After three months of demolition and construction, paid labor and volunteer sweat, $200,000 in cash and priceless contributions, 1st Stage opened its doors on September 18, 2008. It was created by two former Fairfax County public school teachers and a local singing/acting teacher, together with the young artists they had met and taught over many years. The vision: create a home for young local artists to launch and nurture their professional theatre careers, and provide the community with some wonderful theatre experiences.