Spring into the Arts
MANASSAS BALLET THEATRE
Table of Contents.
The Prince William County Arts Council - Purpose and mission The county is alive with the sound of these choirs Art of Life Charity and the Prince William County Art Society give back Our community ballets take stage for Spring and Summer performances
submit work to the Prince William County ARTS Magazine email marketing.pwcartscouncil@gmail.com
The Prince William County Arts Council (PWCAC) has been a cornerstone in fostering the arts within our community. Established to promote and support local artists and arts organizations, the Council envisions a region where people of all ages and backgrounds experience, feel connectedto,andvaluethearts.
A Hub for Artistic Endeavors
The PWCAC serves as a central resource for the local arts scene, providing members with networking, development, marketing, and grant opportunities. It supports a diverse array of disciplines, including dance, music, theatre, visual arts, and more. Notable initiatives like the annual Arts Alive! festival celebrate the talents of local artists and offer the community a chance to engagewiththeartsfirsthand.
Investing in the Arts
Financialbackingiscrucialforthesustenanceand growth of the arts. The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors has demonstrated commendable support by allocating funds for arts grants. For instance, in Fiscal Year 2023, $193,000 was designated to support the arts, underscoring the county's commitment to nurturing its cultural landscape.
The Imperative for Community Involvement
While institutional support lays the groundwork, the vitality of the arts ultimately hinges on community engagement. Active participation from residents—whether by attending events, volunteering, or contributing financially—ensures the sustainability and vibrancy of artistic endeavors. Community involvement not only enriches the cultural fabric of our society but also fostersasenseofbelongingandsharedidentity.
About Us.
ORDWAY CONSERVATORY YOUTH BALLET
Looking Ahead: A Collective Vision
As we chart the future of the arts in Prince William County, it is imperative for all stakeholders— artists, local authorities, businesses, and residents —to collaborate. By fostering partnerships and encouraging community-driven initiatives, we can create an environment where the arts flourish and continue to inspire future generations.
The PWCAC has laid a robust foundation for the arts in our community. However, the onus is on us, the residents, to build upon this foundation. Through active participation and support, we can ensure that the arts remain a dynamic and integral part of Prince William County's identity.
PWC ARTS COUNCIL CHAIR
ALICE MERGLER
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/MARKETING CHAIR
CARYLEE CARRINGTON
SECRETARY
SEAN PECK
TREASURER
PETER ALTEN
NOMINATIONS & MEMBERSHIP
RONALD CRIGGER
PROGRAMMING CHAIR
DAWNE HORIZONS
Woodbridge Community Choir.
The Woodbridge Community Choir is one of the oldest performing arts organizations in Prince William County. Founded in 1966, the Woodbridge Community Choir is an allvolunteer organization, with members from all walks of life. To this day, all concerts by the Woodbridge Community Choir are free to the public.
There are no auditions to join, the only requirement is a love of singing. We are proud to include many professional and amateur musicians, both choral and instrumental in our membership. Many of our members live in eastern Prince William County.
Join us for the Spring 2025 concert series – Journeys in Music. Concerts will be performed at the Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo Building (15941 Donald Curtis Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22191) on Saturday, May 3 at 8:00 PM and Sunday, May 4 at 3:00 PM.
Looking ahead, the Woodbridge Community Choir is excited about our 60 th anniversary season. The choir would like to hear from you! What is your favorite Christmas or Holiday tune? Let us know and we will add the most popular tunes to our December 2026 concert program. Visit our website and leave a comment.
For more information about upcoming performances and how to get involved, visit www.woodbridgecommunitychoir.org
New Dominion Choraliers.
The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County (NDC), a non-auditioned community chorus, performs four formal concerts a year, two in the spring and two for the Christmas holiday season. Chorus members also participate in community outreach at Arts Alive, Bruton Parish Episcopal ChurchinColonialWilliamsburg,andanywhereNDC is invited to sing. This year, NDC celebrates 28 years ofsingingmanygenresofmusicinjoyousharmony.
In its concert performances, NDC collaborates with many other community arts groups. For example, a recent spring concert, “An Irish Festival,” included two dance studios, elementary and high school student choruses, Legacy Brass, members of the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra, and the Prince William PhotographyClub.
This spring’s show, scheduled for May 4 th and 5 th , features fun and fabulous songs straight from favorite Broadway shows and big screen musicals. Selections from Pixar, Disney, and Rodgers and Hammerstein offer familiar tunes. In addition, there will be songs from Wicked, Les Miserables, The GreatestShowman,andmore.
