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Workhouse Arts Center is bringing Clyde’s by Lynn Nottage to the stage from March 8 to April 6, 2025. This heartwarming and comedic play follows a group of formerly incarcerated kitchen staff on a journey of redemption as they strive to craft the perfect sandwich under their tough boss’s rule. Performances will take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., with a special understudy performance on March 29 and an audience talkback on March 30.
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The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia, is hosting its Annual Toy Drive in partnership with OAR NOVA to support local families affected by the criminal justice system. Running through December 8, the community is encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys at drop-off locations across the Workhouse campus. The drive aims to bring holiday joy while emphasizing the center’s commitment to creativity, compassion, and community engagement. For more information, visit the Workhouse Arts Center’s website.
Press Release:
Workhouse Arts Center is excited to continue its tradition of giving back with its Annual Toy Drive in partnership with OAR NOVA. Running through Sunday, December 8, the community is invited to donate new, unwrapped toys for local families impacted by the criminal justice system. Donation drop-off locations include the Visitor Center (Bldg 16), Lucy Burns Museum (Bldg 2), and Art of Movement (Bldg 11) at Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA.
The Toy Drive runs through December 8, with new, unwrapped toys collected at the Workhouse. “Our community thrives on creativity and compassion,” says Keith Gordon, CEO of Workhouse Arts Center. “Every toy donated brings joy and reminds us of all of the differences we can make in the lives of others.”
Donations can be dropped off at the holiday tree in W16. Help us make the season brighter for local families and share the magic of the holidays!
For more information, visit Workhouse Arts Center Toy Drive.
About Workhouse Arts Center
The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives through the power of the arts. Once a historic prison, the Workhouse is now a vibrant cultural hub offering gallery exhibitions, live performances, educational programs, and special events that inspire creativity and foster community engagement. Committed to excellence, inclusivity, and sustainability, the Workhouse empowers artists, enriches lives, and drives positive social change while serving as a dynamic platform for artistic expression and cultural dialogue. Visit us online at www.workhousearts.org to learn more.
About Workhouse Arts Center
The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
transforming lives through the power of the arts. Once a historic prison, the Workhouse is now a vibrant cultural hub offering gallery exhibitions, live performances, educational programs, and special events that inspire creativity and foster community engagement. Committed to excellence, inclusivity, and sustainability, the Workhouse empowers artists, enriches lives, and drives positive social change while serving as a dynamic platform for artistic expression and cultural dialogue.
The Workhouse Arts Center received a 2025 ArtsFairfax Operating Support Grant and a 2025 Project Support Grant to enhance its arts programs and develop community-based projects. The center hosts over 800 classes and events annually, engaging nearly 8,000 students and featuring more than 100 resident artists.Press Release:
The Workhouse Arts Center has been awarded a 2025 ArtsFairfax Operating Support Grant to further its mission to support a vibrant arts center that offers a unique combination of visual and performing arts, arts education, historical perspective, and community engagement. In addition, the Workhouse has been awarded a 2025 Project Support Grant to continue developing innovative, new community-based projects. The center is among 58 Operating Support Grant and 12 Project Support Grant recipients based in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church.
“We are so grateful to have the support of our incredible partners at Fairfax County and ArtsFairfax, who have long been supporters of the Workhouse Arts Center,” said Keith Gordon, President and CEO of the Workhouse Arts Foundation. “These two grants represent an important commitment, investment, and a belief in the transformative power of the arts from our County leadership.”
“The arts and culture sector is growing in Fairfax, and ArtsFairfax is doing everything we can to raise public funding for the arts, empower the arts sector with resources, and amplify the opportunities available to artists and local residents,” says Stuart Holt, President & CEO of ArtsFairfax.
Operating Support Grants and Project Support Grants are foundational to the stability of local nonprofit arts and culture organizations. By distributing Fairfax County funds to support arts and culture programs, services, and facilities local nonprofits provide to Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church, ArtsFairfax ensures the vitality of the arts in our community.
