Experimental Theater

CBG's Cold Weather Commando Rides are a series of outdoor cold weather rides. Participants of these rides need to have a higher level of self-sufficiency since we have fewer ride organizers (read: usually no sweep). You must be comfortable adjusting your clothing layers for cooler weather, darker days/nights, and to winter trail conditions. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Summary** **(Must Read)** **+++++++++++++++++++++** * RIDE NAME: Washington Monument Illumination & Fireworks * START LOC: Jones Point Park (under the bridge) * START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2](https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2) * START PARKING: Parking lot. If full, park on side streets around park entrance. * ARRIVAL: 6:30pm * SPEECH: 6:40pm * ROLLING: 6:45pm * LEVEL: Advanced difficulty, Medium+ pace. * PACE: \~15-16mph * DISTANCE: \~19 miles * TERRAIN: Trail / Street * RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE: [WM Illumination & Fireworks](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53641750) **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride: Detail** **+++++++++++++++++++++** Watch as the Washington Monument transforms into the world’s tallest birthday candle in honor of our Nation’s 250th birthday. This event is the opening signature moment of a year-long series of marquee national events. From JPP, we’ll ride to The Mall, make a lap up and around Capitol Hill, then down just in time to see fireworks expode behind Washington Monument at 7:55p. An \~15 minute video and audio presentation on the monument is expected at 8p. Plan to be stopped for about 30 minutes total. A warm drink, snack, and hand/toe warmers would be prudent. This is Advanced difficulty due to nighttime riding and time standing in the cold, but we will be riding at a Medium+ pace. **Always Do's:** * Always have a spare tube with you, seriously it is needed. * Always know your air pressure PSI and have your tires fully inflated. * Always wear appropriate clothing for the weather (think layers). * Always eat before & have water/snack with you * Use a Garmin type bike computer OR our NoVA CBG RideWithGPS app and **HAVE THE ROUTE LOADED AND READY TO USE FOR THE RIDE. Click this link to get the Club Account.** [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/) **Night Rides:** * Always have a fully charged head light of at least 150 lumens. [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/273787949/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/273787949/) * Always have a fully charged front and tail light. * Always dress in layers. **++++++++++++++++++++** **The Meeting Spot:** **++++++++++++++++++++** Jones Point Park Jones Point Dr. Alexandria , VA 22314 GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2](https://goo.gl/maps/kZ3zjBHHcQF2) Gather under the bridge by the restrooms. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Ride After The Ride** **+++++++++++++++++++++** None, but highly encourage a warm beverage and snack while watching the fireworks and illumination show. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **Ride Level Chart** **+++++++++++++++++++++** NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best. * Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle). * Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved. * Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved. * Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved. Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations. **+++++++++++++++++++++** **The Fine Print:** **+++++++++++++++++++++** An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's: * "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/ * NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/ * NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. **If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.** ......................................................................................................................

Join us for a writing workshop! Please submit your pieces to our Google Drive folder here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AgPicL3ZFhMGaCn_IlxUTxLsUB8zWnHB?usp=drive_link When entering submissions, please consider the following guidelines: 1\. Keep submissions to approximately 2\,000 words\, maximum 2\. Consider adding a brief Author's Note to introduce your work and let us know what kind of feedback you are looking for 3\. Please ensure that your submission is appropriate for a general audience and include trigger warnings as necessary If you are coming to participate in Workshop, please read the submissions in the folder by Monday evening and prepare your feedback! We will aim to discuss each piece in the submission folder, although some pieces may be pushed to the following workshop if time runs short. Feel free to add your notes as comments on the document itself, write them up in a separate file, or jot them down so that you can provide them to the writer.

Volunteer with us refurbishing donated bicycles to help us get them back out in the community! This event is open to both new and existing volunteers. No mechanical experience is necessary. **Note: This location is behind the building at 1502 Mt Vernon Ave. Look for a grey metal garage door with a regular size grey door next to it.** That's where we will be. Please be aware that volunteers under 18 need a parent or guardian to accompany them to their first volunteer experience and sign a liability waiver, while volunteers under 16 need a parent or guardian to accompany them at all times while volunteering with Vélocity.

