The Factory x Groove Theatre presents
Heroes of the Fourth Turning
August 2026
Overview
By Will Arbery
Directed by Luci Thomas
Set over a single night in rural Wyoming, Heroes of the Fourth Turning brings together four young Catholics and their mentor to wrestle with faith, politics, friendship, and the future of America. As conversations unfold, deeply held beliefs clash, alliances shift, and vulnerabilities surface. Intellectually rigorous and emotionally charged, the play challenges both its characters and its audience to confront the complexities of conviction and belonging.
“Heroes of the Fourth Turning” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Become a Sponsor
Join The Factory’s community of donors and theatre-lovers today and see your gift in action – on stage. Your support comes with exciting benefits including behind-the-scenes access!
Making a donation to The Factory Arts Project helps give a voice to those that have been historically under-resourced, produce art locally that has community-wide impact, and provide theatrical experiences that inspire empathy and demand conversation.
If you believe in our mission, make a gift today and join a group of committed donors who believe in the transformative power of theatre.
Cast
Justin – Male, 30s-40s
Emily – Female, 18-20s
Kevin – Male, 20s-30s
Teresa – Female, 20s-30s
Gina – Female, 40s-60s
Nathan Leopold – Roegan Bell
Richard Loeb – Max Brennan
Robert Crowe – Alex Greenlee
Clarence Darrow – Ray Nissen
Reporter Ensemble – Tyler Henry, Erik Fair, Clay Owens
Creative Team
Director – E.T. Wilford
Producer – Cecile Storm
Stage Manager – Joseph Fox
Costumes – Cecile Storm
Sound, Lighting, Set Design – E.T. Wilford
Special Thanks – Joey Everngam, Marianne Meadows
About the Director
E.T. Wilford is a director and lighting designer with extensive experience across the Delmarva region. He has directed over 25 plays and musicals for a wide range of production companies, including: Company; Pan & Wendy; Assassins; Kiss of the Spider Woman; Sweeney Todd; Dog Sees God (Underground Actors); Leaving Iowa; Merrily We Roll Along; The Rocky Horror Show (Tred Avon Players); Let The Right One In; Jungle Book; Red Riding Hood; The Little Mermaid; Hedwig and the Angry Inch; The Yellow Boat; Torch Song Trilogy (Groove Theatre Company); George Orwell’s 1984; Into the Woods; Peter and the Star Catcher; Revenge of the Space Pandas; and The Elephant Man, among others. His work spans professional, community, and educational theatre settings.
Wilford is the founding Executive Director of Groove Theatre Company, which he originally established as a student-run theatre company in Easton at the age of 16 and returned to each summer as director. He later served on the Board of Directors for Tred Avon Players for five years following his graduation from college and has remained actively involved with theatres throughout the Eastern Shore.
In addition to directing, Wilford frequently serves as lighting director for his own productions and those of other companies. He has also toured children’s theatre productions to elementary schools in Northern Virginia, teaching acting and improvisation to young performers. He holds a BFA in Theatre for Youth from Shenandoah Conservatory.
His most recent project was directing The Elephant Man (for a second time) at the Garfield Center for the Arts in Chestertown, MD, in October 2025.
Production Photos
Photography by Cecile Storm
