Great theatre is about challenging how we think and encouraging us to fantasize about a world we aspire to. 

-Willem DaFoe

OUR MISSION

OVATIONS THEATRE is a queer and Black-owned small business that provides a vibrant space for artists of all ages to create, perform, and grow. Our programming offers enriching and thought-provoking opportunities for emerging and established theatre professionals to explore their craft, push boundaries, and develop their unique artistic voices. At OVATIONS, we foster a creative environment that encourages open-mindedness, dedication, and collaboration, where artists of all backgrounds come together to build not just performance skills, but confidence, problem-solving abilities, and lasting connections.

ABOUT OVATIONS THEATRE
Founded by DMV native Darnell Patrick Morris, OVATIONS THEATRE is the DC-metro area’s only black and queer owned theatre education and performance program for all ages. OVATIONS THEATRE rehearses in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and performs in local professional venues, including our very own The Harriet, with the benefit of top-notch production value. Our seasons are filled with exciting offerings, including full-scale productions, master classes, workshops and more.

ABOUT OVATIONS THEATRE

We are located at 16021 Industrial Drive, Gaithersburg MD Bay 7. Please note that we are off Shady Grove Rd by way of Gaither Rd. Once you pass the Monster Mini Golf on your left hand side you will come to a stop sign at Industrial Dr; take that Right. We are your third Right; 16021 Industrial Drive Bay 7.

MEET OUR ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP

Darnell Patrick Morris (Founder & Producing Artistic Director; he/they) has been a Director, Choreographer and Theatre Educator in the Washington, DC area for nearly two decades.  His students have been seen on Broadway, National tours as well as many local professional stages including Signature Theatre, Arena Stage, Olney Theatre Centre, ATMTC, Wooly Mammoth and Ford’s Theatre.  Select Directing Credits – OVATIONS THEATRE: Cabaret, Hair, Little Shop of Horrors, Les Miserables School Edition, Carrie: The Musical, Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party, Gypsy,  Parade, Heathers, Hairspray, Sunday in The Park With George,  Spring Awakening, Rent, and Sweeney Todd. Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre: In The Heights, Into the Woods, Avenue Q, Hairspray, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Stillpointe Theatre: Caroline or Change. Kensington Arts Theatre: Les Miserables, Ragtime, Jekyll & Hyde, The Rocky Horror Show.  Awards: 2018 Ruby Griffith Award for In The Heights, City Paper 2015 Best Musical: Caroline, Or Change, 2014 Ruby Griffith Award for Les Miserables, 2013 Ruby Griffith Award for Avenue Q, 2012 Ruby Griffith Award for Hairspray, 2011 Ruby Griffith Award for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, 2009 Ruby Griffith Award for Pippin, 2014 WATCH Awards for Best Choreography and Best Musical for Ragtime, 2014 Best Community Theatre Production of a Musical in DC on broadwayworld.com. In 2017 Darnell was selected as one of 6 up-and-coming DC area directors to participate in Signature Theatre’s Musical Theatre Young Directors’ Workshop.

Morgan Fannon (Managing Director; she/her) is incredibly excited to work with Ovations Theatre and all of these exciting, young performers! Morgan grew up performing in youth theater and, in fact, performed with Ovations Theatre’s founder and Artistic Director (Darnell Patrick Morris) in many challenging and wonderful shows! Favorite roles include the Moon in Caroline, or Change (StillPointe Theatre Initiative; Best Musical 2015 – Baltimore City Paper, Best Musical Professional Theatre – DCMTA), Leading Player in Pippin (KAT 2ND STAGE – Ruby Griffith Award), Nehebka in Aida (Toby’s), Sour Kangaroo in Seussical (St. Mark’s Players), Janis Joplin in Hairspray (Lazy Susan), and many, many more.

Carly Schwartz (Associate Artistic Director/Resident STANDING_O Director; she/her) Carly is thrilled to return for her 6th season with OVATIONS after making her directorial debut with Little Shop of Horrors. Previous OVATIONS credits include Anastasia, Mean Girls Jr, Frozen Jr, Seussical Jr, Matilda and The Little Mermaid Jr. She also works tirelessly as the “Backstage Mom” during Junior and Senior Company performances. A master of safety pins and bobby pins, almost every wig and costume change has her hand in it!