Originally published on October 5, 2024
On January 1, 2025, ARTfactory’s long-time community theatre company, Rooftop Productions began functioning under a new name and status. The new company, named ARTfactory Actors Theatre, will be a professional company where all cast and production staff are paid.
The ARTfactory has been a cornerstone of the arts community in this region for over forty years. As the organization has transformed over time, so has its theatre division. ARTfactory CEO, Talya Conroy feels the non-profit is ready to commit to a professional status, “We have worked hard to be able to pay production teams for their time and talents, and now the ARTfactory is in a position to extend that professional credit to local actors.” Always one to ask “what’s next”, or “where do we go now,” Conroy is excited to be able to offer this to local talent while continuing ARTfactory’s commitment to the region’s community vitality. She goes on to explain that this adjustment and growth will not take away from the community-based culture or ARTfactory’s non-profit status.
This change will also grant an opportunity to hundreds of Pied Piper Theatre students. Once students have aged out of the youth program, they will have a local theatre company to gain professional credits as they start their next steps in the performing arts. ARTfactory is committed to finding ways for people to work, play, and stay in our community.
Along with the theatre company name change comes a title change for current Director of Theatre Arts, Kimberly Kemp. Her new title will be Producing Artistic Director, a title more fitting to the parameters of the position, which includes the artistic vision and focus of the theatre company as well as managing the production process. “Kimberly has already been doing the work and leading the charge as the creative leader of the theatre division at the ARTfactory. Her deliberate choices for a season, along with her commitment to ensuring everyone sees themselves on our stage is a great asset to our organization,” states Conroy.
Productions will still be held at ARTfactory’s Wind River Theatre, as well as Hylton Performing Arts Center, depending on the production. The 2025 inaugural season brings a mix of comedy and drama with play titles, All My Sons, Every Brilliant Thing, and Lend Me A Soprano and musical titles, Cabaret, Little Shop of Horrors, and the family holiday favorite, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.
Currently, ARTfactory Actors Theatre will be the only professional theatre company for plays and musicals in Prince William County, Manassas City, and Manassas Park. Although the new theatre company will function under a professional status, ARTfactory encourages all individuals to audition for its upcoming shows, regardless of experience.For more information on ARTfactory’s theatre companies, including Actors Theatre and their youth company, Pied Piper Theatre, visit their website at www.virginiaartfactory.org.