The Workhouse Arts Center utilizes its 55-acre campus to host more than 800 classes and public events per year, bringing together people from across the region. More than 100 resident artists and instructors share their talents, fostering creativity with nearly 8000 students who take part in classes and workshops annually. Currently, the Workhouse Arts Center is hosting its annual Haunted Trail which takes guests on an immersive and thrilling experience through the remains of the former Lorton Prison grounds. Learn more by visiting www.workhousearts.org/haunt.
Workhouse Haunt is back for its 11th season, delivering spine-chilling thrills with a twisted take on classic fairy tales. Running every weekend from October 4 to November 2, this haunted trail through the historic Workhouse prison will transport guests into reimagined, terrifying versions of Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and more. With pre- and post-trail festivities, including food trucks, Halloween art, and DJ music, it’s a must-see for thrill-seekers.
Special sensory-friendly sessions are available for families on October 20. Tickets start at $25.
Press release:
Brace yourself for the return of Northern Virginia’s most spine-tingling Halloween tradition—Workhouse Haunt. Now in its 11th season, this eagerly anticipated event promises a heart-pounding journey through the eerie remnants of the historic Workhouse prison. Kicking off on October 4, Workhouse Haunt: Twisted Tales of Terror will immerse visitors in a world where classic fairy tales take a dark and twisted turn.
This year’s theme brings to life over a dozen terrifying scenes, reimagining beloved stories like Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Pinocchio with a sinister twist. As participants navigate the haunted trail, they will encounter gruesome characters and nightmarish surprises around every corner—perfect for thrill-seekers and Halloween enthusiasts alike.
The Haunt runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Oct. 4 through Nov. 2, with a special event on Halloween night, Thursday, Oct. 31. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $25. To secure your spot visit www.workhousearts.org.
Pre and Post-Trail Festivities
To keep everything moving along, guests will travel in small groups via a timed entry. While awaiting their timed entry or after surviving the trail, the Rizer Pavilion offers a festive Halloween atmosphere. Enjoy DJ-spun tunes (Fridays, Saturdays, and Halloween Night), a variety of themed drinks at the bar, delectable treats from local food trucks, and unique Halloween-inspired art and souvenirs at the Haunt Pop-up Shop.“We’re proud that the Workhouse Haunt has become a cornerstone of Halloween in Northern Virginia,” said Keith Gordon, President and CEO. “As an extension of the Workhouse Performing Arts program, the Haunt also provides an opportunity for local talent to showcase their skills, with nearly 100 participants crafting an experience that’s as terrifying as it is theatrical.”
Haunt: Twisted Tales of Terror Schedule:
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October
Gates open at 6:30 pm, first group dispatched to trail at 7 pm
On Fridays and Saturdays, final groups will be dispatched by 10:30 pm
On Sundays, final groups will be dispatched by 9:30 pmThursday, October 31, Friday, November 1, and Saturday, November 2
Gates open at 6 pm, first group dispatched to trail at 6:30 pm
Final groups will be dispatched by 9:30 pmThe Haunt is generally not recommended for children under 13 years old; however, special designated sensory friendly trail times are available on Sunday, October 20 for families that would like to experience the trail without strobe lighting, overall lower volume levels of sounds, and scares that are not as intense. See the website for specific times.
The Workhouse Haunt returns for its 11th season, featuring the theme “Twisted Tales of Terror” with a creepy outdoor trail and live-action scenes of classic fairy tales gone wrong. Running from October 4 to November 2, the event includes Halloween-themed entertainment, food, and drinks, with tickets starting at $25 per person and special sensory-friendly trail times on October 20.
Press release:
Get into the spooky spirit of Halloween at the Workhouse Haunt! Back for its 11th season, one of Northern Virginia’s most popular Halloween events is bringing even more scares (and laughter) to its creepy outdoor walk-through trail. The Haunt will lead guests on a frightening journey that brings them along the abandoned, historic buildings of the former prison, where they will encounter terrifying characters and sights and sounds that are not for the faint of heart. This year’s event, Haunt: Twisted Tales of Terror will run on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Oct. 4 through Nov. 2 and Thursday, Oct. 31, Halloween night. Tickets are on sale now; prices start at $25 per person. Visit www.workhousearts.org for schedule and event details.
