Empowering Future Creators: HRH Foundation Joins Forces with Workhouse Arts Center as the Presenting Sponsor for a Transformative 2025-26 Performing Arts Season
New Partnership Launches ‘Early Access to the Arts’ Program, Providing Underserved Youth with Opportunities to Experience the Magic of Live Theater
Lorton, VA – (October 2, 2025) – The Workhouse Arts Foundation is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with the Helen Ruth Henderson (HRH) Foundation, which will serve as the Presenting Sponsor for the Workhouse Arts Center’s 2025–26 Performing Arts Season. This transformative sponsorship not only supports a dynamic array of productions but also launches the “Early Access to the Arts” program this fall, aimed at empowering underserved youth in our community.
The HRH Foundation, established in 1997 by arts advocate Helen Ruth Henderson and led by her daughter, Helen Lee Henderson, is renowned for its commitment to enriching communities through the arts, education, and civic programming. This partnership with the Workhouse Arts Center marks a significant investment in the future of live theater in Northern Virginia, ensuring that audiences can enjoy an exciting lineup of productions, including Evil Dead the Musical, Into the Woods, Murder on the Orient Express, and The SpongeBob Musical.
“A partnership of this magnitude is not just a sponsorship; it’s a legacy in action,” said Keith Gordon, President & CEO of the Workhouse Arts Foundation. “The HRH Foundation’s commitment allows us to elevate the performing arts experience and ensure that the beauty of live theater is accessible to everyone in our region. This initiative honors the Henderson legacy and invests in the next generation of creators and audiences.”
The newly launched “Early Access to the Arts” program will provide opportunities for young people from underserved communities to experience live performances and immersive arts programming. By fostering social and emotional development through exposure to the arts, the Workhouse aims to inspire and empower the next generation.
In recognition of the HRH Foundation’s generous support, the Workhouse will unveil commemorative elements within its W3 Theater this season, celebrating the profound impact of Helen Ruth and Helen Lee Henderson on the arts and their commitment to community transformation.
A Living Legacy
As the region’s largest multidisciplinary arts center, the Workhouse Arts Center hosts over 800 events annually on its historic Lorton campus. With the HRH Foundation’s support, the Workhouse solidifies its role as a cultural hub while honoring the legacies of two remarkable women dedicated to the arts, education, and public service.
A Call to Future Partners
The Workhouse Arts Center is proud to partner with organizations, corporations, and foundations that share its belief in the transformative power of the arts. Just as with Early Access to the Arts, please get in touch with Kaitlin Hoesch, Director of Development at the Workhouse Arts Center, directly at khoesch@workhousearts.org.
About the Workhouse Arts Center
The Workhouse Arts Center, a project of the Workhouse Arts Foundation, welcomes over 165,000 visitors annually for world-class performances, gallery exhibitions, classes, and community events. Located on the historic grounds of the former Lorton Prison, the Workhouse has transformed into a thriving center for creativity, connection, and cultural engagement in Northern Virginia.
About the HRH Foundation
The HRH Foundation, founded in 1997 by Helen Ruth Henderson, is a philanthropic organization dedicated to enriching communities through support for the visual and performing arts, education, and civic programs. Under the leadership of her daughter, Helen Lee Henderson, the Foundation has become a steadfast supporter of cultural institutions and artistic initiatives throughout the region, making meaningful investments in cultural vitality across Washington, D.C., Virginia, and beyond.
For press inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please get in touch with Carla Welborn at 240-475-7283 or carlawelborn@workhousearts.org