Studio Theatre 40th Anniversary Brochure

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FORTY YEARS OF THOUGHT-PROVOKING THEATRE For the past forty years, Studio has created intimate and ambitious theatre in Logan Circle: Work that engages with our neighborhood and world, sparking conversations and building deeper connections within and between communities.

CLOSER TO THE ACT We’re dedicated to bringing you up close to fearless theatre, giving you a direct encounter with a performance or bold idea—and you’re never more than seven rows from our stage.

YOUR SEAT IS WAITING Get your season tickets.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY.

Over the last four decades, Studio has carved out a distinctive place for itself here in Logan Circle. We’ve done it by investing in excellence up close, by producing plays of big ideas on a human scale, plays that challenge assumptions, trigger conversations, and offer both surprise and connection.

Our 40th Anniversary Season remains ‘in your face’ in all the best ways: Up close in our intimate spaces, in touch with the large questions of our moment, and full of the unexpected.

It’s a season of plays that seem especially now: Two plays by DC-area natives, one about 14th Street real estate as well as contemporary Jewish identity and another about the not-so-pretty mechanics of American politics, as well as Cry it Out, a candid comedy about class, new parents, and having it “all”.

This fall and winter, we’ve programmed four plays that engage in different ways with questions of race, power, and justice, including a vibrant, music-filled import from the student movements of South Africa; a no-holdsbarred comedy about privilege, power, and the perils of whiteness from the writer of Bad Jews; a world premiere take on Miss Julie set in Miami and alive to power dynamics among members of different Latinx communities; and the world premiere of Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm’s audacious, trenchant take on cultural appropriation and consumer culture.

Next summer, we’ll bring a stirring and surprising range of entertainments from the US and beyond to Studio with SHOWROOM, which will transform Studio’s Milton Theatre into a tricked-out, laid-back hangout for the summer.

It’s a season full of plays with ambition and panache, and we’ve got several ways for you to participate. Our Classic Package includes five Main Series plays of exceptional style and substance, with seats that are yours for as many years as you subscribe. Or you can take a chance on some of our more adventuresome Studio X programming and curate your own Custom Package on any dates you choose. We’re also offering The Pass, which provides discounted tickets and unlimited exchanges. You can find full details at the end of the brochure.

It’s going to be quite a year. I hope you join us.

See you at the Theatre,

DAVID MUSE Artistic Director

MAIN SERIES

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Studio’s Main Series is the core of our programming, offering a repertoire of provocative new and contemporary writing from around the world and inventive stagings of contemporary classics.

It’s July 2000—the Camp David Summit is falling apart, and in Tenleytown, a modern Jewish family is fracturing over what to do with their 14th Street real estate. Their mother has died, their father will need full-time care, and as their adult children debate what to do next, no topic is off limits: American Jews and their relationship to Israel, who’s already given enough to this family, a sibling’s parenting choices. A political and deeply personal play about history, responsibility, and what we’re willing to sacrifice for a new beginning, told with vicious humor and unflinching honesty by Bethesda native Steven Levenson.

Generously underwritten by Dr. Mark Epstein and Amoretta Hoeber

“ Passionate and provoking… If I Forget speaks to both the head and the heart. ” —The New York Times

Jessie is a corporate lawyer in a Manhattan firm. Lina is a community-college dropout and born-and-bred Long Islander. They don’t seem to have anything in common, but marooned at home with infants, they strike up a fast friendship. In the yard between their houses—as far as their baby monitors will reach— they bond over sleep deprivation, unreliable childcare, and “having it all.” A candid comedy about who gets to make which hard choices in the tinderbox of parenthood and class in the United States.

Generously underwritten by Steve and Linda Skalet

“ A funny story that weaves together very different but highly meaningful stories from three new mothers ” —USA Today

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Bill and Sherri are the white, progressive-and-proud headmaster and dean of admissions at Hillcrest, a mid-tier New Hampshire boarding school. Over the last fifteen years, they’ve worked tirelessly to diversify the school’s mostly white population. But when their high-achieving son’s Ivy League dreams are deferred, his reaction blasts open a deep rift between the family’s public values and private actions. A no-holds-barred look at privilege, power, and the perils of whiteness from the author of Bad Jews, the best-selling play in Studio Theatre history.