This year’s theme, Twisted Tales of Terror, features more than a dozen creepy live-action scenes portraying classic fairy tales gone wrong, including Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Pinocchio and more. To keep everything moving along, guests will travel in small groups via a timed entry. While waiting for their timeslots, or following their trail experience, guests can enjoy Halloween fun in the Rizer Pavilion: DJ-mixed music (Fridays, Saturdays, and Halloween Night); refreshments at the bar, including Halloween-themed alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks; sweet and savory food truck treats; and Halloween art and trinkets in the Haunt Pop-up Shop.
“The Workhouse Haunt is a Northern Virginia favorite,” said Joseph Wallen, Director of Performing Arts/Keith Gordon, President and CEO. “It’s not only Halloween entertainment, but also as an extension of the Workhouse Performing Arts program, allowing the local community, youth and adults, to practice their acting skills, set production and overall theatrical skills with the training of seasoned professionals. This year we have nearly 100 paid and volunteer participants.”
Haunt: Twisted Tales of Terror Schedule:Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October
Gates open at 6:30 pm, first group dispatched to trail at 7 pm On Fridays and Saturdays, final groups will be dispatched by 10:30 pm
On Sundays, final groups will be dispatched by 9:30 pm
Thursday, October 31, Friday, November 1, and Saturday, November 2
Gates open at 6 pm, first group dispatched to trail at 6:30 pm
Final groups will be dispatched by 9:30 pm
The Haunt is generally not recommended for children under 13 years old; however, special designated sensory friendly trail times are available on Sunday, October 20 for families that would like to experience the trail without strobe lighting, overall lower volume levels of sounds, and scares that are not as intense. See the website for specific times.
New This Year
The Workhouse Arts Center fall theater season kicks off with the production of Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors. During the month of October, guests can purchase a combo ticket that includes Dracula and the Haunt trail on the same night. See th website for specific dates and times.
The Workhouse Arts Center is located at 9518 Workhouse Way in Lorton.
The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton announced its 2024-2025 theater season, featuring a lineup of musicals and comedies. The season begins with “Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors” from September 6 to October 27, followed by “Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame” from December 7 to January 12, 2025. “Clyde’s” will run from March 8 to April 6, and “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be performed from May 10 to June 15. Shows will be held on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 4 p.m. Tickets are available for $25 to $40 on the Workhouse Arts Center’s website.
Press release:
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors
By Steve Rosen and Gordon Greenberg
Loosely based on the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker
September 6 – October 27
September: Fridays and Saturdays, 8 pm; Sundays, 2 pm
October: Fridays and Saturdays, 8 pm; Sundays, 4 pm
Special October Twilight Performances: Dracula show combined with admission to our haunted trail that same evening. See website for details.Synopsis: Filled with clever wordplay and pop culture references, Dracula is a gender-bending, laugh-out-loud reimagining of the gothic classic. In the treacherous mountains of Transylvania, a meek English real estate agent takes a harrowing journey to meet a new and mysterious client, the most terrifying and ferocious monster the world has ever known: Count Dracula! Famed female vampire hunter, Jean Van Helsing, and company chase Drac from Transylvania to the British countryside to London and back.
Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Book by Peter Parnell
December 7, 2024 – January 12, 2025
Fridays and Saturdays, 8 pm; Sundays, 2 pm
Special Performance on Tuesday, December 31 with New Year’s Eve Post Show PartySynopsis: The Hunchback of Notre Dame is based on the Victor Hugo novel with songs from the Disney animated feature. Set in fifteenth-century Paris, the musical tells the story of Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who longs to be in the outside world. Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful Romani woman, Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit, though – the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the Roma – and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all.
Clyde’s
By Lynne Nottage
March 8 – April 6
Fridays and Saturdays, 8 pm; Sundays, 2 pmSynopsis: Clyde’s, a truck stop sandwich shop offers its formerly incarcerated kitchen staff a shot at redemption. Even as the shop’s callous owner tries to keep them down, the staff members learn to reclaim their lives, find purpose, and become inspired to dream by their shared quest to create the perfect sandwich.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Lyrics by Time Rice, Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
May 10 – June 15
Fridays and Saturdays, 8 pm; Sundays, 2 pmSynopsis: Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 50 years. The rock opera is loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers, and the Roman Empire.
