Elden Street Players Move Toward Professional Model, Debut Latest Production

After nearly 25 years as an all-volunteer amateur theater group, Herndon's own Elden Street Players is going professional.

From now on, just call them "NextStop Theatre."

For fans of the small but talented Elden Street Players, fear not - the company will remain a nonprofit organization guided by their love of the craft. However, in a recent press release, ESP announced that, as NextStop Theatre, it will be moving toward a more professional model of operating, including the hiring of Producing Artistic Director Evan Hoffman in January, and paying actors and crew members.

READ: 'A&E Insight: A Look at the Elden Street Players'

"While the company will continue to maintain its status as a 501(c)(3), tax-deductible, not-for-profit entity, the organization will make major investments to improve and expand their activities and infrastructure," the press release indicated. 

The release indicated, ESP intends to introduce compensation for all actors, directors, designers, and technicians, and expand production and marketing budgets.

The company will also introduce several entirely new programs, including a summer cabaret series, educational outreach programs and camps for local kids and families, and a workshop series for new plays and musicals. 

“We are building on a long tradition of equal dedication to community and quality,” said Producing Artistic Director Evan Hoffmann. “It is our distinct honor and privilege to help bring an even higher caliber of theater to this amazing community."

Fortunately, as ESP delves into this new territory, they're being given some support and assistance from a few friends - namely, the Town of Herndon, the County of Fairfax, and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Town of Herndon and the Virginia Commission for the Arts have each awarded grants for general operating support to the organization for ongoing administrative and operational costs over the next year.

In addition, the Arts Council of Fairfax County has awarded a one-time project grant to help fund NextStop Theatre’s first professional production of "The 39 Steps," a comedic adaptation of a 1930’s Alfred Hitchcock film. 

Other shows on the repertoire for the 2013-14 year include "Into the Woods," "Pinocchio," Jacob Marley's "A Christmas Carol," Shakespeare's "Richard III," and more.

"We are thrilled that our town, our county, and our state have all offered their stamp of approval through these generous and important grants," Hoffman said.

Visit www.nextstoptheatre.org for more information.

This Weekend: 'Caroline, or Change'

This weekend, ESP presents its latest production, the musical "Caroline, or Change," with the book and lyrics by Tony Kushner - perhaps best known for "Angels in America" - and music by Jeanine Tesori. 

ESP describes the show:

"The year is 1963—civil rights and Kennedy—and in the Gellman household in Lake Charles, Louisiana, change is coming for everyone, in big ways and small. For 8-year-old Noah Gellman, his struggle is with the loss of his mother and the arrival of his new step-mother, Rose. Caroline, their maid, struggles with her relationships and her spirit is sorely tested by change."

The show will run Aug. 2-24.

Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 7 p.m. One matinee is offered this Sunday, Aug. 4, at 3 p.m. Performances take place at ESP's Industrial Strength Theatre, located at 269 Sunset Park Dr., inside the Sunset Business Park, in Herndon.

Tickets are $23 general admission. 

For more information, visit ESP's "Caroline, or Change" page on its website.

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