HAPPENSTANCE THEATER
Happenstance Theater is a professional company committed to devising, producing and touring original, performer-created visual, poetic Theatre. Our ensemble is made up of multi-talented performers who craft all aspects of our work from concept to realization. We harvest imagery from the past and re-contextualize it in works that address eternal themes of life and death. With the simplest means - humor, music, silence, text and beauty - we seek to elevate the moment when the performers and audience meet, to lift the encounter beyond the daily and pedestrian into the realms of dreams, poetry, and art. Meaning is often found by happenstance.
The Washington City Paper says, “Happenstance Theater’s ensemble comedy is a gut-busting kind of funny.” The Washington Post describes our work as “visually striking and whimsical without being precious.”
The Washington City Paper says, “Happenstance Theater’s ensemble comedy is a gut-busting kind of funny.” The Washington Post describes our work as “visually striking and whimsical without being precious.”
(left to right) Gwen Grastorf, Alex Vernon, Mark Jaster, Sabrina Mandell, and Sarah Olmsted Thomas.
Leslie Swan Photography.
AWARDS
Helen Hayes Awards: Happenstance Theater has been nominated for 31 Helen Hayes Awards since 2014.
MOXIE: A Happenstance Vaudeville won for Best Costume Design, Sabrina Mandell, and Best Musical Direction, Karen Hansen.
IMPOSSIBLE! A Happenstance Circus won for Best Actor, Mark Jaster, Best Costume Design, Sabrina Mandell, and Best Ensemble.
Capital Fringe Festival Audience Awards:
BAROCOCO won Best Comedy, 2018.
MOXIE: A Happenstance Vaudeville won for Best Costume Design, Sabrina Mandell, and Best Musical Direction, Karen Hansen.
IMPOSSIBLE! A Happenstance Circus won for Best Actor, Mark Jaster, Best Costume Design, Sabrina Mandell, and Best Ensemble.
Capital Fringe Festival Audience Awards:
BAROCOCO won Best Comedy, 2018.