General
Main Stage
Family Shows
Tickets
Donating
Birthday Parties
Classes
Camp
Training
Subscriptions

GENERAL

What is Synetic?
The word "synetic", as it refers to this company, is a combination of two words: "synthesis" and "kinetic." Synetic Theater seeks to advance and enrich the theater arts through presentation and education in its unique performance style of a synthesis of the arts, fusing the classical elements of drama, movement, dance, mime, and music into a distinct form of non-realistic theater. We are a theater that traffics in the surreal, the fantastical, and the daring. We want to take this form of theater and bring it to audiences everywhere, as well as educate children and young adults in their own creative potential for originality, physicality, and breadth of performance.

Are you a dance company?
We certainly dance, that we don't deny. Is our performance style dance? In that it expresses ideas and emotions through movement, yes. Is our performance style theater? In that it tells stories, has distinct characters, and involves live performance by actors, yes.

Are you out to make a bunch of money?
Synetic wishes to enrich the theatrical experience in the DC area and in the United States. As a non-profit company, we are not out to make money, we're out to make art.

Who is behind Synetic?
Synetic was founded by Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili (for their bios, take a look here.), in 2001. In 2003, they merged with Classika Theatre to form what is today Synetic, encompassing the entirety of our Main Stage, Family, Educational, and Outreach programming.

Why should I buy a subscription?
Subscriptions and memberships make you a part of the full Synetic family, save you money, and allow you special benefits when reserving seats. Join us!>

Why do you always ask for donations?
As a not-for-profit institution, Synetic receives less than 50% of its income from ticket sales, and needs donations in order to produce the work that you enjoy! Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us grow and sustain this work!

Do you accept unsolicited play submissions?
Synetic does not accept unsolicited play submissions at this time. If you have a proposal, please submit a treatment and an introductory letter to synetic@synetictheater.org.

MAIN STAGE

Where do you perform?
Synetic is not currently reserved to one performance space. We perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Northwest Washington, DC, at the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Lansburgh Theatre in downtown DC, and at the Rosslyn Spectrum Theater across the river from Georgetown in Arlington, VA. Click here for directions!

Are seats reserved?
Yes! Your seats are reserved for Main Stage Shows. For a seating chart, just click here.

Are your performers actors, dancers, or both?
Our performers come from a variety of backgrounds in theater, dance, mime, and other physical arts. The primary focus is on acting through movement. Call them actors, call them physical performers, but just remember -- it's about telling stories using the body, the voice, or whatever tools are necessary, with a special emphasis on movement. It's this storytelling aspect, and the truth of the characters that they seek to embody, that tells us to refer to them as actors.

How do you make your original music?
Our resident composer, Konstantine Lortkipandze, creates our music through electronic composition, live improvisation, and adaptation of scored materials to new recordings and live performances.

What comes first, the music or the choreography?
Well...uh...both! By that we mean that we will create choreography that tells a certain story while the music is worked on separately, then we work on integrating the two together. It is a difficult, but extremely organic process, which results in storytelling that seems to live with the music, and one grows out of the other.

FAMILY SHOWS

Where do you perform?
We perform at Synetic's Family Theater in Shirlington Village in Arlington, VA. You can park in any of the garages around the Village -- go here for directions and parking info.

Are seats reserved?
No, the Family Theater is open seating.

How far ahead of time should I get there?
We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early in order to get your tickets and your seats.

Is there an adult price and a childrens' price for tickets?
No, adult and children's tickets for Family Shows are the same price but discounts are available for groups of ten or more!

Is there a minimum age to attend a Family show performance?
Our Family Shows are generally recommended for age 4 and up.

TICKETS

Do I need to order tickets in advance?
Nope...but we recommend it! Our shows do sell out sometimes, and since seating is assigned for the Main Stage, those who reserve in advance get priority on seating (seating is open for Family Shows in Shirlington). Hit the "tickets" button to view times and prices and start your Synetic experience!

Will I get them in the mail?
Synetic is a cost-conscious and green-friendly company: we like saving paper! All tickets ordered online and over the phone are held at Will-Call at the theater for you, and you can pick them up at the box-office before the show. Thanks for helping us save trees and money! And don't worry, if you're reserving tickets for someone else, you can either reserve them under a separate name, or get a gift certificate!

