NextStop Theatre Company was founded in 1988, as the Elden Street Players, an all-volunteer, community theatre company created predominantly by and for the residents of Herndon, Virginia.
After little more than a year, the Town of Herndon quickly recognized the exciting potential for cultivating the arts in the community, authorized and funded the creation of a 114-seat, blackbox theatre in a local industrial warehouse complex, and helped secure a home for the emerging company.From their earliest days, the Elden Street Players (ESP) stretched and challenged themselves to be bold and unique.
After little more than a year, the Town of Herndon quickly recognized the exciting potential for cultivating the arts in the community, authorized and funded the creation of a 114-seat, blackbox theatre in a local industrial warehouse complex, and helped secure a home for the emerging company.From their earliest days, the Elden Street Players (ESP) stretched and challenged themselves to be bold and unique.
Services
Note: There is a processing fee for all tickets purchased. Since popularity of most performances determines ticket pricing, we STRONGLY encourage purchasing tickets well in advance. Your email order confirmation is all you need. As long as you received an email confirmation that your order was successfully processed, simply check in by name when you arrive at the theatre.
Each session is three hours per day for five days and occurs in our theater. Students are given opportunities to participate in socially-distant activities and exercises on the stage, which provides over 800 square feet of open floor space. When not on stage, students are spaced out in our 100-seat capacity audience.
NextStop Theatre's By-Kids-For-Kids productions are a unique and innovative program that places local student performers under the guidance of our celebrated professional directors and designers, as well as on stage alongside our award-winning professional actors.
Though not usually a part of our traditional main stage season, we are proud to create these special opportunities to give aspiring young artists the chance to shine on our stage and welcome them into the NextStop artist community.Besides being a valuable experience for the students in the cast, it is eye-opening for kids in the audience to see their peers in fully realized theatrical productions.
Though not usually a part of our traditional main stage season, we are proud to create these special opportunities to give aspiring young artists the chance to shine on our stage and welcome them into the NextStop artist community.Besides being a valuable experience for the students in the cast, it is eye-opening for kids in the audience to see their peers in fully realized theatrical productions.
NextStop Theatre Company is a professional, not-for-profit theatre company dedicated to producing theatrical performances and educational programs that are uniquely ambitious, intimate, and accessible both to and in the Northern Virginia/Dulles Corridor community. NextStop Theatre Company has become the premier professional theatre company of the Dulles Region and a respected member of the Greater Washington Metropolitan Area theatre community.
While we have much work to do (and the work will never be done), NextStop plans to publish regular updates on the learning, planning, and concrete actions that we are taking to be an antiracist organization.
NextStop's Producing Artistic Director and a board representative are currently actively participating in a series of monthly, collaborative anti-oppression and anti-racism workshops, facilitated by TheatreWashington and run by Abolishing Racism and Oppression in the Workplace (AROW).
NextStop's Producing Artistic Director and a board representative are currently actively participating in a series of monthly, collaborative anti-oppression and anti-racism workshops, facilitated by TheatreWashington and run by Abolishing Racism and Oppression in the Workplace (AROW).
Reviews (27)
Aimee Olivera Sanchez
Nov 11, 2021
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Awesome small theater! Intimate seating but didn't feel crowded. The management carefully checked covid tests/vaccine cards at the door which made the whole experience feel more comfortable.
I've never seen a one actor play in person before and this was a fantastic first time. I could quickly tell the difference between characters based on her voice, posture, and mannerisms, with some assistance from well managed stage tech. We will definitely come back for a full cast performance in the future.
I've never seen a one actor play in person before and this was a fantastic first time. I could quickly tell the difference between characters based on her voice, posture, and mannerisms, with some assistance from well managed stage tech. We will definitely come back for a full cast performance in the future.
Zoe Harr
Nov 01, 2021
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Lee Cox
Oct 24, 2021
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I have never been to a live theater before. Its small, maybe only seats 100 tops. What a surprise. The performers were amazing. A familiar melody is the title we saw. The most outstanding performance was the pianist. She did an amazing job. She played nonstop for 75min. Incredible. The others sang so very very well. The acting was great. Such a wonderful little gem.