Generously underwritten by Albert G. Lauber and Craig Hoffman and by Joan and David Maxwell

“ Astonishing and daring. An extraordinarily useful and excruciating satire— of the left, by the left, for the left—for today. ”

—The New York Times

“ Bettis is a writer to keep an eye on. ” —The New York Times

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It’s Art Basel, Miami’s weeklong party for the rich and famous, where socialite darling Julie reigns over the blowout her real-estate mogul father is throwing at his South Beach hotel. But when her fiancé dumps her in front of the crowd, Julie hides from her humiliation—and her father—in the hotel’s barely used storage kitchen. Her companions are Christine, a cocktail waitress who recently fled violence in Venezuela, and Christine’s fiancé John, an Uber driver from the Miami slums. This explosive elixir of power, class, and immigration status is a bold and contemporary take on Strindberg’s Miss Julie by vibrant rising voice Hilary Bettis (TV’s The Americans).

Generously underwritten by Bobbi and Ralph Terkowitz

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“ A richly suggestive and beautifully written piece of work, provoking questions that will continue to nag and expand in your mind. ” —The New York Times

In their remote cottage on the British coast, a longmarried pair of retired nuclear physicists live a modest life in the aftermath of a natural disaster, giving scrupulous care to energy rationing, their garden, their yoga practice. When former colleague Rose reappears after 38 years, her presence upends the couple’s equilibrium and trust. As the fallout from long-ago decisions comes hurtling into view, Rose unveils a proposal that threatens more than their marriage. A hit in London and New York, Lucy Kirkwood’s latest is a taut and disquieting thriller about responsibility and reparation—what one generation owes the next.

Generously underwritten by Teresa and Dan Schwartz

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1979

1980-81

THE RIMERS OF ELDRICH THE CAST OF THE RIMERS OF ELDRICH (1979).

PHOTO BY KEN WYNER

2005-06 FROZEN

A RAISIN IN THE SUN THE CAST OF A RAISIN IN THE SUN (1981).

PHOTO BY RICK REINHARD

2007-08 THE BROTHERS SIZE

NANCY ROBINETTE IN FROZEN (2006).

PHOTO BY CAROL PRATT

GILBERT OWUOR AND BRIAN TYREE HENRY IN THE BROTHERS SIZE (2008). PHOTO BY MICHAL DANIEL

1983-84 MISS MARGARIDA’S WAY

1991-92 FALSETTOLAND

SARAH MARSHALL IN MISS MARGARIDA’S WAY (1983).

PHOTO BY TOM KOCHEL

2013-14

THE CAST OF FALSETTOLAND (1992).

PHOTO BY STUDIO THEATRE

2013-14

RED SPEEDO FRANK BOYD IN RED SPEEDO (2013).

PHOTO BY TEDDY WOLFF

TRIBES MICHAEL TOLAYDO AND ANNIE FUNKE IN TRIBES (2014).

PHOTO BY TEDDY WOLFF

1993-94

1992-93

THE CARETAKER

SPUNK THE CAST OF SPUNK (1993).

PHOTO BY STAN BAROUH

2015-16 BAD JEWS IRENE SOFIA LUCIO IN BAD JEWS (2014).

PHOTO BY TEDDY WOLFF

EMORY BATTIS IN THE CARETAKER (1993).

PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS

2017-18 THE WOLVES THE CAST OF THE WOLVES (2018).

PHOTO BY TERESA WOOD

2004-05

1999-2000

TAKE ME OUT

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THE CAST OF INDIAN INK (1999).

PHOTO BY CAROL PRATT

THE CAST OF TAKE ME OUT (2005).

PHOTO BY STAN BAROUH

INTIMATE. IMMEDIATE. UNEXPECTED.