Hi All, This event is being held in partnership with the DMV Spades Meetup Group. Direct all questions to the Organizer and Host, Nne-Nne Abanobi. ***** 🎲♠️♟️ **Monday Game Nights & Spades Play in DC** 🎲♠️♟️ Stop in after work for food, fun, and games at 1942 Lounge in DC! ♟️🎲♠️ Play Spades and other games starting at 5pm! All skill levels are welcome! 🍸🍷🍺 Happy Hour Specials Available! Indulge in elevated vibes, craft cocktails, and curated experiences. 📍1942 DC Lounge 1942 9th Street NW Washington, DC 20001 ⏳️ 5pm to 9pm www.1942loungedc.com 🏈 Stay late to watch Monday Night Football too! 🏈

This class is designed to target those places in the body that might need a little extra space breathed into them after a night's sleep. This morning, get your blood pumping and work out all the stiffness, cramping, and tightness that are often left in the body after hours of laying still. Now seize the day! **Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com**. The session is offered both InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.** The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314. Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 3,5,7,9.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“What We Know About Snow,”** a meteorologist’s take on the science of snow and snowstorm prediction, with Jeffrey Halverson, professor of geography and environmental systems at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and author of *An Introduction to Severe Storms and Hazardous Weather.* [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-know-snow](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-know-snow) .] Will the weather outside be frightful? Get answers where it’s delightful. Penn Social is the place to go to learn of snow, learn of snow, learn of snow. Regardless of whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast who welcomes blizzards or someone who spends the season dreaming of an escape to the tropics, you can gain a much deeper understanding of the white stuff with the help of Dr. Jeffrey Halverson, a severe storm expert with the *Washington Post*’s Capital Weather Gang who gave an excellent Profs and Pints talk on hurricanes in November. A seasoned meteorologist and snow forecaster, he’ll discuss how and when snow is formed, describe the different types of snow out there, and tell you what determines whether the atmosphere generates snow as opposed to sleet or freezing rain. You’ll learn the difference between a nuisance “Alberta Clipper” snow event and a blockbuster East Coast snowstorm, and why some winter seasons feature memorable—if not historical—snowstorms while others have just small snow events or experience “snow drought.” You’ll gain an appreciation of how the science of snowfall is nuanced and differs markedly in the Mid Atlantic compared to other notoriously snowy regions such as the Great Lakes “snowbelt” or the Rockies and the Sierra Nevada. You’ll learn the pitfalls and common traps that people fall into in trying to predict snowfall using the data from numerical weather prediction models readily available today to casual users. Dr. Halverson will tackle the debate over whether the American or European weather prediction models do a better job and discuss Artificial Intelligence’s entry into the forecast game. Accounts of the Washington D.C. region’s most historic snowstorms will be sprinkled in for good measure. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A bright moment in the aftermath of D.C.’s infamous 1922 Knickerbocker Snowstorm (Library of Congress photo).

Our second Meetup event for *Fiddler on the Roof* at Signature Theatre will be Saturday, January 10 at 8PM. The show is quickly selling out, so get your tickets ASAP at [https://tickets.sigtheatre.org/syos/performance/14064](https://tickets.sigtheatre.org/syos/performance/14064). The iconic musical gorgeously staged like never before in Signature’s intimate setting and directed by Joe Calarco (*Jesus Christ Superstar*, *Gypsy*). Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman, his family and their tightknit community honor tradition but must contend with a changing world and a rise in anti-Semitism at their home in Czarist Russia. The glorious score with songs “Sunrise, Sunset” “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker” unite with exquisite dance in this classic of the musical theater canon filled with humor, heart – and life. Running time is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.

Come join local improv troupe, the ***Home Improv Mints***, as we run through some of the basics of short form improv. Wear clothes you can move around in. We will start at **7:15**. We will run until just after 9 pm. Bring yourself and a willingness to try new things - like (insert audience suggestion here)! We try a different topic each session to see if it changes who sees the announcement. There might not be bobwhite imitations, hyena butter, lava floors, trans livestock, thalidomide twinkies or inflatable turnips (all things that HAVE come up), but we can promise something *random*. But we encourage you to bring cookies. NOM NOM NOM! We only have so many slots available. **Please don't RSVP as a yes *until* you are certain.** We limit the class size so everyone gets a chance to play, and ask for RSVPs so we know how many outlines to print and cookies to bring. We understand things change sometimes. Please message us if things change and you can't make it, rather than being a No-Show. Multiple No-shows get you put on the naughty list and may get you ejected from the group. Please don't make us do that. Please donate - *running* a Meetup group ain't free folks. Suggested Donation is $10/session. And feel free to bring more cookies. Everybody likes cookies. We will have the full space for this session. Come prepared to move. :) Hope to see you then!