Riley Anderson
May 12, 2021
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Allan Hadley
Aug 27, 2020
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Dave Nemetz
Dec 25, 2019
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Great little local black-box theater. I’ve been coming here for years, back when it was Elden Street Players. It’s amazing how they can transform their little space into exactly what they need for their performance. I will admit, there have been a few performances I didn’t care for, but those are very rare. The staff is wonderful as well, and their snack bar is a great treat, too. lways a great experience.
John N.
Sep 17, 2018
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The professionalism and quality of entertainment continue at the NextStop Theater with the Wedding Singer that my wife and I attended today. We chose this production to celebrate our 35th anniversary which was a great ideal. From the polite and courteous hostess in the lobby, and all of the cast; it was an enjoyable experience.
John K Nusbaum
John K Nusbaum
Dela Anthonio
Sep 14, 2018
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I've been here a few times and I've enjoyed the plays I've attended.
The check-in experience is smooth. You buy your tickets online and give them your name when checking in.
The plays have been entertaining. The cast is full of energy and there's usually a few opportunities for audience members to participate in the play.
There's an intermission about 50 minutes into the play to go outside or use the restroom. The whole place is clean and well-maintained.
I highly recommend anyone interested in experiencing theater to give this place a visit.
The check-in experience is smooth. You buy your tickets online and give them your name when checking in.
The plays have been entertaining. The cast is full of energy and there's usually a few opportunities for audience members to participate in the play.
There's an intermission about 50 minutes into the play to go outside or use the restroom. The whole place is clean and well-maintained.
I highly recommend anyone interested in experiencing theater to give this place a visit.
Sky R.
Sep 10, 2018
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What a great day !
exists a community theatre! I've been to a few community theatres in Fairfax County and this one was the best one yet! First off, the seats are theatre style seating, every seat was good! We arrived a tad late but they let us in right after the 'initial gun shot'. The theatre is small and cozy, just enough to see the faces of each of the actors. Each of the 4 actors were quite impressive in that they had to play over 100 different characters. The theatre was a tad hard to find, since it sits dead center of a retail industrial park. The seats were
exists a community theatre! I've been to a few community theatres in Fairfax County and this one was the best one yet! First off, the seats are theatre style seating, every seat was good! We arrived a tad late but they let us in right after the 'initial gun shot'. The theatre is small and cozy, just enough to see the faces of each of the actors. Each of the 4 actors were quite impressive in that they had to play over 100 different characters. The theatre was a tad hard to find, since it sits dead center of a retail industrial park. The seats were
Howard F.
Feb 11, 2018
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High quality performances in an intimate venue at reasonable prices! When it averages nearly a hundred bucks a ticket downtown for most anything good, I love that I don't have to go bankrupt to see an interesting show in the burbs. My daughter loves the kid-friendly fare they put on once in a while as well.
Kimberly B.
Dec 27, 2017
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Ryan D.
Oct 11, 2017
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This was my first time in this town in Virginia and to the theater. The gps phone directions are confusing, but that isn't the theaters fault. The nice woman at the bar had to help me twice. Locals and the toll guy on the road didn't know where it was. It is best to do gps to the hyatt house. If you see it go behind it and you will see other businesses. turn by the taste of the world and look for the theater sign. That is how I found it with help from the woman on the phone realizing that dunkin donuts was to far from it. I attended the amazing acro cats show. It was a great production
Mary N.
Jun 26, 2017
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This theatre put on one of the highest quality non-professional shows I've ever seen. I'm from Utah, which is the Mecca of musical theatre, and Oregon, which certainly loves the performing arts, and I wasn't disappointed by NextStop at all.
My husband and I saw "Urinetown" (a personal favorite) - we arrived about an hour early, which was entirely unnecessary (doors open 30 mins in advance), but it allowed us to get some snacks from concessions beforehand (your standard soda, cookies, and candy, plus plenty of libations). Because it's a black box theatre space with
My husband and I saw "Urinetown" (a personal favorite) - we arrived about an hour early, which was entirely unnecessary (doors open 30 mins in advance), but it allowed us to get some snacks from concessions beforehand (your standard soda, cookies, and candy, plus plenty of libations). Because it's a black box theatre space with
Mary W.
