Did you know Arena Stage has added a new Voices of Now Military Ensemble?

Voices of Now (VON) is an internationally recognized, devised theater program where ensembles of middle-school, high-school, and adult artists work together to create autobiographical plays. These fast-paced, collaboratively written, physical pieces aim to pose significant social questions relevant to the participants and their communities. More than 2,000 artists around the world have had their lives changed by VON in the last decade.

VON newly-formed Military Ensemble is designed specifically for those in military families, middle and high school aged participants will meet weekly with professional theater artists to devise an original autobiographical theater piece that explores and shares the unique perspective of military families in the D.C. area. This opportunity will be free of charge thanks to generous sponsors invested in having these stories told.

VON endeavors to create positive change within its artists’ communities by engaging in dialogue centered on the unique life experience of each ensemble member. The VON team of professional theater artists guides the participants through the process of creating an ensemble-based theater piece, culminating in a performance at Arena Stage’s annual Voices of Now Festival. Recognizing the military’s large impact on our region’s distinctive culture—with over 15 military bases located throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia—Arena Stage and VON are eager to now serve military members and their families, using the power of theater to investigate and pose challenging social questions relevant to their community.

Schedule

The VON Military Ensemble will meet Sundays, 1:00 to 3:30 p.m., from February through May 2024, at Arena Stage, located at 1101 Sixth Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024.

The ensemble will present its piece at this year’s VON festival, May 15 to 18, with an additional community performance on May 30.