Our Mission
Capital Cabaret is committed to advancing the cabaret art form by entertaining, educating, and engaging audiences and artists alike. Through world-class performances, monthly open mics, cabaret workshops, master classes, and the annual National Capital Cabaret Festival each March, we create a dynamic space for artistic expression and growth.
We strive to foster a sense of community and be a nurturing environment where cabaret singers, songwriters, music educators, and musicians can safely develop and hone their performance skills while building a supportive community.
Our dedication to all communities who love music, emerging artists, educational outreach, and collaboration with established professionals ensures that Capital Cabaret remains a cornerstone of the cabaret scene.
Our History
Founded in 2022, Capital Cabaret is focused on providing an inclusive community where singers, songwriters, music educators, and other musicians can develop and hone their performance skills.
In March 2023 we produced the first ever National Capital Cabaret Festival in Washington, D.C. We were so happy to include so many emerging and local artists and give a showcase to these amazing performers.
Following the Festival we produced 2 solo shows for local emerging artists! These shows were completely designed by the artist giving them the creative control that many new performers do not readily get.
We Believe in A Collaborative Approach
Roger Schmelzer
President
Roger comes to Capital Cabaret as an accomplished cabaret vocalist! He brings an extensive knowledge as a successful career as a not-for-profit arts and business leader to our young organization. From his Indianapolis base, Roger is CEO of the National Conference of Insurance Guaranty Funds and has led the boards of The Great American Songbook Foundation (founded by Michael Feinstein), Theater on the Square and The Cabaret over the last 15 years.
Ron Squeri
Secretary
Ron Squeri is a name heard through cabaret and recording history. His career has spaned decades having started in musical theater, and progressed to both cabaret and recording.
Ron’s journey in cabaret began in the vibrant streets of Washington DC, where he honed his craft in the smoky, intimate venues that define the genre. He then spread across the country to New York City, Chicago, and Palm Springs, no name a few places.
Craig Pomranz
Treasurer
Craig is an internationally known singer/song-stylist, actor and author. He brings Capital Cabaret a wealth of experience and knowledge as Board President of the ASA (American Songbook Association) and presenter of the Pomranz Performance grant every year to deserving performers of all kinds who are looking for the chance to start performing The Great American Songbook.
Rachel Dougan
Director
Rachel Dougan is founder and principal of ViVi Interiors, a multi-disciplinary design studio focused on mindful transformations for clients who eschew fast fashion for authentic, enduring homes.
Prior to establishing her design studio in 2015, Rachel honed her creative and management experience for over 15 years in corporate leadership roles including: at the global professional services firm Arthur Andersen, as part of the global branding team which developed and launched the company’s first $100M internal rebranding campaign.
Melinda Levitt
Director
Although Melinda has spent 35+ years as a practicing litigator, she also has a background in dance and musical theater, as well as providing choreography and staging for solo and group vocal performers. Melinda is a devotee of live theater, dance, and vocal performances and regularly attends the theaters and performance spaces throughout the DC area. She deeply believes that there is nothing more magical than storytelling through live performance work!
Real People. Real Impact.
Every contribution helps transform lives, giving many artists a chance to perform in a safe space. Our mission is more than just having a place to sing, it is about preserving an art form that gives many creative people an outlet for their storytelling and singing.
Meet the people whose lives have been positively impacted by your generosity. From students who are learning to use their gift, to adults who have discovered their art later in life. Your donations ensure that we can continue to have open mic events that do not cost the singers anything, master classes where performers get the chance to sing for and receive feedback and support from experienced Cabaret artists, and the National Capital Cabaret Festival that gives Cabaret artists a stage in the Nations Capital!