Gift Certificate? Great! How do I get one?
Easy, call our toll free ticket number (800)494-8497, or purchase online.

DONATING

Who gets the money I donate to Synetic?
Synetic theater is a not-for-profit organization. Our mission is not to make money -- it's to make art and grow artists! Your donations can go to anything from set materials to office supplies to supporting the artists who make the work itself, and programs to bring arts education to underserved kids! For more information, click here.

If DC theater is so good, why can't it just survive on ticket sales?
DC theater is made up of non-profit theaters -- and the costs of creating theater well outweigh the income in this day and age. Think about it -- theaters barely compete against each other anymore. Instead, theaters as a group compete against other forms of entertainment such as movies, video games, web, and tv, that are run by bigger for-profit corporations, typically. It's a tough business! However, theater is still popular in the United States, and DC theater is an example of a thriving community. Check out www.helenhayes.org to understand the scope and growth of DC theater!

Is there any benefit to membership?
Members, if they elect to, receive special benefits that are detailed here.

Does a donation automatically make me a subscriber?
A subscription is a purchase of services from us, whereas a donation is a tax-deductible gift, so no, your subscription is separate from your donation -- but we highly recommend both!

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

What happens in the birthday workshops?
This is your child’s special day and we want them to feel like it. So not only do they get a show, they get to go on stage and be sung ‘Happy Birthday’, they get an autographed copy of the show poster, but in the workshops they truly get to create the artwork from the show and become the main character. Not only do the workshops offer a more comprehensive understanding of the play itself, they are catered to your child and explore their creativity in drama and visual arts. The workshops consist of one 20 minute drama workshop and one 20 minute art workshop for kids only, so adults, enjoy your drinks and pizza in the other room, we’ll take the party from here.

What kind of decorations do I bring?
Our space is your canvas. We have pictures up on the wall from past shows that are fun and festive, but you are welcome to decorate how you see fit. Streamers can hang easily from the ceiling and a Happy Birthday Banner across the top of the room is always a nice touch. Since some of your guests may not know exactly where to go some balloons downstairs at our front door tend to give a friendly nudge in the right direction.

Which birthday package is age appropriate for my child?
All of them! Just like our classes, our teachers cater any of the workshops to your child’s age group and are always a fun addition, but every package is suitable for any age group.

What activities do you have for kids in the party room?
During the week the party room is our welcoming area for students to meet up before classes and camps, but during the weekend they come alive with birthday parties. Be sure to bring decorations and basic supplies, but we’ll supply the fun. Take a look in our birthday chest and you’ll find masks, puppets, musical instruments, funny hats, and more!

If I buy more tickets on the day of the show can I purchase them at the $10 price?
Tickets purchased after you have already given Classika your final ticket count will be priced as follows: $12 plus a small service charge for advanced tickets, and $15 plus a small service charge on the day of the performance.

Do parents need tickets?
Yes, everybody who goes into the theater to watch a show needs a ticket. Tickets are the same price for both children and adults. You can either include all invited parents into your final count (purchase tickets for them) or let them know that they can buy their own tickets at a discounted birthday party rate of $10 per ticket plus a small service charge.

How early can I setup in the party room?
If your party is before the show you may setup 30 minutes before your time begins. If your party is after the show, you may begin setting up when the show begins, unless there is no party before the show, then you may setup a half an hour before the show begins.

What are the amenities available in the studio?
Tables and chairs are in the party room, as well as a kitchen with refrigerator/freezer, sink and storage. The refrigerator and freezer are relatively small, and are sometimes used for other items in addition to Birthday Parties. Please plan accordingly.

Are there tablecloths, plates, utensils etc provided?
No table coverings, plates, napkins or utensils are provided. Please bring your own. (N.B. the tables are rectangular)

Are party favors provided?
No, party favors are not provided; however if you are signed up for Package C, then the art created by the children is theirs to keep.

Are there a minimum number of kids to reserve a birthday party?
There is no minimum for a birthday reservation. However, discounted tickets are only available for groups of 10 or more.

For what ages are the Classika Family Shows appropriate?
Most shows a recommended for ages 4 and up, however some may vary, please ask a Classika Representative or check the Classika website when scheduling your Birthday Reservation. Please keep in mind that no children under the age recommended for the show are allowed into the theater during the performance.

How long are the Classika Family Shows?
Most shows run between 45 and 60 minutes, with time for autographs and photos with the actors following the show.