Workhouse Arts Center: “The Workhouse Arts Center is excited to announce the return of a Northern Virginia Halloween season favorite, the Workhouse Haunt, a scare-inducing outdoor haunted trail.”
“This year’s event, titled Haunt: Game Over, marks the 10th season of the haunted trail at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. Haunt will run on weekends from Friday, Oct. 6 through Saturday, Oct. 28. A sneak-preview night is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 30, featuring complimentary and discounted tickets for first responders, veterans, active military, teachers, and health-care workers.”
“Haunt will also perform on Halloween night, Tuesday, Oct. 31. Each Friday and Saturday night, live bands will perform in the Rizer Pavilion on the Workhouse campus.”
The campus can be found at 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton.
“Music entertainment is free; no entrance fee is required to attend the performances. Food trucks, soft drinks, beer, wine, and themed-specialty drinks will be available for purchase on site.”
“Tickets for the haunted trail go on sale at noon on Aug. 25, and prices start at $30 per person. Visit www.workhousearts.org for schedule and event details.”
“Guests will travel in small groups for a frightening experience that brings them next to the site’s abandoned, historic buildings where they will encounter characters and sights.”
“The gates open at 6:30 p.m. most evenings, with the first groups dispatched to the Haunted Trail at 7 p.m. Closing time will vary by event night; please see ticketing web page for the complete schedule. Tickets are being sold by a timed-entry basis to allow guests to reserve the time that they would like to experience the haunted trail and to reduce long wait times at the event.”
“Advance online ticket purchase is highly recommended due to the event historically reaching sold-out capacity.”
Haunt: Game Over 2023 Schedule:
- Fridays – Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- Saturdays – Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- Sundays – Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Tuesday – Halloween, Oct. 31 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
“InsideNoVa is the media sponsor for this year’s Haunt, and tickets for the Haunt Preview Night can be purchased directly from their website.”
“This year Workhouse has partnered again with the Lorton Community Action Center to encourage guests to give back to the community by donating food and other items when they attend the Haunt. A drop off location will be available on the Haunt site.”
Workhouse Arts Center: “The Workhouse Arts Center will present a pre-Independence fireworks event Saturday, July 1 from 6-10 p.m. on its Lorton 55-acre campus.”
The campus can be found at 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton.
“The event includes the fireworks display (beginning at dark, approximately 9:15 p.m.), live music, free access to galleries, artist studios and museum; food and beverages are available for purchase.”
“Entrance is free; parking is $40 per vehicle. VIP tickets are available for $120 and includes private reception, food, wine tasting and reserved seating for the fireworks show.”
“One of the region’s largest pre-Independence Day Fireworks show celebrates the history of this amazing nation and honors the courage and sacrifice that have made America a beacon of hope and freedom around the world.”
“This year, The Radio Sparks band will take center stage in the Rizer Pavilion with a concert featuring the greatest hits from the 60’s through today. DJ Sha The Goddess will bring energy, excitement, and entertainment before the concert and will spin tunes during the big fireworks show after dark.”
More information about general admission and VIP tickets can be found online.
Workhouse Arts Center: “The Workhouse Arts Foundation, Inc. (WAF), which operates the Workhouse Arts Center, announced today that it has named Rachel Kizielewicz as its new Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. Kizielewicz, an experienced executive, artist, and strong supporter of the Workhouse, officially began her role on Monday, June 5th.”
“Rachel Kizielewicz comes to the Workhouse as an artist, with 20 years of experience in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. Rachel first joined the Workhouse as a member of the Board of Directors. She steps into the role of Interim President and CEO with a love for the organization and a deep commitment to its future. Believing in the Workhouse’s ability to be a thriving, vibrant arts center, Rachel understands the important roles that each group of stakeholders plays in the Workhouse Arts Center’s success.”