Apr 24, 2017
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Had a great time visiting NextStop with some out of town guests. Together we saw Boeing Boeing and all of us enjoyed the show. Thankful to have affordable fun so close to home. The actors and staff made us all feel at home and a part of the show. Keep up the good work, NextStop. I'm considering a purchase of a ticket package because a lot of the upcoming shows look really good too.
Kenneth Patrick J.
Nov 26, 2016
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Emma R.
Oct 23, 2016
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Erma D.
Sep 11, 2016
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What a great time we had tonight! We went to opening night of Catch Me if You Can - a musical version of a very good movie & based on a true story. Set in the 1960s - the costumes were fun (especially the female ones - reminded me of my mini skirted days!) The dance & music group numbers were very well done; the singing by all was fantastic. Thoroughly enjoyable time. The set was interesting; the lighting changes added to the scenes.
The theatre is relatively small but despite the horrendous heat of these last few days - the interior was comfortable for this fussy patron. Tonight was Sold
The theatre is relatively small but despite the horrendous heat of these last few days - the interior was comfortable for this fussy patron. Tonight was Sold
Mark B.
Jul 21, 2016
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Intimacy is a big part of NextStop's charm. It is always amazing to see the level of excitement this theater manages to pack into their compact space. Beyond the ability to be up close and personal with a performance, showcasing local talent and promoting youth involvement in the arts is what NextStop does best. This is one of Herndon's great cultural treasures and not to be missed by anyone who loves great theater.
Hank B.
May 24, 2016
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Saw City of Angels with my fiancée and it was beyond awesome. Can't wait to see future shows. The set designs were excellent, and the cast was superb. I remarked at the time that it made me want to audition for something in the future, just so I could be a part of something as cool as what we saw a few weeks back (I haven't acted since I was in the 4th grade). Recommend it, and any other show the Nextstop Theater puts on in the future!
Kimberly J.
May 22, 2016
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Wow!
Saw the great reviews for this place on Yelp and I'm so grateful my Yelp family pointed me towards the right direction.
Ordered tickets online through their website, steps were simple and straightforward. You don't choose your seats when purchasing your tickets. Tickets were about $40/person. Get tickets early on, prices get higher the closer you get to the time of the performance.
Upon entering, we were warmly greeted and told the kind lady our names. You don't have to bring a printed ticket. Once your ticket is purchased, you just state your name and she looks it up on
Saw the great reviews for this place on Yelp and I'm so grateful my Yelp family pointed me towards the right direction.
Ordered tickets online through their website, steps were simple and straightforward. You don't choose your seats when purchasing your tickets. Tickets were about $40/person. Get tickets early on, prices get higher the closer you get to the time of the performance.
Upon entering, we were warmly greeted and told the kind lady our names. You don't have to bring a printed ticket. Once your ticket is purchased, you just state your name and she looks it up on
Jessica W.
Dec 04, 2015
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I just went and saw Seussical and I'm so happy I did! It was adorable and hilarious. I have a 4 year old son and I'm sad I didn't take him because I know he would have loved it. The age range (and vocal rang) is wide for the cast members and they were really talented!
The theater itself is very small which I liked because it means that every seat is a good seat. They have a bar cart during intermission selling snacks, drinks, and beer and wine. The theater itself is a bit hard to find because it's inside a big shopping center but I just followed the signs which made it easier
The theater itself is very small which I liked because it means that every seat is a good seat. They have a bar cart during intermission selling snacks, drinks, and beer and wine. The theater itself is a bit hard to find because it's inside a big shopping center but I just followed the signs which made it easier
Tianne W.
May 17, 2014
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No longer a "Best Kept Secret" The word is out!
This gem is tucked away in a industrial business park off of Herndon Parkway.
I've been coming to what was formally known as The Elden Streets Players for several years. Recently they have become a for profit theatre and changed their name to NextStop. I have never seen a play that I didn't love. They use to serve free appetizers and refreshments including champagne in the parking lot at intermission on opening night. I don't know if that tradition survived over the years. I haven't been to an opening night in
This gem is tucked away in a industrial business park off of Herndon Parkway.
I've been coming to what was formally known as The Elden Streets Players for several years. Recently they have become a for profit theatre and changed their name to NextStop. I have never seen a play that I didn't love. They use to serve free appetizers and refreshments including champagne in the parking lot at intermission on opening night. I don't know if that tradition survived over the years. I haven't been to an opening night in
Chrystalle B.
