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.