Bring your voice to the stage and make friends along the way at weekly rehearsals when you join the New Dominion Choraliers. Or come hear NDC in song at the spring concert at First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City, 14391Minnieville Road, Dale City,VA,22193.
KatherineNelson-Tracey/FoundingDirector Rheta Van Winkle and Becki O’Loughlin/Performance CommitteeMembers
www.newdominionchoraliers.org
Gainesville Community Choir Presents "The Road Home" – A Spring Concert to Remember.
The Gainesville Community Choir (GCC) is set to captivate audiences once again with its highly anticipated annual Spring Concert, The Road Home. Music lovers can experience this inspiring performance on Friday, May 16, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, May 17, at 4:00 p.m., at Grace United MethodistChurchinManassas,VA.
This year’s concert promises an eclectic mix of music, blending classical, gospel, jazz, American folk, and even video game soundtracks into a powerful and moving program. Audiences will enjoy beloved favorites such as Amazing Grace, Georgia On My Mind, and Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Accompanied by a chamber orchestra and pipe organ, the 100-voice choir will bring a truly immersive musical experience to Prince William County.
The Gainesville Community Choir is a nonauditioned, award-winning ensemble committed to enriching the community through music. Founded on the principles of inclusivity and artistic growth, GCC offers a welcoming space for singers of all backgrounds while maintaining a high level of musical excellence. In recognition of its impact, GCC was honored with the 2023 Seefeldt Award for Outstanding Arts Organization, while its co-founder and conductor, Jacob Lash, received the 2024 SeefeldtAwardforOutstandingArtsEducator.
More than just a choir, GCC fosters a deep appreciation for music through vocal technique and music literacy, ensuring that every performance is both technically strong and emotionally moving. The choir's Board of Directors believes in the power of expression to connect with audiences and create meaningful experiences that last beyond the concert hall.
SupportingtheArtsinPrinceWilliamCounty GCC extends its gratitude to its supporters, donors, and the Prince William County Arts Council, whose contributions help make these performances possible. The choir continues to grow as a cultural pillar in the community, providing both entertainment and education through its dedication tothearts.
TicketsandEventDetails
Tickets for The Road Home are available online or at the door, with flexible payment options including cash, check, credit card, Venmo, and PayPal. Seating is general admission, and doors open 30 minutes beforeeachperformance.
Adults:$15
Youth(ages9-17):$8
Children(8andunder):FREE
Concertgoers can expect a 75-minute performance filled with stirring harmonies and unforgettable musicalmoments.
For more information or to join or support GCC, visit gainesvillecommunitychoir.com. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a powerful musical journey— TheRoadHomeawaits!
TEMA Choir
Tema Choir USA recently had the honor of performing at Lakeridge Fellowship House in celebration of Black History Month, sharing the rich heritage of African choral music with residents. Through soul-stirring melodies and harmonies, we uplifted spirits and fostered a sense of unity, echoing our mission to inspire, educate, and bring people together through music. Rooted in the vision of promoting African musical traditions while embracing diverse cultures, our performance was a testament to the power of music in bridging generations and creating moments of joy.
Art of Life.
By Elizabeth Stathis, Executive Director of Art of Life Charities
Prince William County, VA – Art of Life Charities (AOLC), a dedicated 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on “Employing the Arts to Support Communities in Need”, has recently launched several initiatives aimed at enhancing community support and engagement. With a commitment to making a positive impact, AOLC has successfully reached out to the senior segment of the population to provide essentialresourcestothoseinneed.AOLC’soutreach includesallareasinD.C.,MarylandandVirginia.
Community Outreach Program
One of the standout initiatives from Art of Life Charities this year has been the launch of its Senior Citizen Art Program. This program aims to connect with people ages 65 and older by offering art sessions and workshops that help our seniors on many levels. Some areas of support are: emotional expressionforthosewhohavelosttheabilityto
speak; cognitive engagement for those suffering from dementia; social engagement; improvement in motor skills; a sense of accomplishment; and therapeutic effectsforboththeresidentsandtheircaregivers.
AOLC President and Founder, Kelly Haneklau stated, “Over the past two months, AOLC’s newly elected Executive Director, Elizabeth Stathis, has coordinated with Battlefield High School’s senior outreach program, Students Serving Seniors (SSS), by volunteering at Legacy Ridge’s assisted living facility and Harper Station’s Senior Living Community - both located in Gainesville, VA. Elizabeth has been a drivingforceinmovingAOLC’smissionforward.”This year AOLC has participated in the facilities Christmas and Valentines Day celebrations that involved residents, their families, the residents and staff, and many volunteers. Both SSS and AOLC are actively involved in the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce Senior Services Committee and Health andWellnessCouncil.
