Terrence D. Jones

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Wolf Trap
With Terrence D. Jones,
President and CEO, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts
Thursday, March 28, 2002; 1 p.m. EST

The life of the best theatrical stage lasts about 20 years. Executives at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts decided 18 years was old enough for the outdoor stage at the Filene Center, which is the second largest in the country. Since January, workers have been rebuilding the amphitheater stage in time for the May 22 launch of the summer season.

The $800,000 renovation of the stage is not the only sign of change at Wolf Trap this year. Construction is underway on a $9 million education center and administration building down the road from the Filene Center and visible from the Dulles Toll Road. The building will be a regional center for artists, home of the Wolf Trap Opera Company and a venue for tens of thousands of children who will be exposed to the arts through programs there.

Terrence D. Jones is the president and CEO of the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts in Fairfax County, which is a national model for performing arts centers. During his tenure, he has launched an original performance series, Face of America, and he commissioned 15 new works from musicians. Wolf Trap presents more than 200 performances a year.

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washingtonpost.com: Thanks for joining us today, Terrence Jones. The article in today's Fairfax Extra, "Wolf Trap Sets Stage for Change," detailed the improvements and renovations set for the venue. Which of these are you most excited about?

Terrence D. Jones: While the improvements to the stage and rigging at the Filene Center are critical to the continued success of Wolf Trap's mission, wherein we provide a wide range of diverse performing arts programs, the new national Center for Education at Wolf Trap allows us the opportunity to explore new horizons within our education programs. Through this new facility, Wolf Trap will be able to broaden the range of opportunities for children, teachers, and young opera professionals. For this reason, I would have to say that I am most excited about the new national Center for Education at Wolf Trap.

Fairfax, VA: How was Wolf Trap affected by Sept. 11?

Terrence D. Jones: As I mentioned Tuesday in my speech to the National Press Club, clearly the world has changed since 9/11 and we have all changed with it. This continues to be time of deep national and personal reflection and the same is true for all of us at Wolf Trap. I believe that Wolf Trap along with performing arts organizations throughout the country have an opportunity to help this Nation deal with the issues and unanswered questions that we now face.
Ultimately, Wolf Trap's ticket sales and fundraising efforts have seen little or no substantive impact. Like most not-for-profit organizations, we saw an initial decline in contributed revenues immediately after September 11. However, we, like most of the Nation, have rebounded and contributed and earned revenues remain on target at this time.
The article in today's Post references two major projects that Wolf Trap has undertaken. Both were in the planning process years before the September 11 events. Plans had been put in place to secure appropriate funding for both of these projects, and both were seen as vital to the ongoing mission of Wolf Trap.

Washington, DC: Last summer there were a couple of shows I wanted to see at Wolf Trap but never made it out there. I don't have a car. Is there any way to get there without one?

Terrence D. Jones: Since Wolf Trap does not have a Metro stop, we subsidize a shuttle bus service which operates for each Filene Center performance from the West Falls Church Metro Station. You can find more information on our website or call Metro at 202-637-7000.
I certainly hope this Summer you'll have a chance to see every show that's on your list.

washingtonpost.com: Wolf Trap Web site

Arlington, VA: Will policies allowing concert-goers to bring in coolers, blankets, etc. change because of September 11?

Terrence D. Jones: Part of the charm of Wolf Trap is the unique opportunity to bring picnics and beverages to performances. I am often told by people of their memorable experiences of listening to great music on the lawn at Wolf Trap while enjoying their picnic. Wolf Trap Foundation in cooperation with the National Park Service has reviewed all security policies as they relate to Wolf Trap and have agreed that we should continue to encourage people to experience Wolf Trap as they have in the past. New House policies do allow for National Park Service employees to inspect coolers, picnic baskets or other items as they deem appropriate. We care deeply about the safety and welfare of our patrons and will do everything possible to assure a safe and pleasant experience at Wolf Trap.

Alexandria, VA: I'm considering getting lawn tickets for a couple of performances this Summer. Can you see well from the lawn? Also, how early do you need to get there to get a good seat?

Terrence D. Jones: The lawn at Wolf Trap is a great place to see a performance. Some people tell me that it's their favorite place to see and hear a performance. Typically the lawn opens ninety minutes prior to performances. For most performances, there is a substantial line waiting at that hour to get into the Filene Center. For prime lawn seats, I urge you to get there at that time.