Hi everyone! Want to see a tropical vacation go awry when an adopted chimpanzee gets bitten by a rabid animal? If so, join me at the Alamo Drafthouse in Crystal City for a 7:15 pm screening of “Primate”. I’ll be sitting in Row 4, Seat 1 in Theater 4. If anyone wants to chat beforehand, I’ll be in the Departures Bar & Lounge roughly 45 minutes before the screening.

### Drop-In Improv Class — Beginner Friendly **Improv for good people.** Join us for a fun, beginner-friendly drop-in improv class focused on play, laughter, and connection — in a supportive, no-pressure environment. You don’t need performance experience, improv training, or a “funny personality.” You just need a willingness to try. *** ### What to expect Each session includes: * Friendly introductions * Easy warm-ups * Guided short-form improv games * Lots of laughter in a small, welcoming group The exercises are inspired by shows like *Whose Line Is It Anyway?*, but the focus is on participation, not performance. *** ### A few important reassurances ✔ You don’t need to be “funny” ✔ You don’t need improv experience ✔ You *do* need curiosity and a willingness to play Everything is explained clearly, and you’re never put on the spot. *** ### Who this class is for This class is a great fit if you: * Are curious about improv but a little nervous * Want to meet new people in a genuinely welcoming space * Enjoy playful learning and low-pressure activities * Want a break from overthinking and daily stress Many people arrive unsure and leave smiling. *** ### How Meetup fits in Many participants first discover Laughy Place Improv through Meetup, attend a class or two, and then decide whether they’d like to continue by booking future classes directly through the website. There’s no pressure — Meetup is meant to be an easy, friendly way to try things out. *** ### Location & logistics 📍 **Theatre on the Run** 3700 S Four Mile Run Dr, Arlington, VA Parking and entrance are on the opposite side of the building from Four Mile Run Drive. Use the door labeled **“Arlington Cultural Affairs – Main Entrance.”** Ring the doorbell to be buzzed in. Sunday classes are usually in room 174 and Wednesday classes are usually in room 147, but you can check the class list by the concierge desk to be certain. I’ll be in the room about 20 minutes early to set up and meet folks as they arrive. If you can, please come a few minutes before the scheduled start time so we can kick things off together. *** Looking forward to laughing with you!

Join us for the **first Wednesday every month**! This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. We will have discussion, activities, and a chance for you to share what you want future events to include! Invite a friend, and join us as we promote community and friendship among our community of local LGBTQ+ women. Please feel free to reach out with questions to Adam (adamheller@thedccenter.org). We hope to see you there! This event is brought to you in partnership with the DACL: Department of Aging and Community Living

This event is being held in partnership with the DMV Spades Meetup Group. Direct questions to the Host, Nne-Nne Abanobi. ***** Hi All! Join us for 2nd Saturday Spades in Greenbelt, MD. Our group is friendly and welcoming. Please give us a try! 📍Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar 🦐 6002 Greenbelt Road Greenbelt, MD 20770 ⏳️ 6:30pm to 11:30pm 🌟 Join us at this PG County sports bar for food, fun, drinks.....and, of course, Spades. 😀 All skill levels are welcome! Get matched with a partner onsite. 🍷 Happy Hour Specials from 12pm to 7pm: https://hookreel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HR_GreenbeltMD_HappyHour_Menu_24x36.pdf ******** Located right off the Beltway. Free parking! Remember to support the business by ordering food/drinks. 🌟 **This event is posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.** We look forward to seeing you!

Join us at the Chess Center offices (Suite 118, entrance on 2nd Avenue) on Saturday afternoons from 1:00 – 5:00pm ET for open play. Players of all abilities and ages are welcome. * Non-Members: $5.00/player table fee for the day. * Chess Center [Members](https://chessctr.org/membership/) always play for FREE ($0.00). Check our social media ([Twitter](https://twitter.com/uschess) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/USChessCenter)) for closure announcements: The Chess Center is closed on major holidays. We also have chess sets, clocks, and [used chess books](https://chessctr.org/usedbooks/) for sale.

