Arena Stage Voices of Now

# Arena Stage Voices of Now Voices of Now (VON) is Arena Stage's internationally recognized devised theater program, in which ensembles of young artists work alongside theater professionals to create original plays that pose significant social questions relevant to their communities. The Mead Ensemble meets, rehearses, and performs at Arena Stage's Mead Center for American Theater in Southwest Washington, DC, and the season culminates in the annual Voices of Now Festival on Arena's stages. ## What You'll Do - Meet weekly over 12 weeks (February-April) to learn the Voices of Now devising techniques and process - Write collaboratively with your ensemble, turning lived experiences into an original autobiographical theater piece - Rehearse with Arena Stage teaching artists at a major American regional theater - Perform your ensemble's premiere at the Voices of Now Festival, followed by post-show talkbacks ## Who Should Apply Students in grades 6-12 in the DC region who want to write, perform, and share stories that shape their lives. No prior performance experience is required - just a passion for storytelling and a commitment to creative expression. Registration for the 2026 Mead Ensemble closed February 1, 2026; registration for the next season is expected to open in the fall through Arena Stage's education office. ## Outcomes Participants premiere an original play on a professional stage, gain training in devising and ensemble playmaking from Arena Stage artists, and join a program whose ensembles have performed internationally. For students interested in playwriting, devising, or socially engaged art, VON is one of the strongest theater credits available in the capital region.