VolunteerEngagement
In addition to direct community service, Art of Life Charities has also prioritized volunteer engagement. TheorganizationhasrequestedthehelpofVolunteer PrinceWilliam,Human Services Alliance of Greater Prince William, the Students Serving Seniors High Schoolers, Professional NVCC’s NOVA Outreach Community Service Club, local high school students, as well as numerous other artists and art groups. AOLC is actively inviting anyone who is interested in helping otherstoreachouttothemontheirwebsiteat www.artoflifecharities.org.
UpcomingEvents
Looking ahead, Art of Life Charities is excited to announce its participation in the upcoming Community Volunteerism Summit on April 10th, as wellastheAgingGracefullyExpoon May 14th The events are meant to bring light to futureinitiativesandcommunityneeds. They will feature guest speakers, workshops and localvendors.Pleasehelpspreadthe work by liking and following Art of Life Charities on Facebook,Instagram,andLinkedINat “ArtofLifeCharities”.
Prince William Art Society Presents the Jewell Pratt Burns Scholarship.
ByStaciBlanchardandEmilyHawes
Since 2008 the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) has warded the Jewell Pratt Burns scholarship to Prince William County graduating seniors who will be pursuing a degree in the visual arts and/or art education. The idea of awarding a scholarship was initially proposed by then member Alice La Bier in 2007. It is named after founding member Jewell Pratt Burns, in honor of her continuous dedication to PWAS and the visual arts. A vote was brought before the membership to award the Jewell Pratt Burnsscholarships.
Originally members contributed works of art as a fundraiser which were then used to create a calendar. The money raised from the sale of the calendar funded the first annual scholarship. Members have, in the past, contributed artworks for the printing of greeting cards for the scholarship fund. The scholarship is also funded by generous donations from the community. Since 2008, these donations have allowed PWAS to continue to support the next generation of up-andcomingartists.
To be considered, applicants must provide a “student statement of future intent” explaining their anticipated path for a degree in the arts; a recommendation letter from their art instructor, and a digital portfolio of five of their original works. A panel of artists from the Prince William Art Societyreviewsallapplicationmaterialssubmitted.
Once all finalists have been identified, the panel meets and interviews the finalists. The finalists bring their original artwork to the interview and describetheirartisticprocessaswellastheirfuture goalsintheartcommunity.Pastintervieweeshave submitted high quality art in all the classic mediums; as well as carving cardboard, using coffee and grounds, and presenting strikingly original fiber arts. Their resumes can include impressive activities and community service. The application and interview process are excellent practiceformanylaterlifeexperiences.
For PWAS panel members, the final choice of one to two students is often extremely difficult. This decision is based on the quality of their work and their ability to convey their passion for art. One of the rewards for PWAS members has been meeting with, and being able to help these talented, earnestyoungartists.
A detailed information link about the applications process can be found on the PWAS website. Students are encouraged to visit www.princewilliamartsociety.com for this information. The community at large is also encouraged to visit the website to submit donations and help PWAS continue to award the JewellPrattBurnsscholarship.
Manassas Ballet Theatre Celebrates Women’s History
Month with LOVE and Prepares for Sleeping Beauty.
March was a momentous month for Manassas Ballet Theatre (MBT) as the company celebrated Women’s History Month with LOVE, a groundbreaking production choreographed entirely by female artists. Now, MBT continues its exciting season by preparing for the ultimate classical ballet, Sleeping Beauty, premiering this May at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.
A Triumph in Dance: The Success of LOVE
LOVE was more than just a ballet—it was a celebration of women in the arts, showcasing the creative power of three of MBT’s exceptionally talented female choreographers: Hallie Wilde, Victoria Bartlett, and Dani Moya. Each choreographer brought her unique artistic vision to the production, crafting mesmerizing vignettes that explored the many dimensions of love. Set to live music by Kim Reynolds and The Kim Reynolds Band, the performance captivated audiences, earning high praise for its emotional depth, original choreography, and artistic innovation.
PWC ARTS MAGAZINE
Artistic Director Amy Wolfe expressed her pride in the production, stating, “I am always thrilled to give our dancers new opportunities. It is a joy watching their creativity and hard work come to life in all this new choreography!” The success of LOVE further solidified MBT’s reputation as a trailblazer in the ballet world, offering innovative performances while maintaining the elegance and discipline of classical ballet.
