[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 59 (Monday, April 4, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONSTELLATION THEATRE COMPANY

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 4, 2022

  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to ask the House of Representatives 
to join me in celebrating Constellation Theatre Company on its 15th 
anniversary, which is today, April 4, 2022.
  Constellation Theatre Company was created to tell big, powerful 
stories in intimate spaces. Constellation Theatre Company showcases 
diverse stories that reflect the vast range of human experience using 
visual spectacle, dynamic movement, live music and passionate acting 
ensembles. These plays and musicals spark the curiosity and imagination 
of audiences in the District of Columbia metropolitan area.
  Constellation Theatre Company believes that the communal experience 
of live theater promotes compassion, understanding, healing and 
connection--and that we need it now more than ever. Constellation 
Theatre Company ``brings a global perspective different from what every 
other theatre company in the DMV explores.'' Constellation Theatre 
Company has brought to life 45 diverse stories from 16 countries. Many 
of these stories highlight philosophies of religions that are 
underrepresented in the Western theatrical canon.
  Constellation Theatre Company has received some of the top theater 
awards in the Mid-Atlantic region, including winning 17 Helen Hayes 
Awards and receiving 81 nominations. Constellation Theatre Company was 
voted ``Best Small Theatre Company'' by The Washington Post in 2016 and 
2018, was voted ``Best Theatre Company'' by the Washington City Paper 
in 2016, won the American Theatre Wing, National Theatre Company Award 
in 2013 and received the John Aniello Award for Outstanding Emerging 
Theatre Company in 2009.
  More than 100,000 people have attended Constellation Theatre Company 
productions. Constellation Theatre Company has hired 1,650 artists, the 
majority of whom are from the District of Columbia. Ninety-three 
percent of Constellation Theatre Company shows have been directed by 
women, and many of the actors and artists have come from diverse 
backgrounds.
  Constellation Theatre Company has partnered with top theater 
professionals from around the world and with national and regional 
groups to engage audiences and to create change. These groups include: 
American Red Cross, Humane Society, Whitman Walker Health. Barcelona 
Wine Bar, Room & Board, Art of Living, Freer-Sackler Gallery, 
Smithsonian Journeys and Thornton Wilder Society.
  Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
congratulating Constellation Theatre Company founders Allison Arkell 
Stockman and A.J. Guban and the Chair of Constellation Theatre 
Company's Board of Directors, Scott Chatham, on 15 years of service to 
the District of Columbia and the country.

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