STUDIO

BEGINS OCT 14

STUDIO PRESENTS THE BAXTER THEATRE CENTRE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN’S

THE FALL As the statue of imperialist Cecil Rhodes was dismantled at the University of Cape Town, seven students wrote The Fall, charting their experiences as activists who brought down a statue and then grappled with decolonizing what was left standing in its wake: the legacies of race, class, gender, history, and power 24 years after the official end of Apartheid. Political and deeply personal, vibrating with song, dance, and the energy of youth, The Fall comes to DC with the urgency of history being told as it’s created, resonating with America’s debates about falling monuments, rising tuition, and “appropriate” ways to fight for long-promised equality.

Generously underwritten by Susan and Dixon Butler

“A FUNNY, HUMANE PIECE…ROOTED IN A PASSION, BRAVERY, AND DETERMINATION THAT WILL HAVE YOU ON YOUR FEET AND CLAPPING.” —Time Out London

X

The work of Studio X is purposefully eclectic, encompassing plays that will benefit from particularly intimate or immersive stagings, presented work, and some of Studio’s world premiere projects.

KINGS

WRITTEN BY SARAH BURGESS DIRECTED BY MARTI LYONS

BEGINS DEC 12 Representative Sydney Millsap rode a Blue Wave into DC. She arrives armed with her ideals and sense of duty, and refuses to play by the rules of special interests—or her own party. Kate’s a lobbyist who backs winners. So when she crosses paths with Representative Millsap, she dismisses her as a one-term neophyte…but ends up hearing a call to conscience she thought she’d left outside of the Beltway. A lacerating comedy about money, power, and what democracy actually looks like

by Alexandria native Sarah Burgess.

“A TAUTLY INTELLIGENT DRAMA…NUANCED AND ACCOMPLISHED.” —The Washington Post

BEGINS APR 3

P.Y.G.

OR THE MIS-EDUMACATION OF DORIAN BELLE WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY TEARRANCE ARVELLE CHISHOLM

Dorian Belle is a big deal. He’s a Canadian pop sweetheart, and he’s ready to be taken seriously. So his people hire his favorite hip-hop artists—Black and Alexand, the ‘bad boy’ rappers of Petty Young Goons—to help him toughen up his image. They’re black, he’s white. They’re from Chicago, he’s from Canada. It’s all on reality TV. What could go wrong? Inspired by Shaw’s Pygmalion, this world premiere is a blistering and entertaining look at cultural and racial appropriation in a fictionalized exchange of ideologies, vernacular, and alleged street cred.

Generously underwritten by David and Jean Heilman Grier

“[CHISHOLM’S WRITING] IS BOLD, BRAVE AND VERY, VERY FUNNY.” —The Guardian (about Br’er Cotton)

A NEW SUMMERTIME SERIES A new curated performance series in the summertime spirit—with spirits.

SHOWROOM will transform Studio’s Milton Theatre into a tricked-out, laidback hangout for the summer, serving up entertainments from the US and beyond, with snacks and specialty drinks. Artists to be revealed throughout the 40th Anniversary Season.

SUBSCRIBE Our Picks

Your Picks

THE CLASSIC PACKAGE Choose your day and we’ll take care of the rest.

THE CUSTOM PACKAGE Mix and match and make it your own.

Curated with an eye to variety and excellence, Main Series plays feature an uncommonly rich repertoire of contemporary writing. This package includes all five, along with the same great seats throughout the season on the day you choose.

Feel daring? Any way you slice it, this package offers ultimate flexibility. Choose your shows. Choose your dates. Mix in a little of the adventurous Studio X with our traditional core programming.

Price Per Play

Price Per Five-Play Package

A

B

Tues/Wed/Thurs/Sat mat/Sun eve $285

$235

Fri/Sat/Sun mat

$300

Main Series $380

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B

Tues/Wed/Thurs/Sat mat/Sun eve $57

$47

Fri/Sat/Sun mat

$76

$60

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Why Pick?

STUDIO X

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE Go all in. Five Main Series plays.

Four Studio X plays. Unbelievable prices.

