History:

The LUMINA STUDIO made its debut in Brooklyn, NY at Promote Art Works, Inc. on October 5, 1995 as a new concept in teaching speech and drama. It went on to move its operations to Takoma Park, MD in 1997 where it now attracts a growing student body of over one hundred drama students - ranging in age from 4 to more than 50 years old - as well as enthusiastic audiences. Founded by professional actor, dancer, and director Jillian Raye, Lumina Studio began as a response to the gap Ms. Raye perceived in theatre involving the community between opportunities for all ages to perform; quality and entertainment; familiarity with the Classics; and articulate self-expression.

Bringing together pioneering ideas and techniques learned over the past 25 years as a practicing artists, Ms Raye and her husband David Minton teach that students can learn and perform brilliantly using the classics in imaginative ways; that students and audiences can grow from barrier-free, intergenerational performed work; and that theatre discipline and creativity are soul mates that belong to the community not just professionals.

Neither what many have come to think of "community theatre" which places its value on the participants having a good time nor "professional theatre" only for a few trained elite, the Lumina Studio emphasizes the highest possible community instruction and art-making with the community.

In June 2006, Lumina made the move to its home for its new Rehearsal and Office spaces at 620 Pershing Drive in Silver Spring, MD 20910.