Looking Ahead: Sleeping Beauty Arrives in May Following the success of LOVE, MBT now turns its attention to its next grand production: Sleeping Beauty. This full-length classical ballet will be performed with a live orchestra, stunning handpainted backdrops, and exquisite hand-sewn costumes, bringing fairy tale magic to life on stage.
As Northern Virginia’s premier ballet company, MBT is the only company in the region to present such lavish, full-scale productions with live music, offering audiences an experience unlike any other. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, Sleeping Beauty tells the timeless story of Princess Aurora, whose fate is sealed by a wicked curse and later awakened by true love’s kiss. This enchanting ballet will showcase the grace, precision, and technical mastery of MBT’s talented dancers, making it a must-see event of the season.
Manassas Ballet Theatre
Looking Ahead: Sleeping Beauty Arrives in May
Following the success of LOVE, MBT now turns its attention to its next grand production: Sleeping Beauty. This full-length classical ballet will be performed with a live orchestra, stunning handpainted backdrops, and exquisite hand-sewn costumes, bringing fairy tale magic to life on stage.
As Northern Virginia’s premier ballet company, MBT is the only company in the region to present such lavish, full-scale productions with live music, offering audiences an experience unlike any other. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, Sleeping Beauty tells the timeless story of Princess Aurora, whose fate is sealed by a wicked curse and later awakened by true love’s kiss. This enchanting ballet will showcase the grace, precision, and technical mastery of MBT’s talented dancers, making it a must-see event of the season.
Bohemian Rhapsody By Virginia National Ballet.
Virginia National Ballet presents "Bohemian Rhapsody" at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on Sunday, April 27 at 3 pm, in Merchant Hall. Also on theprogramare"TangoNights"and"Moonlight."All three works are choreographed by VNB's award winningArtisticDirector,RafikHegab.Treatyourself toanafternoonofgreatdanceandmusic!
"Bohemian Rhapsody" originally premiered in 2017 and features the music of Queen. You will love hearing Queen's greatest hits and some deep tracks, with great choreography performed by VNB's fabulous professional dancers. "Tango Nights" originally premiered in 2021, and is a saucy, tango-inspired neoclassical ballet to the powerful music of Argentinian Composer Astor Piazzolla. Also on the program is a brand-new Premier called "Moonlight", a gorgeous neoclassical ballet to Beethoven'sfamousMoonlightSonata.
Complementing the beautiful music, choreography and dancing will be atmospheric costumes and lightingtocompletethemagicoftheperformance.
Virginia National Ballet is also bringing this program to NYC, at the Ailey Citigroup Theatre on Saturday, May17.
Virginia National Ballet's professional roster of 20 dancers come from the USA, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Uzbekistan. VNB was founded in 2013 by Directors Elysabeth Muscat and Rafik Hegab. The company started with 6 dancers and has now grown to 20 dancers. In 2025-26 the company plans to add more openings. VNB performs a full season annually at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, and also performs twice a year at Capital One Hall in Tysons, and often performs tours in other locations. in 2025 VNB will be debuting at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, with The Nutcracker.
AGENDA
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Opening Ceremony Student Competitions
COMPETITON AREAS
STEM | PERFORMING ARTS HUMANITIES | BUSINESS VISUAL ARTS
WHERE Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School 13833 Dumfries Road Manassas, VA 20110
Enter through door 35) (
Triune Entertainment is Ready for What’s Next
Prince William County’s Professional Theatre Group Continues to Thrive in its Third Year
By Laura Mills
Triune Entertainment is an independent, non-Equity production company based in Bristow, Virginia. They are a majority woman owned company that is dedicated to providing artists with opportunities to direct and perform in exciting and original ways. As the premiere non-equity professional theatre troupe in Prince William County, Triune’s mission is to create exceptional entertainment experiences while being respectful to its audiences and participants, and to provide opportunity and access to the best in live production, training and arts education, and beyond.
Celebrated author and Broadway insider Peter Filichia selected Triune Entertainment to mount the world premiere of his latest work, Larry the Big-Time Broadway Producer in 2023 at the state of the art Journey Theater in Vint Hill. Audiences were transported to the Golden Age of 1965 with Larry Greenstein, a young Bostonian bitten by the Broadway bug. The hilarious and heartwarming story charmed audiences and was well received by local audiences. Triune also hosted a talk back for audiences with its author. Filichia spoke as an
author of many works about Broadway history and also shared about his experience as the President and Chairman of the nominating committee of the Drama Desk and as a former member of the nominating committee for the Lucille Lortel Awards. He is currently head of the selection committee of the Theatre World Awards.
