Shows
Dear Past, thank you for the lessons.
Dear Future, we are ready.
Go Shawty: An Evening of Short Plays
Performances: June 8-9, 2024 at Arts Herndon and June 15-24, 2024 at Grace in The Plains.
Saturdays 7pm and Sundays 2pm and 6pm.
Synopsis: A night of short comedic plays from Off-Off Broadway for the commitment-phobic theatregoer
Cast: Barb Bourgeois, Katie Bull, Tim Byer, Ruby Chernowetz, Brian D. Clarke, Cheryl Lane, Kevin Maxson, Tom Maxson, Samantha Mitchell, Jane Nordstrom, Jason Phillips, Raju Sharma, Jenny Wassom
Directors: Sarah Akers, Natasha Parnian, and Arianne' Warner
Assistant Director: Trace Hollenbeck
Improvicon 2024
Performance: May 4, 2024 7:00pm at
The Alden Theatre in McLean, VA
Featuring: Monica Daly (host/judge), Calamity:The Show, FOOLS! Improv Comedy, Home Improv Mints, The Intrusive Thotties, Porkchop Volcano, The Pundemics, and (the) Unruly Theatre Project
Notes: This is the first Improvicon for The Intrusive Thotties and Porkchop Volcano
2024 Calamity: The Show
Performances: Monthly and bi-monthly performances in Herndon, The Plains, and on tour.
Synopsis: Comedy Gone Rogue. Unscripted. Unbridled. Undeniably Hilarious.
Core: Rehan Ahmed, Barb Bourgeois, Katie Bull, Tim Byer, Erin Coyne, Trace Hollenbeck, Samantha Mitchell, Natasha Parnian, Nathan Ray, Raju Sharma
Edge: Briane Clarke, Brooke Donald, Jackie Cheng, Scott D. Pafumi, Shannon Lynch, Star Bobatoon
Seasonal: Timothy Burhouse, Kate Grover, Emma Harris
Crew: Natasha Parnian
WIT FIST (Washington Improv Theatre-Fighting Improv Smackdown Tournament)
Performance: February 9, 2024 at The Studio Theatre in Washington D.C.
Featuring: Katie Bull, Jackie Cheng, Erin Coyne, Raju Sharma, and Barb Bourgeois
Notes: 78 teams competed in the tournament!
The Case of the Melodious Murder Paragon Philharmonia POPS! String Quintet and Dark Horse Theatre Company
Performance: October 14, 2023
The Space at Grace in The Plains, VA
Synopsis: Join us for a night of mystery, murder, and melodies! Experience a unique blend of string quintet music and improv comedy in this hilarious harmonic whodunit. Shape the story and choose the music as you become an active participant in this thrilling evening of suspense, laughter, and musical enigma. Don't miss out on an unforgettable night that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Notes: Written by Natasha Parnian
Featuring: Barb Bourgeois, Katie Bull, Erin Coyne, Scott D. Pafumi, Natasha Parnian, Raju Sharma, Jeff Walker
IMPROVICON 2023
Performance: October 7, 2023 outdoors at the ArtsHerndon Lawnstage
Featuring: Monica Daly (host/judge), Calamity:The Show, FOOLS! Improv Comedy, Home Improv Mints, (the) Unruly Theatre Project
Press: Fairfax Times Feature
Notes: (the) Unruly Theatre Project won the trophy
2023 Calamity: The Show
Performances: Monthly and bi-monthly performances in Herndon, The Plains, and on tour.
Synopsis: Part Comedy, Part Improv, Part Theatre ...All Fun
Cast: Katie Bull, Brian Clarke, Erin Coyne, Samantha Mitchell, Scott D. Pafumi, Natasha Parnian, Raju Sharma
Junior Cast: Timothy Burhouse, Kate Grover, Trace Hollenbeck
Crew: Tina Thayer and Peyton Johnston
Paragon Philharmonia POPS! Featuring Dark Horse Theatre Company
Performance: February 11, 2023
The Vault at Capital One Hall
Synopsis: Chamber music meets improv comedy in this unique theatrical concert experience. Paragon Philharmonia's String Quintet sets the scene with music from Mozart to Metallica while Dark Horse’s players tell the story of a romance like no other. Come for the music, stay for the laughs - the choices are in your hands!
