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 holds a BA in theatre from Hillsdale College. She is a member of the Kehoe Initiative for Entrepreneurial Excellence at Hillsdale through which she received mentorship, seminars, and expert input to develop this small business. When not with Embers, Kiley works as the Script Producer and a script writer at The Merry Beggars. You can find out more about her work here.

beatrice hatch

Camp director. Beatrice is a senior at Oakcrest School. She has performed in Embers theatre shows from the beginning - her debut role was in The Wonderful O (Farmer’s Wife) when she was seven-years-old. Since then, Beatrice has acted with Homeschool Talents and at Oakcrest. Oakcrest credits include The Female Quixote (Beatrice), The Sound of Music (Brigitta), You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Lucy). She performed as Celia in the Embers 2023 tour of As You Like It and directed four Embers camp productions. Recently Beatrice began a boutique art business - teaching calligraphy courses and creating pieces to order. You can see her work and offerings on her Instagram: @busybea

LUPE GARVEY

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

Sam & john austin hatch

Stage and Set. Sam & John Austin designed and constructed our traveling stage. Both studied at the University of Notre Dame. Sam is pursuing a degree in architecture; John Austin graduated in 2025. Beyond Embers theatrical construction, the Hatch brothers run a summer business doing minor construction and remodeling work.

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.