what is the light factory?
The Light Factory is a newly formed community organization rooted in the creative practice of Dr.Ronya-Lee Anderson. Committed to expanding the possibilities of process and performance TLF is grounded in discovery alongside community members, and seeks to produce activations that respond directly to the community needs. It is a site for discovering our inner artists and envisions a community that prioritizes learning, growth and care for the creative self. Primary activities include weekly dance classes, workshops, short term artist residencies and retreats, book talks, regular performances and on occasion, installations and special events.
Meet the Founder
Dr. Ronya-Lee Anderson is a Caribbean-American folk-soul singer-songwriter, dancer-choreographer and educator-scholar. Born of Jamaican immigrants, she spent her formative years moving between school plays, church services and bashment parties. She continued her education, obtaining a Master's of Divinity from Duke University, an MFA in Dance from Maryland University, and a PhD in Theater and Performance Studies. A former member of the Chuck Davis African American Dance Ensemble and of Liz Lerman’s Dance Exchange, Ronya-Lee has numerous live theater credits and has appeared in national commercial and print ads.
She performs regularly under the moniker Ronya-Lee and the Light Factory (RTLF) which names a commitment to creating work that illuminates and enlightens, and furthermore, points to the fact that she creates in cooperation with many lights–ancestors, other dance artists, musicians and audience members.
The philosophy
become a member
Artists, apply for an annual membership. Meet other future collaborators, present your work and get access to professional development.
take a class or workshop
Community members, from book clubs to dance classes and open mic nights, there are ample opportunities to discover your inner artist at The Light Factory.
Artists deserve access to space to hone their skills, meaningfully engage with their community, connect with other artists and routinely dream up and present new work.
See a performance
Experience a DJ set with live music and dancers, witness the premiere of a new, experimental dance work or listen to a street-trained percussionist play while viewing new art on the walls.
rent the space
The main space is ideal for intimate gatherings like baby showers and birthday parties. Small performing arts groups can also rent rehearsal space.