Workshop Theatre Group

The Workshop Theatre Group was founded in 2006 in Norfolk, Virginia by Ricardo Melendez and Steve J. Earle.  We are a company of theatre professionals committed to the theatrical creative process.  We embrace the celebration of the human experience as the focus of our productions. We adhere to Diversity, Honor of Purpose and Fiscal Responsibility in order to create a constructive environment of growth that will benefit the theater artists as well as the Community we serve.

We provide a stimulating professional environment where theater artists can further their craft, and offer a place where experienced and aspiring directors can develop innovative, risk taking productions of classical theater and newly written plays, as well as providing a forum where emerging playwrights can showcase their work.

Who We Are

Ricardo Melendez (Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mr. Melendez holds a BA degree in Dance Pedagogy from Butler University and an MFA degree in Theater from Brooklyn College, New York. As an actor, some of his regional
credits include, Hamlet in Hamlet at Theatre 22 in New York City,
Rodolfo in A View from the Bridge, at the Gershwin Theater, NY, Becket
in Jean Anouilh's  Becket or The Honor of God, Orsino in Twelfth Night,
Puck in Midsummer Night's Dream, Goss in Bug by Tracy Letts, Gregory
in Terrence McNally's Love, Valor, Compassion and others. As a
dancer, Mr. Melendez is the Former Artistic Director for Ballets De
San Juan, Puerto Rico. He has performed with The Alvin Ailey Dance
Ensemble, Ballet Hispanico of New York, and others. Mr. Melendez also
served as Principal Dancer and Assistant Artistic Director for Dance
Kaleidoscope, Indianapolis. Mr. Melendez is also an international
choreographer whose work has been seen across the USA as well as in
Italy and the Caribbean. Ricardo currently teaches at the Governor's
School for the Arts  in the theatre and dance departments and at
Tidewater Community College, all in Norfolk, VA. Mr. Melendez is a
member of Actors' Equity Association, USA.

 Steve J. Earle  has been an actor and director for over twenty years. Acting
credits include The Virginia Stage Company, Theatre IV, Richmond
Triangle Players and television and commercial spots.  Directing credits include Nijinsky's Last Dance, Mojo Mickybo, Boys in the Band, Deranged Durang, The Who’s Tommy, Cabaret, The Marriage of Bette 'n Boo, The Cripple of Inishmaan, and Dirty Blonde among others. Mr. Earle is Chair of the Theatre Department at The Governor's School for the Arts in Norfolk, VA.  He holds an MFA degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a BFA from the University of North Carolina. He has also studied at the Gaiety School for Acting in Dublin, Ireland and the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York.  Mr. Earle has taught for Longwood College, Virginia Commonwealth University and the School for the Arts in the Richmond Community, Virginia.  He is an associate member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.