After a very competitive selection process, we are excited to announce that Lesley Larsen, Artistic Director of Wayne Theatre, has been selected as one of five theatre-based teaching artists for the Virginia Commission for the Arts! She has spent the last twenty years professionally acting, directing, and advocating for consent-based theatre practices. Now, Lesley will be featured on the VCA teaching roster for the upcoming three-year cycle.

Over the next three years, Lesley will work as a collaborator and decision-maker for arts education in Virginia and lead Arts in Practice residencies. The VCA has praised Lesley for her commitment to developing her artistic practice and teaching methodologies and for providing her community with innovative, impactful, and quality artistic experiences along with exceptional delivery of educational practices, residencies, and workshops for all learners.

The Virginia Commission of the Arts is a state agency dedicated to investing in the arts of Virginia. With support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Virginia General Assembly, the VCA works to empower leaders and practitioners in the arts. Their mission is to advance the Commonwealth by financially and ideologically supporting and appreciating the arts and art education. With backing from these organizations, Lesley will be able to elevate theatre as an art form and bring theatre education opportunities to students, educators, youth, and adult learners throughout Virginia. Wayne Theatre is immeasurably proud of Lesley for her dedication to her craft and her drive to make art education more accessible for the next generation of Virginian artists.