MANASSAS, Va. – A brand-new theater troupe for young audiences is making its debut this weekend with a playful spin on a classic fairy tale. The folks at the ARTfactory in Manassas just told Potomac Local News that their new group, Actors Theatre for Young Audiences, is kicking off with The Sleeping Beauty—a musical packed with comedy, magic, and even a dragon.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

MANASSAS, Va. – The curtain is about to close on Cabaret at the ARTfactory, and audiences have one last chance to be part of the immersive theatrical experience that’s transformed downtown Manassas into 1930s Berlin.

Presented at the Wind River Theater, the ARTfactory’s production of Cabaret has sold out nearly every performance. The final show with tickets remaining is set for Saturday, July 26 at 2 p.m., with a pre-show beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Audience members are invited to take a seat at a candlelit table just feet from the stage inside a space reimagined as the famed Kit Kat Club. Premier table seating includes the option to purchase wine from Nokesville Winery and charcuterie boxes from Pampas Fox Catering.

“You won’t be just watching Cabaret,” reads a note from ARTfactory. “You’ll be living it.”

For younger audiences and families, the ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre will present High School Musical JR. on Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26, at Grace E. Metz Middle School in Manassas. Showtimes are Friday at 7 p.m., and Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m.

The youth production follows Troy, Gabriella, and their classmates at East High as they navigate friendship, first love, and staying true to themselves. With high-energy music and vibrant choreography, the show celebrates teamwork and self-expression.

More performances are on the horizon for ARTfactory Theatre, including:

• The Sleeping Beauty (Aug. 2, 9, 16 – Actors Theatre for Young Audiences)

• Every Brilliant Thing by Duncan Macmillan (Sept. 5–7)

• Morning’s at Seven by Paul Osborn (Sept. 19–21)

• Little Shop of Horrors (Sept. 19–28)

• The Rocky Horror Show (Oct. 3–4 – limited engagement)

In preparation for its Halloween season, ARTfactory is also seeking scare actors for its upcoming Factory of Fear haunted attraction. Auditions will be held on August 8.

For tickets and audition information, visit virginiaartfactory.org.

MANASSAS, Va. – A Luray-based painter with more than 30 years of experience will close out his solo exhibition with an in-person artist talk in Old Town Manassas.

Scott Hillman, known for his vibrant use of color and layered compositions, will speak at the ARTfactory on Saturday, July 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. The event is free, but attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance at insidenovatix.com.

The talk coincides with the final day of Scott Hillman: A Retrospective Journey Through Time, a solo exhibition that surveys more than three decades of Hillman’s creative exploration. The show includes landscapes, still lifes, and abstract pieces that reflect his evolving artistic voice, culminating in a recent series that weaves together abstract forms with memory-rich imagery.

Hillman’s work has been displayed in galleries across Northern Virginia and internationally in China. Working in mediums such as watercolor, pen and ink, oil, and acrylic, his art is known for blending early 20th-century influences with a modern sensibility. Hillman says his paintings aim to visualize the fragmented nature of life, showing how individual shapes and colors contribute to a greater whole.

The ARTfactory gallery is located at 9419 Battle Street in Manassas and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. More information is available at VirginiaARTfactory.org.

MANASSAS, Va. – Elle Woods is heading to Harvard Law — and to the local stage!

Pied Piper Theatre, the youth division of the ARTfactory in Manassas, is bringing the high-energy musical Legally Blonde to life on Friday and Saturday, June 27 and 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. Based on the 2001 hit movie and the novel by Amanda Brown, the show follows Elle, a stylish sorority queen who proves she’s more than just a pretty face when she enrolls at Harvard to win back her ex — and ends up finding her true self instead.

The ARTfactory, a nonprofit arts center housed in the historic Hopkins Candy Factory building in downtown Manassas, has been a cornerstone of the local arts scene since 1984. It offers a wide range of programs, including visual arts education, dance classes, summer camps, and the Caton Merchant Family Gallery, which showcases local and regional artists.

Pied Piper Theatre, catering to students aged 8–18, provides hands-on training in all aspects of theater and produces multiple full-length productions each season.

For tickets and more details, visit the ARTfactory’s website.

This weekend marks your last chance to catch two standout productions on local stages before the curtains close for good.