Featuring: Samantha Mitchell, Raju Sharma, Diane Ross, Hannah Coyne, Scott D. Pafumi, and Natasha Parnian
IMPROVICON 2022
Performance: May 7, 2022 at The Alden Theatre in McLean, VA
Featuring: Pete Bergen (host/judge), Calamity Improv, FOOLS! Improv Comedy, Home Improv Mints, (the) Unruly Theatre Project, and The Pundemics
Notes: (the) Unruly Theatre Project won the trophy
2022 Calamity Improv
Performances: Monthly and bi-monthly performances in Herndon, The Plains, and on tour.
Synopsis: Improv, sketch comedy, and classical theatre collide in this Wild West Show. It's like Whose Line is it Anyway meets SNL in The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly!
Cast: Brian Clarke, Hannah Coyne, Ken Gilfillan, Kate Grover, Samantha Mitchell, Dawn Nguyen, Scott D. Pafumi, Natasha Parnian, Diane Ross, Raju Sharma
Notes: Launched Scriptless Gulch
Twelfth Night en masque
Performance: April 24-25 (Herndon) and May 1-2, 2021 (Herndon) at 5pm. PWYC Preview Fri 4/23 at 7:30pm (Herndon). Also playing The Plains, VA Sat 5/8 and Sun 5/9 2021 at 5pm.
Division: Herndon Community Arts Lab
Venue: The ArtsHerndon Lawn Stage and the Grace Episcopal Church courtyard
Synopsis: An abridged, outdoor, and socially distant Twelfth Night for the COVID times. It asks, what will happen if the steps to the dance of our day to day are changed?
Cast: Emma Harris, Jake Swery, Raju Sharma, Genaro Mejia, Scott D. Pafumi, Lisa Hill-Corley, Ken Gilfillan, Lulu Megahed, Yaliek Miranda, Tommy Maxson, Ryen Weston, Jenna Ainge, Kelly Grover, Roland Lamoureax, Maura Lawton The Plains Tour additions: Trace Hollenbeck and Celia Cooley
Directors: Sarah Akers and Natasha Parnian
Technical Director: Scott D. Pafumi
Assistant Director/ Choreographer: Izzi Hollenbeck
Stage Manager: David Wrigley
Production Assistants: Celia Cooley and Peyton Johnston
Presented by: ArtsHerndon in Association with Dark Horse Theatre Company
Press: Patch Article
A Conversation Through the Bathroom Door By Amy Dellagiarino
A Conversation Through the Bathroom Door By Amy Dellagiarino
Performance: November 7th, 2020 at 8:00pm EST livestreamed on Zoom
Synopsis: A young couple attempts to reevaluate their marriage in the wake of a personal tragedy. A seriocomedy about grief, FaceTime, and the dangers of too much red wine.
Cast: Amy Dellagiarino, Monnie Aleahmad, Amy Benson
Director: Natasha Parnian
Notes: World Premiere
Press: MD Theatre Guide Review
A Midsummer Night's Dream or
A Mid-Social Night's Distance By William Shakespeare and Adapted by Scott D. Pafumi
Performance: October 10-11 and October 17-18, 2020 at 5pm. 1pm matinee on 10/17, 2pm matinee on 10/18.
Division: Herndon Community Arts Lab
Venue: The ArtsHerndon Lawn Stage
Synopsis: An abridged, outdoor, and socially distant Midsummer for the COVID times.
