Girls Nite Out Productions to Close in October
The Burlington theater troupe concludes its 16-year run with a farewell event on October 29 and 30, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Dance
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After 16 years of operation in Burlington, Girls Nite Out Productions is set to dissolve following its final farewell celebration. The event will take place on October 29 and 30, 2026, at the Main Street Landing Black Box Theater.
Why it matters
The founders chose to close the company to maintain high artistic standards, citing a persistent difficulty in finding new, well-written plays that offer substantive roles for women. This decision ensures the legacy of the company remains tied to its original mission of quality production.
Founded in 2010, the company operated for 16 years and staged productions like Steel Magnolias and The Odd Couple. Its final play, Paint Night, concluded its performance schedule in the fall of 2025.
The players
Janet Stambolian
She is a co-founder of the theater company who was 62 at the time the organization began operations.
Jennifer Warwick
She is a co-founder of the theater company who was 42 at the time the organization began operations.
Lyric Theatre
This established community theater organization is a recipient of the company's remaining assets.
Vermont Repertory Theatre
This local professional theater entity is a recipient of the company's remaining production materials.
The details
The company is donating its remaining assets and production materials to the Lyric Theatre and Vermont Repertory Theatre. Additionally, a new endowment called the Stambolian/Warwick Girls Nite Out Fund will be established to provide theater access for underserved populations throughout Chittenden County.
Timeline
The theater company began its operations in 2010.
The group staged its final play, Paint Night, in the fall of 2025.
The farewell celebration and official closing occur October 29 and 30, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The closure of Girls Nite Out Productions reflects the ongoing challenges independent troupes face in identifying high-quality scripts that meet specific artistic criteria. This move mirrors broader trends in local theater where long-running groups prioritize legacy preservation over scaling operations.
Local theater enthusiasts can attend the final farewell performances at the Main Street Landing Black Box Theater on October 29 and 30, 2026. Future theatergoers in Chittenden County will benefit from the new Stambolian/Warwick Girls Nite Out Fund designed to improve access to productions.
The takeaway
Founding an independent theater group requires a balance between creative passion and the logistical reality of play selection. Closing at the right time allows a troupe to maintain its reputation and support the broader artistic community through legacy funding.
Further reading
Explore more local performances and community arts initiatives in the Burlington Dance section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Burlington Free Press.
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