Tues/Wed/Thurs/Sat mat/Sun eve $36

N/A

Fri/Sat/Sun mat

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$44

Select your day to see all nine plays of the season and drinks are on us. Save up to $262 over individual tickets.

Price Per Complete Package

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Tues/Wed/Thurs/Sat mat/Sun eve $405

$355

Fri/Sat/Sun mat

$420

$500

Packages for sign-interpreted, open/closed captioned, and audio-described performances are available on select days and times. A discussion series subscription is also available.

Visit StudioTheatre.org for dates and details.

Feeling Generous?

THE CONTRIBUTOR PACKAGE Deepen your impact and join Inside Studio.

Donate $2,500 and get an invitation for two to all of our 40th Anniversary Main Series Opening Night celebrations, plus two tickets to each Studio X production, VIP ticketing service, access to our artists, and more. To learn more, contact 202.232.7267 X373 or visit studiotheatre.org/donate

202.332.3300 | STUDIOTHEATRE.ORG/SUBSCRIBE

THE PASS The Pass gives you the ultimate flexibility, plus perks. Enjoy discounted tickets, no fees, and unlimited exchanges to any show, at any time. See one show with five friends, six shows by yourself, treat someone special to three date nights, or mix it up on your own.

Passes start in quantities of six, but the more you buy, the more you save.

THE ALL-ACCESS PASS

THE WEEKNIGHT PASS

Join us for any performance, any day or night.

Join us for any Sunday evening through Thursday evening performance of any show.

Number of Tickets

Number of Tickets

6

8

10

6

8

10

Full Price

$534

$712

$890

Full Price

$438

$584

$730

All-Access Pass

$400

$500

$600

Weeknight Pass

$300

$400

$500

TAKE A LEADING ROLE IN OUR 40TH YEAR—DONATE TODAY! JOIN INSIDE STUDIO Celebrate 40 years of Studio Theatre by joining our Inside Studio membership program. Inside Studio members are a dedicated group of individuals who support Studio’s mission of sharing the best in contemporary theatre.

In recognition of your generous contribution, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits such as complimentary drink and parking vouchers, invitations to events with our artists, and discounts at our bars and bookstore. And that’s not all—the more you give, the more you’ll get.

Your support makes our work possible: consider a gift of $300, paid upfront or through monthly contributions as low as $25 per month to spread out your giving.

GO FURTHER WITH THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE The Artistic Director’s Circle is a dynamic group of individuals who help expand the artistic vision of Studio Theatre.

Members understand the value of producing powerful contemporary work in intimate spaces and invest in Studio’s innovative projects and initiatives, receiving in turn unparalleled access to our art and artists—allowing for tailored opportunities to explore firsthand what their enthusiasm and generosity inspires at Studio, with an experience unlike any other of our giving circles.

A bespoke benefits package, based on a donor’s interest and giving level, can be created for members of this giving circle.

Contributions are tax-deductible.

LEARN MORE AT STUDIOTHEATRE.ORG/SUPPORT OR 202.232.7267 X373

JAHI KEARSE IN PASSING STRANGE, PHOTO BY SCOTT SUCHMAN

CHRISTINE DWYER IN MURDER BALLAD, PHOTO BY VITHAYA PHONGSAVAN

BROOKE BLOOM IN LUNGS, PHOTO BY CAROL PRATT

EUNICE WONG IN THE INTELLIGENT DESIGN OF JENNY CHOW, PHOTO BY SCOTT SUCHMAN

JULIA NIXON IN CAROLINE OR CHANGE, PHOTO BY SCOTT SUCHMAN

TED VAN GRIETHUYSEN IN THE STEWARD OF CHRISTENDOM, PHOTO BY CAROL PRATT

SARAH MARSHALL IN WHEN I WAS A GIRL I USED TO SCREAM AND SHOUT, PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS

FLOYD KING IN RUSSIAN NATIONAL POSTAL SERVICE, PHOTO BY CAROL PRATT

HOLLY TWYFORD IN DIRT, PHOTO BY SCOTT SUCHMAN

STUDIO THEATRE 1501 14TH ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20005