Join us for a top-reviewed comedy-drama and the latest from director Bradley Cooper, IS THIS THING ON! The film is based on a true story follows a middle-aged man in a struggling marriage who seeks in purpose as a stand-up comedian. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: As their marriage quietly unravels, a faces middle age and an impending divorce. He seeks new purpose in the New York comedy scene while trying to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether or not love can take a new form. The film is directed by Bradley Cooper (A Star Is Born, Maestro) and stars Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Andra Day, Christine Ebersole, Sean Hayes and Bradley Cooper. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4jx0Xgc_Pc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4jx0Xgc_Pc) BUZZ: The film is earning an 89% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which calls it “another terrific relationship study from Bradley Cooper and an ideal platform for Will Arnett's dramatic chops.” Following its world premiere at the NYFF, critics called it “a warm and hilarious comedy-drama” and “one of the most memorable and heartfelt films you’ll see all year!” PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet inside the lobby area about 30 minutes before the show beings. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but be sure to mention you're with the Movie Group for admission and concession discounts. Possible post-show get-together at the nearby Rusty Bucket! Complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Join us as we get together to see the winner of the Best International Film at TIFF and a triple Golden Globe nominee: NO OTHER CHOICE! This top-reviewed dark comedy satirical thriller follows a man devises a unique plan to secure a new job: eliminate his competition. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a desperate paper industry expert who decides to kill off his competition to be assured of the job he seeks to maintain his way of life. The film is co-written / produced / directed by Park Chan-wook and is based on The Ax by Donald Westlake. It stars Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran, and Cha Seung-won. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcz-RXMCyco BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews as the Venice International Film Festival and later at the Toronto Film Festival where it won the International People’s Choice Award! It just received 3 Golden Globe nominations for Best Picture (Musical or Comedy), Best Foreign Language Film and Best Actor for Lee Byung-hun. It was also selected as the South Korean entry (and likely nominee) for Best International Film at this year’s Academy Awards! It's been a stellar year for International films! We've already seen superb entries SENTIMENTAL VALUE, IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT and THE SECRET AGENT! My spidey senses tell me those three and this Korean entry could be 4 of our 5 Best International Films at this year's Oscars! PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! PLAN: We’ll plan for a mid-afternoon showing and will make this a Dinner & a Movie event with a bite either before or after the show (depending on showtime). Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. Dinner location will either be Cazuela’s Mexican Grill or, if it’s open, the NEW Dog Haus Restaurant (which is scheduled to open in January near the Gateway and has outstanding veg/vegan options). Showtime and complete details will be confirmed and announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Join us as we get the New Year started with one of the best films of the year: THE SECRET AGENT! This political thriller from Brazil is set in 1977 where a man flees from a mysterious past and returns to his hometown but soon finds the city is far from being the refuge he seeks. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: In 1977, a former professor flees from a mysterious past and returns to his hometown of Recife in search of peace. He soon realizes that the city is far from being the refuge he seeks. The film stars Wagner Moura, Carlos Francisco, Tânia Maria, Robério Diógenes, Maria Fernanda Cândido, Gabriel Leone and Udo Kier in his final film role. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UfrzDKrhEc BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The Secret Agent was the most awarded film at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival where it won Best Actor for Wagner Moura, Best Director for Mendonça Filho, the Art House Cinema Award and the FIPRESCI Prize. At this year’s Golden Globes, it became Brazil’s first film ever to be nominated for Best Film (Drama)! It also received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Film, a Best Actor nomination for Wagner Moura and was selected as Brazil’s entry for Best International Film at this year’s Academy Awards. The film is receiving an incredible 99% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics say, its “compelling script, impeccable acting, and striking 1970s aesthetic” make it “impossible to look away!” Critics say The Secret Agent is “one of the few standout movies of the year” and the Chicago Tribune calls it a “masterpiece of a film” and “the best film of the year!” PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! PLAN: Details for this event have been confirmed! A bit of a good news/bad news situation with the showtime. I was afraid it may disappear before we got a chance to see it! Its down to one showing at one theater. Showtime is a little early but if you can make it work, I think it’ll be worth our while! Please purchase your ticket for the 4:45pm showing at we’ll meet in the upstairs lobby between 4:25 and 4:35pm! At this time, tickets available via the Gateway website only! Advance purchase is advised! Once you have yours please list your seat number in the Comments below. Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

The topic for January is "Chemistry" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

This cutting edge rom-com translates the familiar "love triangle" to the 2025 luxury driven NYC culture. Can our successful matchmaker find true love herself? Watch it and cast your opinion at the group discussion,