At the ARTfactory in Manassas, Lend Me a Soprano wraps up its run with performances through Sunday. This fast-paced farce, written by Ken Ludwig, offers a hilarious backstage comedy that’s been praised for its sharp direction, standout cast, and intimate setting. According to a review from the ARTfactory, the show “delivers big laughs in a small space” and makes the most of its cozy venue to pull audiences into the operatic chaos. Tickets and details are available at virginiaartfactory.org.

Meanwhile, To Kill a Mockingbird enters its final weekend at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts in Stafford. The production stars Fredericksburg native Tug Coker as Atticus Finch and has resonated with local audiences since its opening. Potomac Local News previously featured Coker in two stories—one introducing his lead role (read it here) and another in our podcast where he reflects on portraying the iconic character (listen here). Sunday is the final performance.

MANASSAS, Va. – Time is running out to catch the Prince William Art Society Members’ Exhibit at the ARTfactory gallery in Historic Downtown Manassas. The final day to view the exhibit is this Friday, May 30, and art lovers are encouraged to stop by while they still can.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

MANASSAS, Va. – The ARTfactory is inviting audiences on a journey back to 1930s Berlin with its new production of Cabaret, opening this season at the Wind River Theater. 🎭

Known for immersive theater experiences, the ARTfactory will transform the performance space into the smoky, seductive Kit Kat Club — the setting of the iconic musical. Audiences will step into a world where glitz, music, and freedom clash with rising political darkness.

For those unfamiliar, Cabaret is a Tony Award-winning musical that tells the story of Sally Bowles, a bold American singer performing at the Kit Kat Club, and her relationship with a British writer named Cliff Bradshaw. The show unfolds during the final years of the Weimar Republic as the Nazi party gains strength, with the Emcee serving as a surreal guide through the club’s performances and the changing world outside. With memorable numbers like “Wilkommen,” “Maybe This Time,” and “Cabaret,” the show is equal parts dazzling and sobering.

Guests can choose from general admission or premium floor seating, including optional enhancements like priority seating, wine flights from Nokesville Winery, and charcuterie boxes from Pampas Fox Catering. All tickets include pre-show entertainment beginning 30 minutes before curtain. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., July 11 to 27.

For tickets and details, visit the ARTfactory’s website.

Headed to the stage first, however, is Lend Me a Soprano, a fast-paced farce by acclaimed playwright Ken Ludwig. Running through June 22, this gender-swapped adaptation of Ludwig’s Lend Me a Tenor is set in 1934 at the Cleveland Grand Opera Company.

The plot centers on Lucille Wylie, the opera manager, who faces a series of comedic mishaps when the star soprano arrives late, her jealous husband causes a scene, and the assistant Jo must step in to save the performance of Carmen. Directed by Vince Worthington, the production promises a night of laughter with mistaken identities and backstage chaos. Performances are held at the Wind River Theater, with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

Located in the historic Candy Factory building in Old Town Manassas, the ARTfactory serves as a regional hub for arts, theater, and cultural education. It offers classes, exhibits, and live performances year-round, supporting creativity and community engagement across Northern Virginia.

SuperCon is back in downtown Manassas and promises a weekend packed with geek culture, gaming, cosplay, and a brush with Hollywood.

The convention, hosted by ARTfactory, will take place Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at 9419 Battle Street. This year’s headliner is Jamie Flanagan, a Bram Stoker Award-winning writer and actor known for their work on Netflix series including “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” “Midnight Mass,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher,” as well as AMC Shudder’s “Creepshow” and “Peacock’s Hysteria!”.

Flanagan will host a panel discussion on Saturday and be available for fan meet-and-greets, photo ops, and autograph signings.

Ahryel Tinker, the ARTfactory’s education director and founder of SuperCon, joined the Potomac Local News Podcast to share how the idea came from her personal love of conventions and a desire to create something local. “I’ve been to Fairfax Comic Con, Awesome Con, and Baltimore,” said Tinker. “I thought, we need one here in Manassas.”

SuperCon aims to celebrate every corner of fandom with a mix of attractions:

Artist Alley and Exhibitor Gallery: Fans can browse original art, collectibles, and handmade goods. “There’s something magical about seeing the work of local creators in person,” said Tinker. “It’s not just about buying — it’s about connecting.”

Gaming zones: Attendees can drop into console gaming areas, one-shot Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering games, and classic board games.

Panels and workshops: In addition to Flanagan’s appearance, author Kay Hannifan will lead a panel on horror writing, moderated by Tinker. Panels will explore beloved franchises and themes across pop culture.

