The Teen Performance Company is Round House Theatre’s pre-professional program for the next generation of theatre artists. Most years, that means that a select group of teens takes master classes and attend Round House events in the fall, and then directs, designs, stage manages, and acts in the Sarah Metzger Memorial Play on the Round House Theatre stage in the spring.
Of course, this hasn’t been most years. In Fall 2020, 19 extraordinary high school students began taking master classes and creating an ensemble, despite not being able to meet in person. And they decided, as an ensemble, that they wanted to explore this new virtual art form and create their own production. Inspired by the year that was 2020, they were not just actors, directors and designers—they became playwrights and devisors. Ultimately, they have created a uniquely personal theatrical reflection about what 2020 meant for them.
The program culminates in The Sarah Metzger Memorial Play, which is directed, designed, stage managed, and performed by high school students. The Sarah Play Metzger Memorial Play was established by the Metzger family and friends to celebrate the memory of Sarah Metzger, an inspiring and active member of the theatre community, who was killed in an automobile accident during her freshman year of college.
TPC is entirely underwritten by donors and is free to students. To get involved in next year’s Teen Performance Company, which will perform at Round House Theatre in March 2022, email education@roundhousetheatre.org.
Round House Theatre is grateful to the Metzger family and all donors who have supported the Teen Performance Company, Play It Forward, and Round House Education, who together make this program possible year after year.
Support for Round House Theatre Education programs is provided by: Robert Lewicki and Edna Boyle; Bruce J. Heim Foundation; Clark-Winchole Foundation; Lorraine S. Dreyfuss Theatre Education Foundation; Clare Evans; Robert Lewicki and Edna Boyle; Maryland State Department of Education; Maureen and Michael McMurphy and the Patrick Michael McMurphy Memorial Foundation; Pasternak & Fidis, P.C.; City of Rockville; Dian and Steve Seidel; Ian and Marcia Solomon; Somerset Elementary School PTA; and The Venable Foundation