NextStop Theatre Welcomes First Female President

Amid an intense political battle raging in Washington, where nasty behavior towards women has been the focus of recent news, NextStop Theatre Company in Herndon, Virginia, just 20 miles west of the political capital, is honoring women center stage.

Welcoming the "first female President" has a different meaning for NextStop, which is entering its fourth year producing professional Live Theatre. The former-volunteer-now-professional black box performance venue has brought Vicki Kile to the helm as President of NextStop's Board of Directors, the first female to hold the position in the organization's 28 year history.

Kile assumes the role at a time when NextStop's achievements in gender parity and female-forwaRD Productions have garnered fanfare for the fledgling pro company. First, NextStop received critical praise for its first independent new work, "No Spring Chicken" written by and starring Ginna Hoben and directed, stage-managed and designed by women. Then, in September, for the second consecutive year, NextStop Theatre was honored with the 50/50 Applause Award by the International Centre for Women Playwrights.

Not resting on its laurels, NextStop is using a prime slot in their 2016/17 season to produce a play that re-tells a popular love story from a woman's point of view. "Eurydice", by acclaimed playwright Sarah Ruhl, starts performances October 27, 2016.

"We are very excited to present 'Eurydice'" said Kile. "This production continues NextStop Theatre's commitment to showcase the works of women playwrights as recently recognized by ICWP."

NextStop's programming, developed by Producing Artistic Director Evan Hoffmann, is often compared to larger, storied theatre institutions within Washington D.C. However, NextStop joins only one other theatre in the region to earn ICWP honors for two consecutive years.

Kile remarked, "Despite being a smaller theatre, we have tried to honor the significant contributions of women in theatre and look to empower young ladies in our Education programming for students."

For "Eurydice", Washington D.C. standout actor Emily Kester joins the cast in the title role. She is joined by castmates Michael Kramer (Her Father), Kiernan McGowan (Orpheus), Alex Zavistovich (A Nasty Interesting Man/Lord of the Underworld), Tamieka Chavis (Big Stone), Briana Manente (Loud Stone), and Charlene V. Smith (Little Stone). The production is directed by Jay D. Brock, and features Dani Ebbin (Assistant Director), JD Madsen (Scenic Designer), Catherine Girardi (Lighting Designer), Kenny Neal (Sound Designer), KrisTina Martin (Costume Designer), Daniel Mori (Properties Designer), Sara K. Smith (Stage Manager), Sierra Pearson (Assistant Stage Manager), Brittany Mongold (Paint Charge), and Sydney Moore (Costume Assistant) among members of the production team.

NextStop has also announced that on November 9th, it will present a one night only concert event, called "Girl Power", celebrating women. The night of fun music will feature a cast of veteran NextStop stars including Carolyn Burke, Mackenzie Newbury, Katie Keyser, and Brittany Martz.

Another celebration of woman's partnerships with the performing arts follows at NextStop at the Saturday November 12 matinee performance of "Eurydice", where members of the Herndon Woman's Club will be honored.

For tickets and information, visit www.NextStopTheatre.org

NextStop Theatre Company is just moments away from Historic Downtown Herndon, Dulles Airport, Reston Town Center, and Wiehle-Reston Metro. The company has established a strong regional reputation for producing critically acclaimed productions and educational programs, while showcasing a wide array of local talent, Broadway headliners, and locally-driven arts relevant to the community.

NextStop Theatre is made possible in part by generous support from: The Town of Herndon, The Ruth & Hal Launders Charitable Trust, The Nelson J. & Katherine Friant Post Foundation, The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia - Seeley Fund, The Arts Council Fairfax County, The Virginia Commission for the Arts, The National Endowment for the Arts, and NextStop's loyal patron donors.

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