1st Stage Focuses on First Opportunities - Tysons Corner theater looks to become ‘new theater for new city

Evan Crump (left, as Bernard) confronts Joshua Dick (as Robert) in the farce "Don't Dress for Dinner" at 1st Stage in Tysons Corner. Photo Courtesy of 1st Stage

By Alex McVeigh

MCLEAN - Members of the Marshall High School community, two teachers and five former students, created 1st Stage Theatre in 2008 in Tysons Corner with an eye on the future. They opened just as the first concrete for the new Tysons Metrorail was being poured, but also at the start of the economic recession.

"We’re drawn to firsts. It’s our mission to help emerging actors and designers to get their first experience with a professional theatre," said Eileen Mandell, managing director. "Our mission is all about first chances, and we‘ve survived these tough times by sheer, careful operation."

Mandell likes to say there isn’t a bad seat in the 110-seat arena, it just depends on the audience member’s preference.

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