OUR WORK
ATLAS Partnership is a formidable alliance committed to safeguarding the rich legacy assets of professional theatre in Central Virginia. How do we do this? By connecting with our community and nurturing relationships years in the making.
Events & Celebrations
ATLAS Partnership is pleased to organize and host community-wide events that celebrate and honor important theatre milestones in our region. Upcoming events are below. Watch this page for more information.
Coffee & Conversations: Join us at Libbie Mill Library on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 10:00am for pastries, coffee, and a panel discussion regarding the newly revised educational touring program, We the People, commemorating the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding and the music of that period.
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Annual Theatre Picnic: On Sunday, May 17, 2026 from 4:30-9:00 pm, the entire RVA theatre community is invited and welcome to attend the annual theatre picnic, held at Phil and Donna Whiteway's farm, Meriturn, in rural Ashland. BBQ chicken, wine, beer and iced tea are provided; please bring a side or dessert to share. Kiddos welcome, too! Join us.​
PAST EVENTS:
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Remembrance & Light: On Wed., Mar. 11, 2026, we held our first annual Remembrance & Light event at Historic Hanover Tavern to honor the memories and contributions of 62 RVA theatre luminaries who passed away between 2015 - 2026. The event included a program, memorial video, dimming of the lights ceremony and reception. See the Facebook photos here.
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Program at James Monroe's Highland: On Sun., August 10, 2025, we presented a panel program on Gabriel from at Highland, the historic home of Virginia Governor and U.S. President, James Monroe. Panelists included members of the Creative Team and Highland's historians, shedding light on then-Gov. Monroe's role in Gabriel's Rebellion in 1800, and the repercussions that resonated for decades following.
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Annual Theatre Community Picnic: On May 18, 2025, we came together at Meriturn, Phil and Donna Whiteway's farm in rural Ashland, to celebrate a successful season of theatre programming produced by our incomparable theatre community. See the Facebook photos here (photos by Jay Paul).
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50th Anniversary of Theatre IV: On May 15, 2025, we surprised Bruce and Phil with an event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Theatre IV, Virginia’s first professional children’s theatre. It was a moving and memorable evening for all. See the Facebook photo album here (photos by Aaron Sutten).
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​Platinum Jubilee of Professional Theatre Event: On Sat., Feb. 15, 2025, we convened at Hanover Tavern to celebrate and honor the 70th Anniversary of Professional Theatre in Greater Richmond. The evening featured a seated dinner with Muriel McAuley's spaghetti, dessert from WHISK, and a brief program highlighting the major anniversaries of the area theatre companies that, 70 years ago, launched the modern era of professional theatre in our region — Barksdale Theatre (1953), John Rolfe Players (1954), and Virginia Museum Theatre (1955). The celebration concluded with a performance of Proof by Chamberlayne Actors Theatre. Thanks to one and all who braved the stormy weather to commemorate this major milestone! Check out this event highlight reel.
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​Celebrating the Career of Costume Director, Sue Griffin: On Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the Hotel John Marshall, we recognized and celebrated the brilliant career and talented leadership of Costume Director and Designer Sue Griffin and her tenures at TheatreVirginia (1981-2002) and Virginia Rep (2003-2024). Thanks to all who attended!
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Centennial Celebration of Neil and Sara Belle November: On Monday, November 25, 2024, ATLAS Partnership and the Jewish Family Theatre invited the community to the Weinstein JCC to toast the 100th anniversary of Neil November’s birthday (October 28, 1924). He and Sara Belle left a powerful, indelible mark on Richmond’s theatre community. We were proud to raise a glass to this incredible couple!