How do I get to the Studio from the Classika Theater?
From the Classika Theater you will turn left and walk to the opening between Illusions Salon and the Thai Restaurant. Turn left through the opening and go down the stairs and follow the path to the right, around the corner you will see the building that houses the Studio. Please take the stairs to the second floor and enter door on the left hand side. Its address is 2788 S. Arlington Mill Dr, Suite 110. Arlington, VA 22206. It is roughly a 2-minute walk from the Theater.

What if I reserve more tickets to the show than we end up needing for our Birthday Party?
Unused tickets will be credited to your account and valid for use to the next Classika Family Production. Please turn the unused tickets to the box-office after the show is over.

How do I make a Birthday Party reservation?
First call and check the availability of your selected Birthday Party date. Then either call the Classika-Synetic Administrative Office at (703) 824-6200, or download a copy of the Birthday Party Registration Form and fax it to (703) 824-4827.

When is my balance due?
All balances must be paid in full 72 hours prior to Birthday Party.

How much are tickets?
Tickets are $12 in advance (up to 12 hours to the show time) plus a small service charge and $15 at the door plus a small service charge. If purchasing tickets for a group of 10 or more tickets are $10 each.

Is there any food provided for Studio Parties?
Classika provides no food. You may bring your own food. Dominos knows us well and will have no trouble sending pizza your way.
2923 S. GLEBE RD.
Arlington, VA 22206
Phone Number Phone: 703-684-3344
Of if you’re looking for something a little different for your party you can check out: http://www.delivery.com/ and enter in our address: 2788 South Arlington Mill Drive, Zip Code: 22206

If I am only reserved for a studio party, may the children use the drama or art rooms?
Drama and Art rooms are reserved for parties with workshops. Unsupervised use of the Art and Drama room is strictly prohibited.

How many people can fit in the Studio?
Between 35 and 40 people can fit comfortably in the Studio.

Is the Studio accessible by elevator?
There is no elevator access to the Studio. Please plan accordingly with strollers.

When we are finished with our party, is there a cleaning service to take care of the room?
No, there is no cleaning service. You are responsible for leaving the party room looking like it looked when you came into the room.

CLASSES

What is the age range of the classes?
Our classes range from 4-10+ years old. Check out our teen program here!

What do kids do in the classes?
Drama students do everything from improvisational games to voice, pantomime, storytelling, and script work, while art students explore color relationships, create original works from a variety of materials, and discover the wide variety of styles within the art world! Check out more info here!

Where are your classes located?
Classes are located in our Studio Space. The address is: 2788 South Arlington Mill Drive. Suite 110 Arlington, VA 22206 The building is inside the parking lot behind Classika Theatre and Shirlington shopping center. When you get into the parking lot you will look all the way to the left and the building will be the last one before the parking garage. The building is white with a sign that reads ‘Insight Imaging Center of Arlington’ on the side of it. It says number 2788 on the door. Once through the door go up the stairs and the studio is to your left.

What is the age range of the classes?
For the 2009-2010 Season we will have classes for students age 4- Adults. For Students age 4-15 we offer classes that meet once per week for Fall, Winter and Spring Sessions. For students age 16 to Adult we offer a series of master classes.

Is there a show at the end of the classes?
Absolutely. The last day of class we invite parents, neighbors and friends in to see the sharing that the students have been preparing for you.

What kind of experience do the teachers have?
All of our studio teachers have a master’s degree in fine arts (MFA) and are seasoned education and artistic professionals within the DC, national and international communities.

What constitutes a snack?
We allow ten minutes between classes. This includes switching rooms, putting on smocks and bathroom breaks. When packing a snack for your child please include only one or two small things that can easily be consumed in 5-7minutes.

What if I missed the last class, how do I pick up my child's art work?
If you know you will miss the last class please inform Meg Maxwell via e-mail at MegMaxwell@SyneticTheater.org. In the event that you will miss the final class the studio is open from 10a.m.-6p.m. Monday-Friday or a weekend pick-up can be arranged if needed. Stop by and pick it up.

What if I miss a class, can I make it up?
Absolutely. If you miss a class you can make it up any day that classes are offered. To make up a class please contact MegMaxwell@SyneticTheater.org one week ahead of time so that teachers can prepare for an additional student. Two weeks before the final class there will be no more make-up classes allowed so that the classes can rehearse for their pieces.