Hot off of the heels of the Larry the Big-Time Broadway Producer, Triune then mounted its ambitious production of Songs for a New World at the Wind River Theater at the ARTfactory in Manassas, Virginia. The powerful and emotionally charged musical captivated audiences with its spellbinding storytelling and sensational musical score. Songs for a New World features music and lyrics by Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown and explores universal themes of love, choice, and the human experience through a collection of interconnected songs. According to Brown, Songs for a New World is, “about one moment. It’s about hitting the wall and having to make a choice: take a stand or turn around and go back.” The production featured four professional performers: Shakil Azizi, Cate Murray, Sarah Bright, and Joshua Ewalt.
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This past December, Triune welcomed Director Renée De Ponte to direct its first holiday show, with the goal of inviting local families to share in their love of theatre. Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical is a story of unexpected grace, kindness, and loving thy neighbor. The musical is based on the story by Barbara Robinson with orchestrations by Malcolm Hillgartner and book by Jahnna Beecham. De Ponte was thrilled for the opportunity to bring this hilarious show to life: “I have always wanted to direct a show with lots of families, and this was the perfect story to do that! I love how much heart there is in the script and our cast and crew are working so well together to put on this reallybeautifulshow.”
The latest showstopper from Triune Entertainment is Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s hit musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with a limited run from February 21 to March 9, 2025. The beloved show features some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre and promises to be an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiencesofallages.
Directed by Matt Moore, this production brings new life to the timeless tale of Joseph led by Shakil Azizi as Joseph and Katy Benko Miner as the Narrator. Both Azizi and Benko Miner are award winning performers in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. They are joined by a dazzling cast of many actorsdeliveringhigh-energychoreographyand
The latest showstopper from Triune Entertainment isAndrewLloydWebberandTimRice’shitmusical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with a limited run from February 21 to March 9, 2025. The beloved show features some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre and promises to be an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiencesofallages.
Directed by Matt Moore, this production brings new life to the timeless tale of Joseph led by Shakil Azizi as Joseph and Katy Benko Miner as the Narrator. Both Azizi and Benko Miner are award winning performers in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. They are joined by a dazzling cast of many actors delivering high-energy choreography and unforgettable melodies. As always, Triune Entertainment’s creative team is committed to bringing a fresh, exhilarating energy to this family-friendly production, ensuring that Joseph remains a heartwarming and inspiring journeyforbothnewandreturningaudiences.
In addition to its mainstage shows, Triune Entertainment is also the home of The Fools! Improvisational Troupe. Fools! is one of the longest running improv groups in the nation, having nearly 20 years of consecutive shows throughout its history. 18.
Sandra McClelland Lewin
Gallery. ARTS
Bad Hair Day
Crowned Cranes
Marsh Life Celtic Crows
Sandra McClelland Lewin lives in Dumfries, VA and creates her art in her home studio. She began painting after her retirement in 2009 as a graphics designer for the Central Intelligence Agency. Artwork depicting nature is her specialty, primarily created using acrylic paint with occasional touches of gold or silver leaf. Currently she has a solo exhibit at the Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm until May 18, 2025. She served as President of the Prince William Art Society from 2019 through 2021 and is currently serving as Interim President of that group. Sandra has been a member of the Prince William Arts Council since 2017.
Flavors of Fall
Iris Moon
Rebekah Keener
RebekahKeenerwenttoEastCarolina UniversityinGreenville,NCtomajorin artandminorinillustration.Thereshe begantodevelophercharacteristic styleinacrylicpainting—fantasysaturatedrealityexpressedthrougha gradationoflayeredcolors.Besidesher “home”studioatCreativeBrush,she alsodisplaysherworkatnumerous showsinVirginia.
The Wine-Dark Sea
Kelly Haneklau
Dreaming of the Beach - oil on canvas
Wildflowers - acrylic on canvas
Riverscape - acrylic on canvas
PWC Arts Council
Memeber, Kelly Haneklau is a multidisciplinary freelance artist who works primarily in acrylic and oils. She creates commissioned paintings and murals, is an illustrator, a speed painter for K[squared]² performance group, and teaches art out of her Virginia-based studio
A Moment on the Lake - oil on canvas
