A Class Act - AFYP Stages

This new company was formed for the purpose of production: the creation of plays to be performed for young audiences, and the creation of plays to be performed by young actors. A sister organization to the well-established A Class Act – Acting for Young People & Adults, Inc. (AFYP), which has provided professional-level acting training for our area’s youth and adults since 1997 and has been sponsored by the City of Fairfax Commission on the Arts since 1999, Acting for Young People Stages (AFYP Stages, Inc) was incorporated in late 2008 and received its 501 (c) 3 status in January, 2009.

AFYP STAGES’ VISION is to lead in the creation of professional theater that enriches the lives of children, their families and the world around them.

AFYP STAGES’ MISSION is to create and present plays that educate audiences of all ages and stages on vital issues and to provide a professional stage for young actors to showcase their talents. Our School Tour “Safety Series” includes two original productions: STREET SMART: THE ADVENTURES OF POLLY PEDESTRIAN (about traffic, pedestrian and bicycle safety including English and Spanish; ideal for Grades K-5) and SALLY SURFER AND THE WILD WILD WEB (about internet safety, ideal for Grades 4-6). Each of these plays contains powerful lessons, compelling characters, lively action, puppetry and music.

An important component of AFYP Stages’ mission is the development of original plays for family audiences, created specifically to be performed by young actors. Performance opportunities outside of school programs are few and far between in the immediate area, and what sets us apart is that these plays are carefully constructed for this group of actors, to be age-appropriate yet modern and compelling for actors and audience alike, and each young actor is figured prominently in a significant role. AFYP Stages strives to create the most professional working environment possible, and we put the children’s needs first. This unique program gives them the experience of performing while getting top-level training, all while developing the premiere performances of an original play. The rehearsal process is an opportunity for them to work with a professional playwright and director, as well as a professional stage manager, and guest artists in supplementary areas such as voice, movement and stage combat.

AFYP Stages has produced three original plays performed by some of Fairfax County’s finest young actors. RADIO VEGA and DOISTER 2000 each featured 36 performers ages 12 – 18, and were performed as part of the Mason Summer Festival in 2008 and 2009, respectively. DOISTER 2000 also debuted in the 2008 Spotlight on the Arts Festival. Most recently, CAROL vs. CHRISTMAS, featuring 20 young actors alongside professional performers, debuted at theSPACE in downtown Fairfax. All three original works were written and directed by Lisa Nanni-Messegee.

For more information on our programs or to book a tour, please contact Candice Carter, Director of Touring Programs & Outreach, at (703) 554-4931 or email.

AFYP Stages Staff
Mary Lechter, Artistic Director of AFYP Stages
Candice Carter, Director of Touring Programs & Outreach
Lisa Nanni-Messegee, Resident Director & Playwright