Falls Church, VA: We absolutely love seeing concerts at
Wolf Trap. In the description of the 2002
season, it mentions that Elvis Costello
will be performing, but there are no dates
listed for him. Can you say when his
concert date(s) will be announced? Do
you have an idea of generally when he
will be in town?

Terrence D. Jones: We are delighted that Elvis Costello will be coming to Wolf Trap this Summer. Details regarding dates and ticket availabiity will be announced on our website on April 8.

Vienna, VA: Mr. Jones....Two comments:
1. I have not been out to the Center for a couple of years, but the last time I was there, I noticed that the parking lot across from the Filene center was gravel. When is it going to be paved (if not already done)?
2. The interchange of Wolf Trap road and the Dulles Toll Road was a real mess. The existing eastbound entrance ramp to the toll Road is blocked by a gate much of the time,
and there are no ramps at all allowing Wolf Trap traffic to access the Toll Road westbound or to exit from the Toll Road easbound to the center. what needs to be done is thast someone should go out and remove that gate that blocks eastbound entrances, and VDOT needs to get started on the two missing ramps that I have just described. Why were those ramps not built and that gate not taken down years ago?....this has been an obvious problem for a long time. Doing so will vastly improve access to and from the Center for your customers.

Terrence D. Jones: Well I do hope you'll return as most of the concerns you expressed have been addressed. The West parking lot at Wolf Trap has been paved, and of course, parking remains free.
The gates have been removed from the existing ramps off the Dulles Toll Road and therefore, there is access to Wolf Trap at any time. The issue of additional west access ramps on the Dulles Toll Road is a matter for VDOT. We would be as thrilled as you to have the additional west access ramps added.
We are happy to report that the road construction "mess" you refered to has been completed. It's now smooth sailing from the toll road to Wolf Trap!

Silver Spring, MD: On a lighter note...

I've been impressed in recent years with the addition of acts and musicians who appeal to a younger crowd. (Mary J. Blige, The Cranberries, etc.)

The Wolftrap of my youth seemed to feature musicians who appealed to my parents ( such as Barry Manilow), but often left me pretty cold.

Has there been a intentional change in the type of acts who are booked at Wolftrap, or am I just getting old?

Terrence D. Jones: Yes, Wolf Trap has intentionally made an effort to increase the diversity of our programming at Wolf Trap including programs that appeal to younger audiences as well as ethnically diverse audiences. We are delighted to say that our efforts have paid off, and in any one given week, one can see an extraordinary range of audiences at Wolf Trap.

Bethesda, Maryland: A friend of mine saw Project Bandaloop a few years back and said it was part of a National Park series. Can you tell me more about the series and what might be coming up?

Terrence D. Jones: The aerial dance troupe Project Bandaloop was a part of the signature performance series celebrating America's National Parks at Wolf Trap. The series began in 2000 when Yosemite National Park was captured through the artistic imagination of not only Project Bandaloop but also native American flutist Robert Mirabal and the American Indian Dance Theatre. The live stage performance at Wolf Trap is enhanced by site specific dance creations performed in the Park and filmed in high definition television and projected on giant screens at Wolf Trap. We followed this inaugural performance with an exploration of the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park that included new work by choreographer Donald Byrd, trombonist Steve Turre, and the U.S. Olympic Synchronized Swim Team. The 2002 Face of America site will be Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky and will feature the work of Doug Varone and Dancers, bluegrass musicians Sam Bush and Rebecca Lynn Howard, and Rhythm and Shoes. Future projects will include a Celebration of Flight capturing the spirit of the 100th Anniversary of the Wright Brothers' flight and will include parks in North Carolina, Ohio, and Alabama. After that, we will celebrate Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Grand Canyon and Shenandoah National Park. Hope you and your friends will join for this year's special performance!

Burke, Virginia: I know Wolf Trap is a national park, but can we come out any time, or only during performances?

Terrence D. Jones: The Park is open year round to the public at times other than when performances are held. For details when you can visit Wolf Trap Farm Park, call the National Park Service Office at 703-255-1800.

Alexandria, VA: I've never been to Wolf Trap before, is it like Nissan?

Terrence D. Jones: From an entertainment perspective there are similarities. However there are also many differences. We urge you to visit Wolf Trap and learn what it means to enjoy the magic of the Wolf Trap experience.

washingtonpost.com: Thanks for joining us today, Terrence Jones.

Terrence D. Jones: Thank you. It was a pleasure to be with you today and I look forward to seeing everyone at Wolf Trap this summer. It is the place where the arts come out to play!

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