This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
Just in time to celebrate America’s founding in 1776, Arlington’s Dominion Stage will conclude its 76th Season with Dead Air by Greg Jones Ellis, May 29 through June 13, at Theater On the Run, 3700 S. Four Mile Run Dr., Arlington, Virginia.
The inaugural winner of Dominion Stage’s Playwriting Competition, Dead Air introduces us to “Reggie,” a popular TV host whose on-air trademark is “my son the genius.” However, the son is a recluse who resents his mother’s use of him as a “Unique Selling Point” in the increasingly competitive daytime talk show world. As Reggie’s career takes off, her on-air advice to a variety of guests ironically contrasts with her failing marriage and her troubled child.
As one of Arlington’s oldest cultural institutions, Dominion Stage has decidedly made a name for itself. During the pandemic, they expanded upon that reputation by initiating its Playwriting Competition, of which Dead Air was the inaugural winner.
“A play isn’t a play until it’s fully staged, but playwrights need encouragement along the way,” says playwright Greg Jones Ellis, who was the inaugural winner. “Winning the Dominion Stage Best Play award validated my effort and supplied that encouragement.”
As the Competition was initiated during the pandemic, the winning play was treated to a live-streamed staged reading. Over the next several years, the play was further refined and tweaked. The Competition itself evolved: post-pandemic, winning plays are now given full stagings as the final show of each Dominion Stage season.
“I’m so glad I reached out to Dominion Stage after the pandemic and inquired about a full production. I think the play is in very good hands at Dominion Stage; the director is sensitively guiding each actor, all of whom are giving their roles 100%,” said Ellis.
About Dominion Stage
Since a group of neighbors formed a play-reading group in 1949, Dominion Stage has been a part of Arlington. Arlington’s oldest community theatre seeks stories that reflect everyone in our community, especially those not usually highlighted. Their motto, “Anything But Predictable” means you’ll see stories about the good, the bad, the ugly, and even the undead. Mental illness, suicide, incest, drug abuse, sexuality, prejudice, puppet sex, and crime, as well as life in a trailer park, on a desert isle, in a locker room, in colonial Salem, and in prehistoric times.
The winner of the 2026 Playwright Competition has been chosen, but the announcement will be made closer to the start of the fall season. Follow Dominion Stage on social media to learn about the announcement. Meanwhile, come and enjoy Dead Air, insightful and engaging work, and a testament to the creative spirit of Arlington’s own Dominion Stage. For tickets, visit Dominionstage.org
