Vaccination and Masks for Audiences to Continue through “Native Gardens”

Silver Spring Stage requires that patrons and volunteers, including our artists and staff, present a photo ID and show proof of vaccination—a physical or digital copy of a vaccination card — at the time of entering the theater. We also require masks for all audience members through the closing of Native Gardens on July 16, at which time we will reassess the situation. Actors onstage will be unmasked during the performance and masking during rehearsals is recommended, but not required, of all members of the production team. This is consistent with current practice in all live theater venues in the DC area.

Silver Spring Stage Announces
Talkback with Celebrated Naturalist Alonso Abugattas
~ Sunday, July 10th ~
Following the 2pm matinee performance of Native Gardens (talkback will begin at approx. 3:45pm)

Patrons who have purchased tickets to another performance of the show are welcome to return to the theater at 3:30 pm to be admitted to this event without additional charge. Those attending will have to show proof of vaccination and wear a mask during the talkback.

Alonso Abugattas is a well-known local naturalist, environmental educator, and storyteller. He is the Capital Naturalist on his Thomas Say award winning social media outlets: Capital Naturalist Facebook Group, BlogSpot, YouTube, and Twitter. He has held several offices for the Potowmack Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society, including president. Alonso is a Virginia Master Naturalist and Master Gardener and serves as an instructor in both for several chapters, in a variety of natural history topics. He is the long-time Co-chair for the Beltway Chapter of the National Association for Interpretation, the professional organization for naturalists, zookeepers, and museum docents, and is a Certified Heritage Interpreter through them, having won several awards, including the Regional Interpretive Manager Award and the National Master Interpretive Manager Award. The Audubon Naturalist Society gave him the Regional Environmental Champion award at their 2020 Naturally Latinos Conference. He is the Natural Resources Manager for Arlington County Parks, VA. With 32+ years as a professional naturalist, Alonso has had numerous mentions in the press, podcasts and media, including an appearance on Animal Planet, and continues to make presentations throughout the region.