A new hub for the performing arts has opened its doors in Falls Church.
Longtime arts nonprofit Creative Cauldron cut the ribbon on its new location this past Thursday, Feb. 13 — the organization’s 24th anniversary — before debuting “Steel Magnolias,” the group’s first performance in the new space. The organization was previously located inside a smaller space in Pearson Square at 410 S. Maple Avenue.
Dozens of supporters showed up to the ribbon cutting and took a first look at the venue, which is 5,000-square-feet and includes seating for 108 people inside its black-box theater.
Other features include a classroom, rehearsal room and costume and design studio.
Creative Cauldron will continue to host its youth drama programs, educational workshops and live performances at this location. The nonprofit aims to make its programs accessible to the D.C. area through affordable pricing, enrollment fees and arts scholarships.
Three more shows — “Snow White,” “Woman on Fire” and a dual-language Spanish edition of Disney’s “Aladdin” — are planned throughout mid-June.
Creative Cauldron Board President Gina Caceci thanked Thursday’s visitors for their support. She also used the occasion to emphasize that “now more than ever, we need to support the arts.”
“When we moved into our old place, it was the height of the recession, and it didn’t stop us,” Caceci said. “We are now moving into our new and permanent and beautiful home, and what’s going on out there is not going to stop us.”
“Steel Magnolias” will be in production at Creative Cauldron until Sunday, March 9.
