Firehouse Theatre Launches Forum and Hires Community Engagement Manager
By: Stephi Wild
As it enters its 25th season, Firehouse Theatre has initiated a community engagement program called Firehouse Forum. Using seminars, backstage tours, podcasts, parties, and other onsite opportunities Firehouse Forum will involve Richmonders in an ongoing exploration of the performing arts scene and how Firehouse Theatre continues to push at the margins of what theatre is and can be.
"We're exploring new models for engaging with the community that emphasize the interdisciplinarity of theatre, as well as working to raise the level of interest in locally-produced theatre and building relationships with new audiences," said Joel Bassin, Producing Artistic Director at Firehouse. "Firehouse Forum builds on the popularity and value of continuing education and life-long learning programs, and we believe it will increase understanding and expand involvement in the Richmond theatre scene." Firehouse Forum will be led by David Timberline, recently hired as Community Engagement Manager at Firehouse, who brings decades of experience as a journalist and communications professional to the position. "In addition to his prior experience, Dave recently started a venture called 'Behind-the-Scenes RVA' that is already developing new ways for arts patrons to interact with local theater productions," said Bassin. "His work there dovetails nicely with what we hope to accomplish with Firehouse Forum."Videos