Cast: Jenna Ainge, Star Bobatoon, Gaby Bradley, Ava Deutschman, Ken Gilfillan, Kelly Grover, Emma Harris, Izzi Hollenbeck, Trace Hollenbeck, Nailah Hunter, Roland Lamoureux, Andrew Landrum, Leandra Lynn, Tommy Maxson, Genaro Mejia, Yali Miranda, Angelina Morris, Charlotte Olsen, Paul Olsen, Scott D. Pafumi, Daniella Pepelko, Raju Sharma, Adam Solomon, Jake Swery, Natalie Tubia, Allison Turkel, Ryen Weston
Director: Natasha Parnian
Technical Director: Scott D. Pafumi
Stage Managers: Peyton Johnston, Lulu Megahed, Meena Megahed
Costumes: Hannah Clements, Chloe Thompson
Notes: Presented by ArtsHerndon, Video Recording available through HCTV, What to expect at this production (COVID-19 protocols
2021 Calamity Improv
Performances: Monthly and bi-monthly performances in Herndon and The Plains.
Synopsis: Improv, sketch comedy, and classical theatre collide in this Wild West Show. It's like Whose Line is it Anyway meets SNL in The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly!
Cast: Sarah Akers, Brian Clarke, Hannah Coyne, Ken Gilfillan, Kate Grover, Samantha Mitchell, Scott D. Pafumi, Natasha Parnian, Diane Ross, Raju Sharma
Crew: Peyton, Johnston, Natasha Parnian
Notes: Expanded Scriptless Gulch
Spirit Seekers By Amy Dellagiarino
Spirit Seekers by Amy Dellagiarino
(this play was written specifically for virtual performance)
Performance: July 25th 8pm livestreamed on Zoom
Synopsis: An amateur group of ghost hunters camps out in the haunted and infamous Hunterville House only to end up encountering more then they bargained for. A fast-paced comedy for online theatre filled with laughs, ghosts, and face paint.
Cast: Arianne' Warner, Ken Giflillan, Arden DiManno, Audra Jacobs
Director: Natasha Parnian
Notes: Debut play of the Dark Horse Rogue Runner Series.
Rogue Runner Virtual Entertainment Series
Plays: Spirit Seekers by Amy Dellagiarino
A Conversation Through the Bathroom Door by Amy Dellagiarino
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Video Shorts: Potty Mom
2020 Calamity Improv
Performances: Monthly and bi-monthly performances in Herndon, The Plains, Delaplane, and Warrenton.
Synopsis: Improv, sketch comedy, and classical theatre collide in this Wild West Show. It's like Whose Line is it Anyway meets SNL in The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly!
Cast: Sarah Akers, Star Bobatoon, Sarah Cotrill, Hannah Coyne, Ken Gilfillan, Brittani Hall, Tim King, Joe Mayes, Samantha Mitchell, Scott D. Pafumi, Natasha Parnian, Justin Sumblin
Crew: Brittani Hall, Natasha Parnian
Notes: Began including long form, The Calamity Band, and outdoor performances.
Press: Patch Article
The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later By Members of the Tectonic Theatre Project
Performances: January 3rd-25th 2020 at Grace in The Plains.
Cast: Star Bobatoon, Matthew Butcher, Celia Cooley, Ken Gilfillan, Nailah Hunter, Cheryl Lane, Kimberly Kemp, Marcia Markey, Angie Mirae, Samantha Mitchell, Ricardo Padilla, Cary Reese, Brandy Smith, Matt Thomas, Allison Turkel
Crew: Natasha Parnian, Sarah Akers, Audra Jacobs, Peyton Johnston
Notes: DC Area Premiere
Press: DC Metro Theater Arts Preview, DC Metro Theater Arts Review, DC Theatre Scene Review, élan Magazine feature
No Exit By Jean-Paul Sartre
Performances: August 16th-September 14th 2019 at Artspace Herndon and Grace in The Plains.
Cast: Scott D. Pafumi, Jane Steffen, Arianne' Warner, Skye Lindberg (Herndon), Natasha Parnian (The Plains)
Crew: Natasha Parnian, Peyton Johnston, Matt Thomas
Notes: Performed in the round, featured Valet secret handshake
Press: DC Metro Theater Arts Preview, Connection Newspapers Preview, Middleburg Mystique Preview, DC Metro Theater Arts Review, DC Theatre Scene Review
IMPROVICON 2019 Showcase Round
Performance: November 15th, 2019 at 1st Stage Tysons in Tysons, VA.
