Venus Theatre facts for kids
Venus Theatre is a special kind of theater that only performs plays written by women. It's known for being the longest-running theater of its kind! The theater started in Laurel in 2001. It was founded by Deborah Randall, who wanted to create a place for women's stories to be told on stage.
Deborah Randall is the main leader, called the Artistic Director. Alan Scott is the musical director, helping with all the music in the shows.
Venus Theatre grew from an earlier group called Venus Envy. This group was made up of all women who performed improv comedy. They also worked with other groups to help the community. They supported causes like helping people in need and promoting safety.
Venus Theatre has always focused on plays written by and about women. This helps bring new and important stories to the stage.
Awards and Recognition
Venus Theatre and its leaders have won several awards for their great work.
- Deborah Randall received the Helen Hayes/American Express Award for Artistic Directors.
- Past plays won the Maryland Theatrical Association's Best Drama Prize in 2002 and 2005.
A New Chapter
After 15 years in Laurel, Maryland, Venus Theatre moved out of its long-time home in February 2022. This move happened because of the global health situation (the Covid epidemic) and a big increase in rent. They found a new way to continue their mission.
Plays and Performances
Venus Theatre has put on many exciting plays over the years. Here are some examples of their past shows:
2019
- Jane app by Deborah Randall
- #solestories by Renee Calarco
- The Finger by Doruntina Basha
- The Powers that BE by Deborah Randall and Alan Scott
2018
- This Little Light by Jennifer Faletto
- The Speed Twins by Maureen Chadwick
- Living and Dying with Tricia McCauley by Deborah Randall
- Running On Glass by Cynthia Cooper
2017
- SELECTIONS FROM: the Methuen Drama Book of Suffrage Plays edited by Naomi Cruz
- Tunnel Vision by Andrea Lepcio
- Aglaonike’s Tiger by Claudia Barnett
- The Ravens by Alana Valentine
2016
- FUR by Migdalia Cruz
- Garbage Kids by Jayme Kilburn
- Rock the Line by Kathleen Warnock
- Soft Revolution: Shafana and Aunt Sarrinah by Alana Valentine
2015
- GOD DON' LIKE UGLY by Doc Andersen-Bloomfield
- dry bones rising by Cecelia Raker
- Witches Vanish by Claudia Barnett
- RAW by Amy Bernstein
2014
- Virus Attacks Heart by Shannon Murdoch
- We Are Samurai by Daria Marinelli
- Light of Night by Cecilia Copeland
- Ding!. or bye bye dad by Jayme Kilburn
2013
- No. 731 Degraw-Street, Brooklyn or Emily Dickinson's Sister by Claudia Barnett
- Gift of Forgotten Tongues by Fengar Gael
- Grieving for Genevieve by Kathleen Warnock
- Following Sarah by Rich Espey
2012
- A Girl Named Destiny by Rand Higbee
- Punk Rock Mom by Alyson Mead
- Devil Dog Six by Fengar Gael
- Claudie Hukill by Sean O'Leary
2011
- The Last Reading of Charlotte Cushman by Carolyn Gage
- Lou by John Carter
- The Stenographer by Zoe Mavroudi
2010
- Looking for the Pony by Andrea Lepcio
- Play Nice! by Robin Rice Lichtig
- In the Goldfish Bowl by Kay Rhodes
- Zelda at the Oasis by P.H. Lin
2009
- not such stuff by Chris Wind
- Homokay's Medea by Julianne Homokay
- Why'd Ya Make Me Wear This Joe? by Vanda
- Helen of Sparta by Jacob M. Appel
2008
- All female Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare
- THE PARMACHENE BELLE CALAMITY JANE SENDS A MESSAGE TO HER DAUGHTER AND OTHER SOLO SHORTS by Carolyn Gage
- LYSISTRATION: A FEMINIST ROCK OPERA by Deborah Randall (DC Fringe Festival)
2007
- Boogsnot and the Disco Dancing Meltdown of the Snows by Deborah Randall and Alan Scott
- Fiona the Fish and the Magical Carwash by Deborah Randall and Alan Scott
- Juanita the Walrus Goes on a Shopping Spree (reprise) by Deborah Randall and Alan Scott
2006
- Are You A Daughter of Molly Maguire? by Deborah Randall
- How She Played the Game by Cynthia Cooper
- Juanita the Walrus Goes on a Shopping Spree by Deborah Randall and Alan Scott
2005
- A Little Rebellion Now by Lisa Voss
2004
- Ugly Ducklings by Carolyn Gage
2002
- Rules of the Playground by Carolyn Gage
- A Chat With Miss Chicky by Dale Spender
2000
- Daughters of Molly Maguire by Deborah Randall
1999
- Til It Hurts Solo Tour by Deborah Randall
1998
- The Voice Inside the Vessel, three woman tour by Deborah Randall
Recent productions have included Shakespeare's Measure for Measure and On Thin Ice. The theater's annual "retro-classic" new works series for 2009 featured Chris Wind's Not Such Stuff, Julia Homokay's Homokay's Medea, Vanda's Why'd Ya Make Me Wear This, Joe, and Jacob M. Appel's Helen of Sparta.
