Mission Statement
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to stage classical and contemporary works that ignite the imagination.
We make theatre that is relevant, affordable and alive.
We Believe In...
Meaningful Programming
Selecting iconic works of theatre that have stood the test of time as well as new works that we believe will become iconic.
Impact
Taking audiences out of their comfort zones, asking them to consider their various roles within society and challenge what they know.
Ensemble
Nurturing new and established artists by creating an environment where they feel free to explore and create.
Education
Promoting thought and discussion among our audiences as well as educating and inspiring future generations.
Community
Supporting and collaborating with Richmond’s arts organizations. Strengthening the community through the power of theatre.
Financial Stability
Producing the best possible product without overextending our financial responsibilities to our board and our donors.
Affordability
Keeping ticket prices low and producing free theatre - because theatre should be enjoyed by everyone.
Our Dream...
To find a permanent home in Richmond where we can play.
Description
The Story of Henley Street Theatre
Henley Street Theatre Company’s story began in 2006 when Alex Previtera moved to Richmond from Los Angeles with a dream: To develop his own professional theatre company. A recent graduate of Penn State's School of Theatre, Previtera recognized Richmond as a culturally rich city with a growing arts scene and an ideal place for setting his plan into motion.
In the beginning things moved slowly. Before mounting a single production, Previtera had to lay down miles of groundwork and find people that share his creative vision in a town where he knew next to no one! However, after many late nights and several carefully laid plans, the Henley team began to come together, reflecting a diverse collection of personalities, artistic skills and professional backgrounds.
In March 2007, TheRichmond Marquee featured an extensive article about Alex and his plans for Henley Street, attracting the eye of Richmond theatre veteran, Jacqueline O’Connor. Jacquie met with Alex immediately to see how she could help launch the first season and within months she was serving as Henley Street’s Managing Director, a position she continues to hold today.
The first season was announced in the early part of 2007, sending a clear signal to the Richmond community that there was an exciting, new brand of theatre being offered. The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, was Henley Street’s inaugural show, which Previtera directed himself. The show met with instant success and served as an effective launching point for the company’s first season. From that point forward, Henley continued to offer challenging works of classical and contemporary theatre, showcasing new local talent and pushing its own limits. Amidst the struggles and successes of its first season, Henley Street managed to attract larger audiences and collaborations with some of Richmond’s most well known theatre professionals. Henley Street’s Theatre’s all-star board of directors and creative team continue to grow at an exciting speed, promising a bight future within Richmond’s rich cultural mosaic.
Having been nominated for numerous Richmond Theatre Critic Circle (RTCC) Awards, Henley Street has been recognized as a theatre with a very bright future. In this, its third season of operation, Henley Street continues to develop its mission of producing exciting and dynamic productions under the leadership of its new Artistic Director, James Ricks.
Alex Previtera stepped down as Artistic Director and board President in early 2009 after getting married, accepting a new job and a pursuing a new (and equally challenging!) path. However, his artistic vision and the principles that built the company are faithfully observed in his absence. Alex continues to be actively engaged in supporting and promoting Henley Street in the community at every opportunity and he comes to every show! We hope you’ll do the same...
Where on earth is Henley Street anyway?
London, England! As a matter of fact, Henley Street is the street on which Shakespeare was born. The company’s name was inspired by Alex's passion for the works of the bard and his desire to honor the English language’s most famous playwright.
2007 Season
The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail - Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee
The Spanish Tragedy - by Thomas Kyd
The Seagull - by Anton Chekov
Much a Do About Nothing - by William Shakespeare
2008 Season
Richard III - by William Shakespeare
One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest - by Dale Wasserman
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead - by Tom Stoppard
True West - by Sam Shepard
2009 Season
The Shining City - by Conor McPherson
1 st Annual Bootleg Shakespeare Project - Romeo & Juliet
A Servant of Two Masters - by Carlo Goldoni
A Dolls House - by Henrik Ibsen
2010 Season
Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
2nd Annual Bootleg Shakespeare project - Titus Andronicus
A Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare
The Last Days of Judas Iscoriot by Stephen Adly Guirgis
