Welcome to 5th Wall Theatre

Theatre Beyond Boundaries

H*tler’s Tasters Tickets are ON SALE NOW!

“Complacency is a dangerous meal…”

Three times a day, a group of young women face the ultimate test of loyalty: tasting Adolf Hitler’s food for poison. Inspired by a little-known true story, H*TLER’S TASTERS follows these women as they navigate friendship, sexuality, patriotism, and their desperate need to survive—all under the shadow of the Third Reich.

This anachronistic retelling offers a fresh, thought-provoking perspective on the lengths these women went to for their country. As they joke, gossip, and wait to see if they’ll survive another meal, the play reveals the insidious power of propaganda and the unsettling ability of people to turn a blind eye to injustice—reminding us of the dangers of complacency in the face of authoritarianism.

5th Wall Announces 2024/2025 Season

This year, we're celebrating empowering stories that inspire change. Experience the magic of theatre that defies limits with these two remarkable productions that explore themes of courage, friendship, and the human spirit.

Join us for a season that pushes boundaries and explores new horizons. Discover more about our productions and support our mission by visiting the link below and making a donation. Together, let's create THEATRE BEYOND BOUNDARIES!

In Loving Memory of Our Founder Carol Piersol

The 5th Wall Theatre, with profound sadness, marks the passing on May 9th, 2023, of Founding Artistic Director Emeritus Carol Piersol. 

Carol founded 5th Wall Theatre in 1993, along with Billy-Christopher Maupin, and served as Artistic Director until her retirement in 2023. Previously she was the Founding Artistic Director of the Firehouse Theatre Project (FTP) from 1993 until December 2012. Under her leadership,FTP won 23 Richmond Theatre Critics Circle (RTCC) awards, including two Best Play Awards, one Peoples’ Choice Award, and the Theresa Pollak Prize for Excellence in the Arts. In 2011, the Firehouse Theatre Project was named “Best Theatre in Richmond” in Richmond Magazine’s public poll. She was instrumental in developing the Firehouse Theatre Project’s Festival of New American Plays from which winners of the festival have gone on to have their plays produced in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and many other cities throughout the US. During her tenure leading 5th Wall Theatre, the company has won 12 RTCC awards. Carol also acted, directed, and taught adult acting classes while with FTP and 5th Wall. As a result of her commitment to producing thought-provoking, contemporary American plays for three decades, Carol helped remake the landscape of Richmond theatre. 

Carol was featured in the first Belle Magazine “Women In the Arts” issue “honoring seven forward-thinking leaders who help bring culture to Richmond,” was named one of the “Top Innovators at the Forefront of Richmond Arts and Culture” by Style Weekly, and was featured in an article in Workmagazine. She was proud to have been the drama sponsor at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School from 2014-2018.

Before moving to Richmond, Carol attended the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City, where she studied acting under Sanford Meisner. She worked in film, television, and theatre in New York City, and was a Co-Founder of Force 13 Theatre, an award-winning experiential theater company.

5th Wall Theatre and Firehouse Theatre have been working together for the past few months to honor Carol’s legacy.  As part of an upcoming year-long celebration of Carol's vision and leadership, the stage at Firehouse Theatre will be permanently named THE CAROL PIERSOL STAGE.

For 5th Wall patrons and others who've followed Carol's work, and are moved to honor her legacy, gifts can be made to support 5th Wall’s future creative endeavors… button below.

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