|
|
| We are musical, we are satirical, we are theatrical. We are Hexagon. Proceeds go to area charities. Every year since 1956, this nonprofit has put on Washington’s only all-original revue of its kind—with more than $3.5 million donated to 40-plus organizations. Our all-volunteer membership makes up the cast, crew, orchestra, front of house, and production team. We even write our own material. Our mission: to use theatre arts to help improve the lives of others within our community. | |
| In November 1955, a group of young Washingtonians and a former member of the famed all-male Princeton Triangle Club decided to put on a show devoted to "pure fun and nonsense." Led by Charles Ilsley, the group—including iconic satirist Tom Lehrer—wrote songs and parodies for the show, Meet the Beep, which was performed at the Holton-Arms School in the spring of 1956. Its format was based on the popular NBC Sunday night radio show at the time, Monitor.Some "Hexlore" comes from Charles Ilsley’s letters, preserved in Hexagon's archives, in which he wrote, "It may surprise you to know that I DEFINITELY did not start Hexagon for charitable purposes. The basic reason was for FUN and for an outlet for creativity—which is most FUN—and for the kind of camaradarie which I discovered in Triangle." After its five-performance run, the organizers found themselves with $3,500 in profits which they donated to the American Cancer Society. According to Charles, "Probably most of your members would be surprised to hear that a charity contribution was something of an afterthought—worthy as it may be."
They called the new group Hexagon—double the Triangle symbol—to represent the inclusion of women. The purpose of the organization ultimately became—and has not changed since 1956—to present an original, satirical, musical comedy revue locally written, cast, produced, and performed for the benefit of the Washington community. | |
| Hexagon is nearly 200 members strong and boasts one of the most diverse memberships in the region. Our members are teachers, medical professionals, lawyers, congressional aides, entrepreneurs, engineers, journalists...you get the picture. From age 18 to—well, let’s just say much older—our members join for many different reasons. There are consummate performers who cannot imagine life away from the stage, writers who have a comedic flair and need an outlet, musicians who love playing in an orchestra, arrangers, set designers, set builders, box office gurus, ushers, backstage "techies," event planners...you name it, there's a place for anyone who wants to play a part! Together, we are a year-round, pre- to post-show Hexagon family who enjoy each other's company.
In addition to the March productions, a smaller touring group called Hexagoners performs for various organizations from April through November. A Hexagoners show incorporates songs and skits from past shows. Hexagoners perform for a mutually agreed-upon fee as part of fund-raising activities. To book Hexagoners for your next meeting, fundraiser, convention, or party, contact the Hexagoners manager.
| |
| Throughout its long history, Hexagon has been broadly supported and recognized by the Washington, DC metropolitan community. Local businesses and organizations sponsor the show and provide in-kind donations of materials and services. Members of Congress perform on stage on Congress Night. Members of the media make guest appearances as Newsbreak anchors. Area politicians and celebrities have graced the Hexagon stage, including former Attorney General Janet Reno, former Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala, former congresswoman Connie Morella, Rep. Chris Van Hollen, ABC broadcaster Sam Donaldson, and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
Hexagon has received formal recognition for its contributions to the Washington community. Washingtonian magazine selected Hexagon as "Washingtonian of the Year" in 1993, the first time the publication honored an organization as the award's recipient. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan presented Hexagon with the President's Volunteer Action Award for service. | |
|
| |
Hexagon, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization established in 1955 for the purpose of presenting an annual, original, musical, comedy revue with proceeds to charity. For questions or concerns with the website or its contents please view the privacy policy or contact the
.
Designate Hexagon #51513 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)
|
