In celebration of the upcoming 30th season, we have announced a first ever Battle of the Bands. The winner of this competition will receive an opening slot at a Friday Night Live! concert this summer on the Town Green in Herndon.

The Battle of the Bands will consist of 3 preliminary rounds February 10, February 24, and March 9. Winners from each preliminary round along with an overall wildcard band will compete in the final round on Saturday, April 20. All rounds will be held at Ned Devine’s Irish Gastro Pub and Restaurant, 2465 Centreville Rd, Herndon, VA 20171. A portion of the $5 cover charge will be donated to our featured community organization.

This event is a real-deal competition of some of the hottest improv comedy groups in the DMV. The show will feature: The Pundemics, The Home Improv Mints, Calamity: The Show, FOOLS! Improv Comedy, and defending champions-(the) Unruly Theatre Project. Who will walk away with the title of Improvicon champion of 2023? Come join us at the Arts Herndon Lawnstage for a night of laughs and surprises. Recommended for ages 12+. BYO Lawn Chair and Picnic! Get your tickets early and get a $5 discount, as tickets at the door are $20. Rain date: Saturday, October 14 at 6pm.

Danger AK Concert & Urban Culture Exhibition

Experience the fusion of music, conversation, and urban culture from the border. Taking the stage we have “Danger”, a renowned rapper and composer from Tijuana, and icon of Latin American hip-hop and a global ambassador of his music.

The show features two segments: “Literary Battles”, where local freestylers face off against authors and books, and the other focuses on improvisation.

To Sign up for Improv Garage at Arts Herndon visit www.darkhorseva.com or click HERE for full details.

Ages 15-adult

8 week session

Meets Fridays in Herndon from 6:15pm-7:30pm

The Improv Garage provides students an introduction to improv comedy or a further exploration of what they’ve previously learned. Students will think on their feet by freeing their mind, body and imagination through group exercises and games in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Students will learn skills for games that require keeping multiple balls in the air while maintaining connection with scene partners. This class will provide a fun creative outlet while honing skills such as teamwork, spontaneity and careful listening that will enhance any professional pursuit.

-Improv can make you a better public speaker

-Improv is good for your brain and creativity

-Improv can bring you new confidence in your day-to day world

-Improv is fun

Actors of all or no experience levels are invited. The only requirements are an open-mind, serious commitment, and creative enthusiasm in our judgement-free space. Students will have the option of participating in a coffeehouse-style improv performance at the end of the session.

Beginning July 5, the session will last 8 weeks and costs $300 per student. The $300 fee includes a $50 facility use fee. This class is limited to 10 students. Register now as space is limited!

To Sign up for Improv Garage at Arts Herndon visit www.darkhorseva.com or click HERE for full details.

Ages 15-adult

8 week session

Meets Wednesdays in Herndon from 5:00-6:15pm

This class is focused on older students and working adults. The goal of the course is to help each actor to reach their fullest potential, whether aged 21 or 85 with or without experience. The Actor's Forge will provide a place where risks are encouraged, mistakes are celebrated, and making strong choices is nurtured. The class will provide a tailored learning experience through specific teaching methods to include:

Script, scene, and character analysis

Applying method acting techniques

Leveraging improvisation as an advanced acting tool

Finding objectives

Playing tactics

Utilizing actions to find truth in your work

Students will learn skills necessary to thrive in TV, film, theatre, and daily life. Actors of all or no experience levels are invited. The only requirements are an open-mind, serious commitment, and creative enthusiasm in our judgement-free space. Students will have the option of participating in a coffeehouse-style performance of monologues and scenes at the end of the session.

Beginning July 5, the session will last 8 weeks and costs $300 per student. The $300 fee includes a $50 facility use fee. This class is limited to 10 students. Register now as space is limited!