The KUUMBA Players are a new community theatre group in the Washington area. We seek to address issues of social conscience through performances by artists from the Washington area.

• To serve and strengthen the communities of All Souls Church and the DC Metro area by providing opportunities for members and friends to participate in the theatrical experience.

• To illuminate the human experience through theatre that addresses both contemporary issues and universal themes.

• To serve as a welcoming community for people of all walks of life, every race, creed and lifestyle.

• To provide an atmosphere of respect and mutual appreciation among artists. o To create thought-provoking, enriching and high-quality productions.

We Are
A Theatrical Celebration of the Music of Dr. Ysaye M. Barnwell

Join us for a unique theatrical experience. Singers, actors, and dancers take the stage to weave together the music of Grammy Award winning composer, Dr. Ysaye Maria Barnwell. Beautiful music and evocative storytelling will explore the depths of human connection and honor the struggle for human rights.

A portion of the proceeds from We Are will be donated to City At Peace -- a youth development organization that uses the performing arts to teach and promote cross-cultural understanding and non-violent conflict resolution. For more about City at Peace, please visit http://www.cityatpeacedc.org.

Production dates:
Saturday, March 18, 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 19, 3 p.m.
Saturday, March 25, 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 26, 3 p.m.

Tickets: Adults $12/Kids $6

For tickets, email annaharg at aol.com or call 202-332-5266, x142 to leave a message on the KUUMBA Players voicemail. Be sure to include your name, phone number, performance date and number of tickets you wish to reserve. You will receive a return email or phone call within a week to confirm the status of your tickets. Tickets will be held at the box office until 15 minutes before the performance.

Fall 2002
Rope
Suspense Thriller Adapted from Hitchcock movie

Spring 2003

Tamer of Horses
Intimate class drama by William Mastrosimone

Spinning into Butter
Staged reading of Rebecca Gilman's challenging work on Race

Spring 2004

Free to Be You and Me
Original Adaptation of Marlo Thomas & Friend's Musical Celebration of Children & Diversity

Fall 2004

Beyond Soundbytes: Speeches from a Polarized Society
Innovative Speech Series examining historical oratory on contemporary issues

Spring 2005

Save the Humans
Original Family Musical about the Environment

Beyond Soundbytes -- A Spiritual Odyssey: The Souls of Black Folks
Speech Series Exploring the African-American Experience

Summer 2005

The Stream
Original Performance based on Sufi tale, performed in Ft. Worth, Texas at annual gathering of all Unitarian Universalist Churches

Other Programs:

Fall 2005
Playback Theatre
Youth Theatre Troupe

Frequently Asked Questions

What does KUUMBA mean?
"KUUMBA" is a Swahili word meaning to serve one's community through creativity. It is one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa and exemplifies the mission and goals of the group.

How can I become a member of KUUMBA?
Anyone can become a member of the KUUMBA Players. We're always looking for actors, technical crew, ushers, and the like. And the great thing about Community Theatre is that you don't need any previous experience to participate. Auditions are open to all and production roles are often filled by newbies. If you'd like to participate, come on out to auditions or contact a member of the Steering Committee.

Although you can participate at any time, you will only be considered a true KUUMBA Player when you've participated in at least one KUUMBA-sponsored activity per season.

What can I do to help out if I'm not ready to act in a play?
There are many behind the scene roles that are vital to the success of each show. Most productions call for a stage manager, set designer, prop master, costume designer, house manager and many other roles that will put you in the thick of all the action.

If you would like to lend a hand but cannot commit to a regular production schedule, we would still appreciate help with ushering and set construction. Please contact us so that we can discuss opportunities for upcoming productions.

How can I support KUUMBA by financially contributing this season?
We have four levels in our Celestial Circle of sponsorship:

• Footlights - Sponsors of $25 - $44 - Name printed in program
• Key lights - Sponsors of $45 - $99 - Name printed in program
• Spotlights - Sponsors of $100 - $350 - Name printed in program
• Heavens - Sponsors of $351 and up - Name Printed in Program at all 2004-2005 Events

You can print out and submit the Celestial Circle form to become a member of the Celestial Circle. Checks can be made out to All Souls Church with "KUUMBA Players" on memo line.

How can I advertise my business in the program of an upcoming KUUMBA production?
You can contact the producer of the upcoming production by sending an email to the "contact us" link or by calling Elizabeth Andrews at ((202) 270-4141). Or complete the following form and send it in!

Advertising with KUUMBA Players

Who decides which plays will be produced?
The KUUMBA steering committee accepts submissions throughout the year and votes on the upcoming season. Once a play is selected, directors and producers are interviewed and the season is announced. Aspiring directors/producers are encouraged apply for a specified role in conjunction with a play submission for the coming year.

How can I become a member of the Steering Committee?
We're new so, as yet, there are no term limits - but we're always looking for new leadership. If you have the vision and energy to help KUUMBA succeed, please talk to one of us about becoming a member of the Steering Committee.

How can I receive regular updates about the KUUMBA Players?
Sign up for our e-mail list by visiting http://lists.all-souls.org/listinfo/kuumba-players.

Contact Us

The Steering Committee Members:

E-mail the general address: kuumba-players-sc at all-souls.org
Or, contact us individually:
Elizabeth Andrews: elizabeth.andrewsdc at gmail.com
Judith Bauer: JBauer2939 at aol.com
Gregory Ford: ford_gregory at hotmail.com
Anna Hargrave: annaharg at aol.com
Lenard Starks: starks.lenard at dol.gov
Ben Zitelli: bzitelli at landdesign.com