What happens if there is a Snow Day?
We follow the Arlington Public Schools schedule. If they are closed so are we. To check on school closings for Arlington Public Schools you can call the Snow Hotline at: 1-866-322-4277. You will be contacted via e-mail to inform you of a make-up class.

What do I bring to the cast party?
If you want to eat something at the cast party, make sure you bring something to share. Cookies and brownies are great snacks, but keep in mind that the shows are right around meal times and some veggies or hummus might not be a bad idea to counter-act all the sugar.

Where do I find black clothes for my child's costume for the final showcase?
We ask that students wear black clothing to their final sharing, and sometimes parents have trouble finding black clothing for our younger students. If you are having trouble finding black clothing here are some suggestions:
1. Get creative. For girls remember that dresses, skirts and leotards/ leggings are great clothes for a performance.
2. Plan ahead. Target typically has black clothing for children, but it’s not always in stock so order early.
3. Check out dance supply stores in the area.
4. Ask other moms from the class. I’ve seen some great performance clothes, ask other moms where they shop.

CAMP

What sets this camp apart from other theater camps?
As opposed to other theater camps in the area we offer the opportunity to work with the kids to create a show in only two weeks time. From the characters and dance numbers to the costumes and set pieces the children take a hands on fully immersed journey through the arts and come out on the last day with a wonderfully fully staged new creation.

When does camp start registering for the year?
Check your e-mails for the final announcement but camp registration typically begins the first week in February, so mark those calendars, we book up fast and we don’t want you to miss your chance.

What happens on the last day of camp?
Here is a step-by-step of the last day of camp:
1. Kids arrive in their black pants, shoes and socks, staff will provide each child with a T-shirt for them to wear.
2. Parents be sure to drop off some goodies for the cast-party while you are dropping off your child.
3. We say good-bye to parents as the kids have a dress rehearsal.
4. Parents be sure to find your parking spots early. Arrive around 11:30 to be safe. Doors to the theater will open at 11:45. Get there early, we will not be able to reserve seats ahead of time.
5. At Noon the magic of theater comes together to create one of the greatest performances you will ever see with your child as the star.
6. Following the show we do some thank you speeches and then head over to the Studio for our art exhbit and party.
7. Many students go home or out with their parents following the performance, but there is still camp until 3p.m. and after-care available until 6p.m. if needed.

What do I bring to the cast party?
If you want to eat something at the cast party, make sure you bring something to share. Cookies and brownies are great snacks, but keep in mind that the show is right around lunchtime and some veggies or hummus might not be a bad idea to counter-act all the sugar. Be sure you drop off the food before the show at the Classika Studio (this is where you pick-up your kids at the end of the day).

Do you have counselors? How do I get my teenager involved?
Yes, absolutely. Teens age 15 and older can apply to be volunteer assistants in Summer Camp. Depending on the size of the group we accept between two and four assistants. It’s a lot of fun, but assistant spots fill up quickly, be sure to e-mail MegMaxwell@SyneticTheater.org by March to express interest in taking part in camp.

TRAINING

What is Synetic's training like?
Synetic trains its actors in a variety of movement traditions. The basis of the style comes from dance, pantomime, physical improvisation, combat, and acrobatics, as well as a hefty fitness component. Trainees are introduced to mime techniques, the basics of stage illusions for combat, various stylized "walks", and are asked to work with each other to form physical ensembles that create stage pictures, characters, and worlds. Training is intense, fun, and challenging no matter what your background is.

Can I train with Synetic?
Trainees are invited via our audition process. To see upcoming auditions and to reserve a spot, take a look here.

What does it cost?
We provide our training to accepted candidates for free, whether they are eventually cast or not. Company members who have recently or are about to perform in shows are also welcome at training. If you are interested in training without auditioning, take a look at our adult workshops.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Do you have a subscription series?
Yes we do! Purchase online>

What are the benefits to a Synetic subscription?
Our Subscribers are treated to special benefits, including priority seating, flexibility in choosing dates, and special discounts.

Do you offer Family series subscriptions?
We sure do. Take a look here>

Does a subscription automatically make eligible for Membership benefits?
Membership benefits are only available to those who have made donations -- for example, our opening night invitations only go out to sponsors and donors, and membership can put you on that list! Check it out here>