TheatreLAB Unveils Community Outreach Program

TheatreLAB is pleased to launch #weRVA, their new Community Outreach Initiative, with the opening of the next and final show of their current season, The Altruists. Since its inception, TheatreLAB has placed focus in producing plays that inspire conversation, as well as creating programs that bring people together in an effort to make a positive impact in their community. #weRVA will be an inventive, new series including workshops, community partner nights, performance talk-backs, and exciting special events.

TheatreLAB's production of The Altruists, opening July 24th, is a farce that tackles issues relating to political and social injustices. The characters talk about their good intentions to save the world, but always miss the mark due to their narcissistic tendencies. The play is a hysterical commentary on our society and will certainly have people talking about their own altruism. With the help of ACTS (Area Congregations Together in Service), the Community Partner for this production, The Altruists will allow TheatreLAB the opportunity to raise awareness for an important social issue that impacts everyone in Richmond: homelessness. ACTS is an interfaith non-profit organization that provides support and resources during periods of financial crisis to prevent homelessness.

The #weRVA initiative will launch with two events during the run of The Altruists:

An interactive workshop, Home Is Where The Heart Is, led by TheatreLAB CompanyArtist, Linda Beringer, will take place on August 1st from 1-4pm. Participants do not need prior acting experience, only a willingness to explore the issue of homelessness through drama techniques. With a focus on youth and youth homelessness, the session will allow participants to take part in activities designed to deepen our understanding of some of the issues that affect homeless people. Admission is only a suggested donation ($5 recommended minimum), with all proceeds from the workshop being donated to ACTS. Please RSVP to TheatreLAB Director of Community Outreach, Heather Falks (heatherfalks1010@gmail.com), if you are interested in attending the Home is Where the Heart Is workshop.

In addition to this informative and interactive workshop experience, TheatreLAB will be partnering with ACTS for TheatreLAB's Community Partner night on July 31st, where a portion of the night's ticket sales will be donated to ACTS to support their efforts to prevent homelessness in the greater Richmond area. The performance will take place at 8pm and a talk-back will follow the show with participating cast and crew members as well as ACTS Executive Director, William Poarch.

The Altruists, by Nicky Silver is directed by kb saine and will run July 24th to August 8th. Performances run every Friday and Saturday, in addition to an Industry Night performance on Tuesday, July 28th at 8pm (discounted admission- $15 tickets), Sunday, August 2nd at 4pm (regular admission), and Thursday, August 6th at 8pm (regular admission). Pre-sale tickets range from $10-20 and can be purchased online at TheatreLABrva.org. Tickets purchased at the door are priced between $15 and $25.

All of the events and performances listed above will take place at The Basement, 300 East Broad St. For more information, visit TheatreLABrva.org.

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