STC Salon

STC Salon is a season-long opportunity to explore how Shakespeare Theatre Company productions are created, from early artistic decisions through rehearsals, design, performance, and the work of the technicians, administrators, and other staff who bring each production to the stage. Led by Artistic Producer Drew Lichtenberg, the guided discussions combine behind-the-scenes insight from visiting artists and STC departments with conversation among a community of engaged theatregoers.

The 26/27 Season includes focused discussions connected to The Score, Frida…A Self Portrait, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Raisin in the Sun, Romeo and Juliet, and Follies. Salon members also receive exclusive enrichment opportunities, including Behind the Curtain events, symposia, and other special programs. Non-Shakespeare productions receive three focused discussions, while Shakespeare productions receive expanded multi-session explorations.

When: The 26/27 Season runs from August 26 through June 2. The production-related schedule is The Score, August 26–September 23; Frida…A Self Portrait, October 7–28; A Midsummer Night’s Dream, November 4–December 16; A Raisin in the Sun, January 6–February 17; Romeo and Juliet, March 17–April 21; and Follies, May 5–June 2.

Showtimes: Salon meets on Wednesdays from 1–3 p.m. Listed session dates are October 28; November 4, 11, 18, and 25; December 2, 9, and 16; January 6, 13, 20, and 27; February 3, 10, and 17; March 17, 24, and 31; April 7, 14, and 21; and May 5, 12, 19, and 26, plus June 2. Holiday and company-schedule adjustments are reflected on the individual Salon registration pages.

Tickets: Individual Salons are $499. The STC Salon Package, covering all six sessions, is $2,544.

Venue: Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW.

Leader: Drew Lichtenberg, STC Artistic Producer, leads the conversations. Lichtenberg has worked in dramaturgy, literary management, and artistic production at STC since 2011 and has contributed to more than 65 productions. His broader credits include work with Broadway and Off-Broadway organizations, regional and international theatres, and academic institutions. He is the author of *The Piscatorbühne Century* and *Shakespeare in the Theatre: Shakespeare Theatre Company*.

Program: Discussions examine the creative process behind STC’s mainstage productions, including acting, directing, design, lighting, sound, costumes, dramaturgy, rehearsal discoveries, production logistics, stage management, administration, and the collaboration required to turn an artistic vision into a performance. Participants are invited to bring their own observations and questions to the conversations.

Enrichment: Salon members receive exclusive access to Behind the Curtain events, symposia, and other special programs throughout the season.

Note: The page highlights a conversation with director Ruben Santiago-Hudson about his production of *Kunene and the King* as an example of the program’s artist-focused discussions.