Featuring: Jack Reda (host), Calamity Improv, FOOLS! Improv Comedy, Home Improv Mints, Last Ham Standing, (the) Unruly Theatre Project, Unscripted DC
Notes: Event sold out before the day of the performance.
Press: élan Magazine feature
IMPROVICON 2019 Trophy Round
Performance: June 29th, 2019 at the Theatre on the Green at Vint Hill in Warrenton, VA.
Featuring: Jack Reda (host and judge), Calamity Improv, FOOLS! Improv Comedy, Home Improv Mints, Stagecoach Bandits, Unscripted DC
Notes: Calamity Improv won the trophy
The Value of Moscow By Amy Dellagiarino
Performances: April 12th-May 11th 2019 at Artspace Herndon and Grace in The Plains.
Cast: Sarah Akers, Jessie Burns, Catherine Gilbert, Andrew Farms, Ricardo Padilla
Crew: Natasha Parnian, Peyton Johnston, Matt Thomas
Notes: East Coast Premiere. Playwright Amy Dellagiarino attended closing night in Herndon and participated in post-show Q&A with cast, crew, and audience. Became published shortly after this production. Our production included in published edition of play.
Press: Piedmont Lifestyle Magazine Feature, Connection Newspapers Preview, DC Metro Theater Arts Review, DC Theatre Scene Review, Onstage Blog Review
Craving For Travel By Greg Edwards and Andy Sandberg
Performances: January 4th-26th 2019 (held over for 1 weekend) at Grace in The Plains.
Cast: Arianne' Warner and Jay Tilley
Crew: Natasha Parnian, Peyton Johnston, Matt Thomas, Janalee Coxwell
Notes: Regional Premiere. Playwrights Greg Edwards and Andy Sandberg (Tony Award Winner) attended closing night and participated in post-show Q&A with cast, crew, and audience.
Press: Fauquier Times Feature, DC Metro Theater Arts Review, Onstage Blog Review, Company Short Promo Video
2018-2019 Calamity Improv
Performances: Monthly and bi-monthly performances in Herndon, The Plains, Delaplane, and Warrenton.
Cast: Sarah Akers, Star Bobatoon, Jessie Burns, Sarah Cotrill, Brittani Hall, Judi Laganga, Tim King, Joe Mayes, Samantha Mitchell, Scott D. Pafumi, Natasha Parnian-Farms, David Sturdevant, Justin Sumblin
Crew: Brittani Hall, Natasha Parnian
Notes: Group debuted in December of 2018. Shows consisted of strictly short form improv games.
Sunday's Child By Jennifer S. Jones
Performances: Show was canceled the week prior to opening due to cast emergency
Cast: Anne Kight-Lloyd, Ivan Zizek, Arianne' Warner, Cameron Clarke
Crew: Natasha Parnian, Tiara Hairston, Aerika Sax
Notes: Company had just relocated to Fauquier from DC
Press: Piedmont Lifestyle Magazine Editorial, Bristow Beat Feature, Fauquier Times Preview, YouTube Teaser Video
Mr. Marmalade By Noah Haidle
Performances: October 15th-30th 2010 at the DC Arts Center
Cast: Rebecca Vail, Derek Yale, J. W. Crump, Rachel Gray, Amanda Spellman, Timothy R. King, Dannielle Hutchinson, Brian J. Hoyle
Crew: Natasha Parnian, Katie Chernowetz, Aerika Sax
Notes: Our final production in Adams Morgan before relocating to Northern Virginia
Press: DC Theatre Scene Review
Oleanna by David Mamet
Performances: June 4th-19th 2010 at the DC Arts Center
Cast: Arianne' Warner and Doug Mattingly
Crew: Natasha Parnian, Sarah Kamins, Eric Wells
Notes: Dark Horse debut production
Press: Connection Newspaper Feature, DC Theatre Scene Review, ShowBizRadio DC Review
