Shows
Dear Past, thank you for the lessons.
Dear Future, we are ready.
God of Carnage
By Yasmina Reza
Performance: November 14-November 29, 2025 at St. Francis Great Falls, December 5-7, 2025 at Arts Herndon
Synopsis: What begins as a polite meeting between two sets of parents, convened to resolve a playground scuffle between their children, quickly spirals into an evening of accusations, shifting alliances, and brutal honesty. With biting wit and razor-sharp dialogue, Reza exposes the fragility of manners, the absurdity of self-importance, and the wild chaos lurking just beneath the rules of polite society. Hilarious, unsettling, and uncomfortably relatable, God of Carnage is a comedy of manners without the manners, where the real playground may not belong to the children at all.
Cast: Tim Byer, Nate Eagle, Samantha Mitchell, Arianne Warner
Stage Manager: Katelyn Burton
Director: Natasha Parnian
Notes: 2009 Tony Award winner for Best Play
Press: DC Theatre Arts Review, MD Theatre Guide Review, DC Theatre Arts Feature
The Simons
Presented by DCUP
Performance: March 22, 2025 8:00pm at Arts Herndon
Synopsis: DCUP (The District of Columbia Unscripted Performers) is proud to present their award-winning comedy show The Simons. This improvised tour-de-force is composed of several identical ventriloquist dummies, demonstrating a master-class in improv.
Featuring: Jack Reda, Todd Etter, Austin Bragg, Steve Heaton, David Sly as Simon, Simon, Simon, Simon, and Simon
Stage Manager: Katelyn Burton
Director: Jack Reda
Producer: Natasha Parnian
Notes: Sold out performance
Art
By Yasmina Reza
Performances: January 4-5 and February 1 at St. Francis in Great Falls, January 11-26, 2025 at Arts Herndon
Saturdays 7:30pm and Sundays 2pm and 6pm
Synopsis: Three Friends. €400,000. One White(?) Painting.
Cast: Tice Rust, Jack Reda, Scott D. Pafumi
Stage Manager: Katelyn Burton
Director: Natasha Parnian
Notes: 1998 Tony Winner for Best Play and 1996 Olivier Award for Best Comedy
IMPROVICON
2025
Performance: January 25, 2025 7:00pm at The Alden Theatre in McLean, VA
Featuring: Jack Reda (host), Calamity: The Show, FOOLS! Improv Comedy, Home Improv Mints, Improper Imps of Improv, Intrusive Thotties, MIA (Mason Improv Association), Porkchop Volcano, The Pundemics, and (the) Unruly Theatre Project
Judges: Monica Daly, Jo Ormesher, John Papageorgiou, and audience
Notes: This is the first Improvicon for Improper Imps of Improv and MIA (Mason Improv Association), (the) Unruly Theatre Project won the event
Calamity: The Show
2025
Performances: Monthly and bi-monthly performances in Herndon, The Plains, Great Falls, and on tour.
Synopsis: Comedy Gone Rogue. Unscripted. Unbridled. Undeniably Hilarious.
Cast: Rose Bailey, Katie Bull, Erin Coyne, Brian D. Clarke, Kyla Davila, Brooke Donald, Nate Eagle, Trace Hollenbeck, Samantha Mitchell, Brandon Moon, Isabel Nemati, Natasha Parnian
Go Shawty: The Short Plays
Five Badass Plays From Off-Off Broadway
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, Samantha Mitchell, Jason Phillips, Arianne' Warner
Stage Manager: Katelyn Burton
Directors: Sarah Akers, Natasha Parnian, and Arianne' Warner
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. Porkchop Volcano won the event.
Calamity: The Show
2024
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, Scott D. Pafumi, 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
featuring Paragon Philharmonia POPS! String Quintet
Performance: October 14, 2023 The Space at Grace in The Plains, VA and June 24, 2024 at The ARTFactory in Manassas, 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 (The Plains), Nathan Ray (Manassas), Raju Sharma, Jeff Walker
Actor's Forge Showcase
Fall 2023 Semester
Performance: November 8, 2023
Synopsis: Students from the Fall 2023 Actor's Forge performed scenes and monologues from classic and contemporary plays as studied in class
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
Actors Forge Showcase
Spring 2023 Semester
Performance: June 3, 2023
Synopsis: Students from the Spring 2023 Actor's Forge performed scenes and monologues in Herndon and The Plains from classic and contemporary plays as studied in class
Calamity Improv
2023
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
Valentine's Show at Capital One Hall
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
Calamity Improv
2022
Performances: Monthly and bi-monthly performances in Herndon, The Plains, and on tour.
Synopsis: Improv 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
Performances: 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
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 Lerner
Director: Natasha Parnian
Notes: World Premiere
Press: MD Theatre Guide Review
Calamity Improv
2021
Performances: Monthly and bi-monthly performances in Herndon and The Plains.
Synopsis: Improv 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: Heavy long form exploration
A Mid-Social Night's Distance
Adapted from William Shakespeare
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)
Spirit Seekers
By Amy Dellagiarino
Performance: July 25th, 2020 at 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. This play was written specifically for virtual performance.
Walking Shadow Readers Theatre
a collaboration
A virtual stage for playwrights to hear their in-development works read aloud and receive interdisciplinary feedback. WSRT began during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim to help keep theatre alive while the world shut down
Circle Mirror Transformation
By Annie Baker
Performances: Set to open April 4, 2020-was indefinitely postponed the week prior to opening due to COVID-19 outbreak
Cast: Wendy Renee Cade, Arden DiManno, Ken Gilfillan, Randall Kish, Carole Preston
Crew: Natasha Parnian, Peyton Johnston
Director: Natasha Parnian
Calamity Improv
2020
Performances: Monthly and bi-monthly performances in Herndon, The Plains, Delaplane, and Warrenton.
Synopsis: Short form improv with a wild west twist
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: The 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 Delllagiarino
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
Director: Natasha Parnian
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
Director: Natasha Parnian
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
Calamity Improv
2018-2019
Performances: Monthly and bi-monthly performances in Herndon, The Plains, Delaplane, and Warrenton.
Cast: Sarah Akers, Star Bobatoon, Jessie Burns, Ali Cheraghpour, 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.
Press: Fauquier Times Editorial, Middleburg Life Feature
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 Saxe
Director: Natasha Parnian
Notes: Company had just relocated to Fauquier from Washington 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 Saxe
Director: Natasha Parnian
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
Director: Natasha Parnian
Notes: Dark Horse 's debut production
Press: Connection Newspaper Feature, DC Theatre Scene Review, ShowBizRadio DC Review
