[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 74 (Tuesday, June 3, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1075]]



             ADVENTURE THEATER CELEBRATES 45TH ANNIVERSARY

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                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 1997

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize an impressive 
achievement of by a volunteer arts organization in my district. This 
year marks the 45th anniversary of the nationally recognized children`s 
theater company, Adventure Theater. Located in the national park in 
Glen Echo, MD, this company of actors, directors, artists, and teachers 
have been providing wholesome and innovative entertainment for 45 years 
to the children of the Metropolitan Washington area.
  Within view of the C&O Canal in Montgomery Country, MD, the historic 
national park at Glen Echo has been the home of artists, dancers, 
puppeteers, and actors since its evolution from the days as a popular 
amusement park built at the Maryland terminus of Washington's trolley 
line.
  Adventure Theater is the Washington, DC, area's oldest children's 
theater. Since they premiered in 1952, the volunteer group has been 
dedicated to producing quality children's theater. Through weekend and 
weekday performances, drama classes, an award-winning touring company, 
Girl and Boy Scout workshops, seasonal events, volunteer opportunities, 
and open auditions, Adventure Theater has involved the community in the 
world of theater.
  Adventure Theater was created by a group of women volunteers who 
recognized the need for live stage productions for children. Although 
today many children now have the advantage of exposure to theater and 
performances in schools and auditoriums, little was available for young 
audiences in the early 1950's.
  Working with determination, a few pioneers from Montgomery County 
built a company from humble beginnings. The first season was performed 
on a borrowed stage with scenery painted in one actor's basement and 
with costumes sewn by another actor.
  Audiences soon grew and Adventure Theater began to perform on stages, 
in schools, and community centers throughout the Greater Washington 
area. Drama classes were added and a touring company, the In-School 
Players, was formed to bring original productions in the Washington 
area school systems.
  In 1971, they found a permanent home at Glen Echo Park, and they have 
continued to perform in their theater in the old Penny Arcade Building 
in cooperation with the National Park Service. The company's repertoire 
explores different theatrical genres, from puppetry to storytelling to 
full-scale musicals. There is something for everyone, and for all ages. 
Offerings for very young theater-goers are especially well received--
for children ages 4 and up.
  Adventure Theater supplies interpretive services for the visually and 
hearing impaired persons. They also have established several outreach 
programs to provide live theater for people who might not be able to 
attend because of transportation or other difficulties. The company 
offers scholarships to deserving children wishing to attend theater 
classes; and tickets are donated to school auctions, shelters, and 
community benefits. In addition, Adventure Theater will lend costumes, 
props, and set pieces of local schools, theater groups, and community 
organizations.
  As Adventure Theater enters its 46th season, the residents of 
Montgomery County are proud of their history as a part of the 
Washington cultural scene. Parents who attended their shows as children 
now eagerly bring their own children, and grandchildren to Adventure 
Theatre--hoping to instill the same enjoyment of the art in their own 
families. The long relationship with the community by Adventure Theater 
is a testament to the support for the arts by the people of Montgomery 
County.

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