EMBERS began in 2016

First called “GGT,” Embers began to provide a summer experience for children which would foster friendships and a love for the arts. Embers continues this mission on a larger scale as a playground for young creatives. We develop new plays and stage a traveling tour each summer in Northern Virginia.

Our programs are designed to give young people a nurturing environment in which to create, collaborate; share their talents; and ignite the imagination. This theater education teaches campers to use their freedom well; to articulate their thoughts clearly; to empathize; to support and help others with a spirit of cheerful self-giving; and, finally, to seek to respect and understand everyone's part and struggle in this play of life.

production team

kiley LAWRENCE

Founder. Producer. Director. Kiley (Hatch) Lawrence has directed nine shows and produced seven of her own plays with Embers. She is a playwright for The Merry Beggars @ Relevant Radio where she developed their first original audio drama series: On the Night Train. Kiley is pursuing her BA in theatre at Hillsdale College in Michigan. She is a member of the Kehoe Initiative for Entrepreneurial Excellence at Hillsdale through which she receives mentorship, seminars, and expert input to develop this small business. You can find out more about her work here.

LUPE GARVEY

Photographer. A graduate of Brookewood high school, Lupe is a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame. Instagram: @lupegphotography

john austin hatch

Stage and Set. John Austin designed and constructed our traveling stage. He is the head of set design, construction and tech. He attends the University of Notre Dame where he studies classics and math.

Connor Anderson

Composor and Music Director. Connor is an alumnus of the Heights School, ‘18. He studied classical composition and trumpet performance at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Belmont University.

MEGAN MEEHAN

Marketing director. Megan holds a BA in English from Christendom College.