What Is The Hive at Open Circle Theatre?

Updated

The Hive is Open Circle Theatre's community for disabled and d/Deaf artists. According to the organization, it exists so members can support each other's careers, grow a network of artists who identify as disabled and/or d/Deaf, and find a safe space to share experiences and aspirations. If you are a disabled or d/Deaf artist looking for peer connection and career support rather than a specific production or class, The Hive is the part of Open Circle Theatre aimed at you.

What The Hive Offers

Open Circle Theatre describes The Hive as a community built around three purposes:

  • Career support — members support each other's careers as artists.
  • Network growth — the community connects artists who identify as disabled and/or d/Deaf.
  • A safe space — members share experiences and aspirations with others in the group.

These are the benefits stated by the organization itself. The site does not list dues, eligibility paperwork, meeting schedules, or a selection process for The Hive, so treat those details as unconfirmed until you ask.

Who It's For

The Hive is described as a community of disabled and deaf artists. Open Circle Theatre was formed in 2003 by a group of people with and without disabilities, and the organization states that it creates from the principle that disability can enhance the artistic experience and expand aesthetic innovation.

If you are an artist who identifies as disabled and/or d/Deaf and want a peer community, this is the relevant program. If you are looking to attend a show, volunteer, or donate instead, other parts of the site cover those.

How to Join

The site points to a Hive page with a "Join today!" prompt, but the excerpt provided does not include the steps on that page. Based on what is documented, the practical path is:

  1. Go to the Hive page on opencircletheatre.org.
  2. Follow the join instructions listed there.
  3. If the page does not give clear next steps, contact the office using the details below.

Other Ways to Stay Connected

If you are not ready to join The Hive, Open Circle Theatre offers a lower-commitment option: an email list. The site says to click to subscribe to the email list. The organization also states it relies heavily on volunteers and invites people to share time and talents.

Contact

  • Office: 500 King Farm Blvd., #102, Rockville, MD 20850
  • Voice: 240/683-8934
  • Email: [email protected]

What to Confirm Before Joining

Because the public page excerpt does not specify them, ask the office directly about:

  • Whether The Hive has any cost or membership fee
  • How often members meet and in what format
  • Whether there are eligibility requirements beyond self-identifying as disabled and/or d/Deaf
  • What "joining" actually involves day to day

One note on scope: Open Circle Theatre's site also carries organizational statements on anti-racism, disability justice, and a land acknowledgement. Those describe the organization's values and context; they are not requirements or features of The Hive membership itself.