Jan 16, 2014
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Yes Virginia, there is professional theater in Herndon.
Its set back from the street a ways in a semi-industrial park. Now, I've been to small theaters, I've worked in small theaters, but none w/ legit grandstand seating (and they were comfy). I spent most of the preshow marveling at the actual stage space. It was prefect for the show we saw, The 39 Steps. Everything was exposed: the prop storage, the load bearing pole stage right, the back stage entrance, and even, what I can only assume was an old sound booth.
The show was fabulous, and I've seen it on Broadway as well as the
Its set back from the street a ways in a semi-industrial park. Now, I've been to small theaters, I've worked in small theaters, but none w/ legit grandstand seating (and they were comfy). I spent most of the preshow marveling at the actual stage space. It was prefect for the show we saw, The 39 Steps. Everything was exposed: the prop storage, the load bearing pole stage right, the back stage entrance, and even, what I can only assume was an old sound booth.
The show was fabulous, and I've seen it on Broadway as well as the
Brandi K.
Dec 23, 2013
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I was the lucky winner of 2 tickets to see 12 Dates of Christmas a few weeks ago. What a treat!
This is a one-woman show. This took me a few minutes to get used to, but once I did, it was very enjoyable. She was very entertaining and had us interested, intrigued, laughing and for her character right from the beginning. It was a great story and the time flew by. The 2 hour show did not seem that long at all, which is good because there was no intermission.
The theater was a little tricky to find - my GPS got us in the vacinity and our server at Taste of the World pointed us in the right direction
This is a one-woman show. This took me a few minutes to get used to, but once I did, it was very enjoyable. She was very entertaining and had us interested, intrigued, laughing and for her character right from the beginning. It was a great story and the time flew by. The 2 hour show did not seem that long at all, which is good because there was no intermission.
The theater was a little tricky to find - my GPS got us in the vacinity and our server at Taste of the World pointed us in the right direction
Yuchen Z.
Dec 17, 2013
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We went to see Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol. It was a One Man show and it was fantastic. He really did a great job. It was my first one-man show and I was really really impressed. I have only heard of other monologues but he was really acting everything out and changing his voice and everything.
The seats were comfy enough and every seat in the house had a good view of the stage. It's a small theater so things get close. The bathrooms are very clean. They also sell snacks you can bring inside the theater.
I will also say the theater is super hard to find, there's an arrow pointing
The seats were comfy enough and every seat in the house had a good view of the stage. It's a small theater so things get close. The bathrooms are very clean. They also sell snacks you can bring inside the theater.
I will also say the theater is super hard to find, there's an arrow pointing
Jodi M.
Dec 16, 2013
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Brandi K. won tickets to the 12 Dates of Christmas and luckily she picked me to tag along to enjoy her winnings!!!!
This theater is located in a large business park off of Sunset Park, tucked in the back behind the random array of Deli's and Asian restaurants.
When you walk in, you are in a small waiting area with a check in counter that sells a few refreshments and a tiny but beautiful spiral staircase. On the other side of the black curtains is the small theater room with stadium style seats and a floor based stage area. This makes for excellent viewing as there is not a bad seat in
This theater is located in a large business park off of Sunset Park, tucked in the back behind the random array of Deli's and Asian restaurants.
When you walk in, you are in a small waiting area with a check in counter that sells a few refreshments and a tiny but beautiful spiral staircase. On the other side of the black curtains is the small theater room with stadium style seats and a floor based stage area. This makes for excellent viewing as there is not a bad seat in
Hannah H.
Sep 26, 2013
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I scored free tickets to the first-ever preview (their premier is scheduled for this Saturday) of Alfred Hitchcock's 'The 39 Steps' play. Based on the novel by John Buchan, the play was a combination of 'high speed chases, murder, mistaken identities, and romance.' I am a huge fanatic of espionage and all of that spy stuff, so this was a real treat. The performances of the 4 actors (Nick Rose, Evan Crump, James Finley, and Emily Levey) were AMAZING, and I laughed my heart out! The theater itself is very nice and clean, cute and very artsy, and a great alternative to
