New Theatre Company Announces Launch Party

This November in Winchester, arts patrons can expect excitement at the Zero Park Warehouse on North Cameron St. in the form of a maverick theatre company's interactive take on Elizabethan drama. Inspirata Theatre Company—a nonprofit incorporated just this April—recently crowdfunded enough money to rent the space and has plans to stage an ambitious and innovative interpretation of Titus Andronicus, Shakespeare's gory tragedy about the fall of Rome. "We're such a brand new company we weren't sure what kind of support we'd be able to muster," stated Danielle Guy, the Executive Director of Inspirata Theatre Co., "but we asked our friends, family, community to pull behind us and they came through with the funds for us to get the venue we wanted. It's the perfect space for this show; we were lucky to find it."

The stated mission of the company is to “breathe artistic life into local communities by involving them in the development of diverse, quality theatrical performances.” They seek to provide theatrical experiences to smaller localities in the four-state region that may not have many other outlets for viewing or being involved in more experimental or community-oriented productions. Additionally, a portion of proceeds from their inaugural show will be donated to regional charities as well as beginning a scholarship fund for local students who need help in their pursuit of higher education in the arts. “We really seek to be of and for the people in this region—we see no point in starting a community theatre that doesn’t pride service as one of the main goals,” stated Nathaniel Warburton, the company’s Vice Chair and Marketing Director.

On June 10th Inspirata Theatre Company is inviting the general public to their launch party and annual fundraising event, this year titled The Blood Ball in honor of their flagship production—Shakespeare’s bloodiest play. Two local bands, Party Poison and Pleasure Train, will provide music. There will be beer courtesy of Flying Dog Brewery, local wine, raffles, giveaways, and a costume contest. It will be held at the Hillsboro Old Stone Schoolhouse—37089 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro VA 20132—and begin at 7 pm. Tickets are $12 when ordered online at http://bloodball.bpt.me and $15 at the door. You can find more information about the event, and the fledgling company at facebook.com/inspiratatheatreco or by emailing vanessa@inspiratatheatre.com.