been intrigued by the story.

“My first time seeing ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ was my freshman year in college. I’ve always been a fan of musicals, rock ‘n’ roll and sci-fi movies, so this was right up my alley. Add in the insanely inappropriate responses and adlibs of the audience with the performers in front of the screen and I knew I loved it,” Maxted said.

According to a press release from the ARTfactory, the Caton Merchant Family Gallery will be transformed to an immersive experience for the audience. It will transform into the first few scenes of the show before entering the theater space.

In addition to Maxted, the cast includes Zach Burgess, Megan Bently, Anastasia Hanchak, Talya Conroy, Muggs Leone, Patrick Bell, Zack Walsh, Richard Pollington, Sarah Allbrandt, Ahryel Tinker, Shelby Cody-Jones, Wyatt Underwood, Caroline Battle and Chris Maulden.

The show will run from Sept. 20 to Oct. 5.

If you’re going:

• Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the ARTfactory at 703-330-2787.
• All performances will be held in the Wind River Theater
• Schedule of shows:
  • Sept. 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sept. 27 and 28 at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.
  • Oct. 4 at 10:30 p.m.
  • Oct. 5 at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.