In the heart of Northern Virginia, a community theater with humble beginnings has blossomed into a professional hub for innovative and cutting-edge performances. Founded in 1998, Elden Street Players, initially a volunteer-run group, transformed into the NextStop Theatre Company under the leadership of Evan Hoffmann and now Heather Lanza. This article explores the theater's journey from a small local troupe to a renowned cultural institution, highlighting its commitment to community engagement and artistic excellence.

A Journey from Community Roots to Professional Excellence

Established two decades ago in Herndon, Virginia, what began as a modest community theater quickly gained recognition for its bold and contemporary productions. With support from the town and dedicated volunteers, Elden Street Players expanded into a state-of-the-art 114-seat black box theater. By 2013, the theater was ready for its next phase, appointing Evan Hoffmann as its first full-time producing artistic director. Under his guidance, the volunteer troupe transitioned into the fully professional NextStop Theatre Company. After a decade of growth, Hoffmann passed the baton to Heather Lanza, a New York-based director and arts educator, to lead the company into its next chapter.

Lanza brings extensive experience from New York City and regional theaters, including her role as co-leader of Waterwell theater company. She is particularly drawn to NextStop's deep-rooted community ties and its reputation for high-quality, professional work. Lanza aims to build on this foundation by fostering inclusivity and expanding the theater's reach within the Herndon/Reston area and beyond.

New Leadership, Fresh Vision

Heather Lanza’s arrival marks a pivotal moment for NextStop Theatre Company. Despite growing up with family connections in the area, Lanza had not experienced NextStop's productions firsthand until recently. However, she was immediately captivated by the theater's rich history and transformation from a community space to a professional venue. Her vision for the future includes developing new plays, supporting local artists, and enhancing audience engagement.

Lanza emphasizes the importance of understanding the community's needs and aspirations. In her initial months, she has focused on learning about the space, meeting artists, and gauging audience expectations. She plans to announce the upcoming season in spring, while also concentrating on audience development and ensuring that NextStop remains an inclusive and welcoming hub for all.

One of Lanza’s key goals is to establish NextStop as a pipeline for local talent. She envisions collaborating with other theater companies in the region to commission new works, which would provide local writers and artists with valuable opportunities to develop their craft. While this ambition may take time to realize due to financial considerations, it represents a long-term vision for nurturing the arts community.

Inspiration and Collaboration in the DMV Theater Scene

Lanza finds inspiration in the warmth and collaboration within the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia) theater community. She believes that collective thinking can lead to innovative solutions for post-pandemic theater-making. By embracing the collaborative spirit inherent in playmaking, Lanza hopes to re-envision the role of nonprofit art spaces and theater makers in this challenging era.

Ultimately, Lanza’s leadership promises to bring fresh perspectives and exciting developments to NextStop Theatre Company. Her focus on community engagement, new play development, and inclusivity sets the stage for a vibrant and dynamic future in Herndon’s cultural landscape.