Cosplay: Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite characters. Tinker and the ARTfactory staff are planning a Sailor Moon group cosplay.

“I’m a last-minute decider when it comes to cosplay,” she said with a laugh.

After-hours party: The fun continues Saturday night with an 18+ Super Party from 8 p.m. to midnight, featuring a DJ, themed drinks, and a cosplay contest. A partnership with NovaVino Winery will help keep spirits high.

Tinker emphasized the growing community around fandom in Manassas. “This city is hungry for more community events. And nerd culture is a way to bring people together,” she said. “There’s something for everyone at SuperCon — from die-hard horror fans to board game lovers to those who just want to rock a superhero tee and connect.”

The ARTfactory has embraced the convention as part of its broader mission to showcase the arts in unique and inclusive ways. “Whether it’s haunted houses or horror panels, it’s all about creating spaces where people feel seen,” said Tinker.

Tickets for the convention and the after-party are sold separately or as a bundle and can be purchased online at virginiaartfactory.org/tickets or by calling 703-330-2787.

“We were blown away by last year’s turnout,” said Tinker. “This year, we’re leveling up.”

The timeless drama All My Sons by legendary playwright Arthur Miller returns to the stage in an Actors Theatre production at the ARTfactory in Manassas. First premiering in 1947, Miller’s powerful exploration of morality, ambition, and the consequences of personal decisions remains as compelling today as it was in the post-World War II era.

Set in the aftermath of the war, All My Sons follows Joe Keller, a businessman whose wartime actions carry tragic repercussions. As the past unravels, Joe and those closest to him are forced to confront hard truths about sacrifice, ambition, and the moral cost of pursuing the American Dream. The play’s deep exploration of human choices and the weight of deception makes it one of Miller’s most enduring works.

The ARTfactory production, directed by Ahryel Tinker, promises to bring fresh perspective to the classic play, with a talented cast and innovative staging designed to highlight the emotional and psychological depth of the characters. The cast includes Scott Murphy-Neilson, Kimberly Kemp, Andrew Chi, Raeanna Nicole Larson, Chris Beatley, Eleanore Tapscott, Joshua Mutterperl, Devyn Tinker, Anastasia Hanchak, and Noah Delune.

Performances will be held at the Wind River Theater at the ARTfactory on April 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13, with showtimes at 7:30 p.m. and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sundays. The April 3 performance will be a special “pay what you can” event, with tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the ARTfactory website at virginiaartfactory.org.

The ARTfactory’s Actors Theatre will bring Every Brilliant Thing to the stage in an intimate, thought-provoking performance at the end of February. This one-man show, written by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donohoe, masterfully blends humor and heartache as it explores themes of joy, despair, and resilience through the eyes of a single storyteller.

The play follows a child who begins compiling a list of “every brilliant thing” worth living for—ice cream, water fights, staying up late—after their mother’s suicide attempt. As the child matures, the list continues, evolving into a deeply moving reflection on love, mental illness, and human connection.

Directed by ARTfactory Producing Artistic Director Kimberly Kemp, the production stars David Johnson as the storyteller. Johnson, a longtime ARTfactory actor and director, has had his sights set on this play for years. “I remember (in 2017) telling the theatre arts director of the ARTfactory about this breathtakingly beautiful play and how badly I wanted to do it in the theatre on the third floor of the ARTfactory,” Johnson states in a press release. The project finally came to fruition when Kemp expressed her desire to direct it in 2022.

Johnson has experienced the loss of a young performer from ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre program and likened him to the play’s protagonist. “He reminded me of the character because he was so fearless in his creativity and expression,” Johnson said. He also referenced the loss of actor Robin Williams, a world-renowned entertainer who privately battled depression. Johnson hopes to encourage open conversations about mental health and seek support through this production.

Initially performed in 2013 at the Ludlow Fringe Festival, Every Brilliant Thing gained widespread acclaim for its poignant storytelling. It premiered in North America in 2014 at New York City’s Barrow Street Theatre and earned a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Outstanding Solo Show.

The ARTfactory’s production will be staged in an intimate in-the-round setting, enhancing audience engagement. While the play incorporates optional audience participation, attendees can enjoy the performance with or without direct involvement. However, given its subject matter, audience members should be aware that the play discusses themes of depression and suicide.

Performances will occur on February 28 and March 1 at 7:30 p.m. and March 2 at 2 p.m. in the Wind River Theater at the ARTfactory. Tickets are available for purchase at virginiaartfactory.org.