Local
Obituary: Jared Clayton Neff, 30
Neff managed events at the highly acclaimed Harman Center for the Arts, the downtown Washington theater facility affiliated with the Shakespeare company
Jared Neff, 30, passed away due to pneumonia. (courtesy Jared Neff Facebook page)
Jared Clayton Neff, 30, a D.C. resident since 2005 who worked in production-related positions at local theaters, including D.C.’s Shakespeare Theatre Company, died March 7 at George Washington University Hospital of pneumonia, according to a spokesperson for the company.
Friends and associates said Neff, a native of Missouri, had a life-long interest in theater and the performing arts and became involved in theater-related activities while a high school student in Nixa, Mo., near Springfield.
In his most recent role as bookings manager for the Shakespeare Theatre Company, Neff managed events at the highly acclaimed Harman Center for the Arts, the downtown Washington theater facility affiliated with the Shakespeare company.
“While we will certainly remember everything he has accomplished in managing events both large and small at the Harman Center for the Arts, I will continue to think of all that remained for him to achieve and offer — the true tragedy of a loss at such a young age,” said Chris Jennings, managing director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company.
“He will be missed by everyone here at the Shakespeare Theatre Company as well as the entire community he served so well at the Harman,” Jennings said.
An obituary in the Christian County Headliner News, his hometown newspaper in Missouri, said Neff was born Aug. 7, 1981 in St. Joseph, Mo., and graduated from Nixa High School in 2000. He received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Webster University in St. Louis in 2004.
The newspaper said he was awarded certification from the Commercial Theater Institute of New York City and was a guest artist at the State Thespians Conference, a yearly event in Missouri.
He worked in theaters in Missouri and Ohio as assistant production supervisor and stage manager before moving to the D.C. area in 2005, when he began work as production manager at the Olney Theater in Olney, Md. and later as production administrator for D.C.’s Arena Stage.
Those who knew him, including many who posted messages of condolence on his Facebook page, said he had many friends in D.C.’s gay community and was a regular patron of the city’s gay clubs.
“I will remember Jared Neff as one of the most audacious and authentic people I have ever met,” said his friend Nathan Nickens. “I will remember his beautiful smile and outrageous sense of humor. The immeasurable impact of Jared’s life will be felt by the hundreds of aspiring theatre students he mentored, the audiences who experienced his work, and the thousands of friends who loved him.”
Neff is survived by his parents, Richard and Lynn of Battlefield, Mo.; his brother, Brandon of Highlands Ranch, Colo; his grandmother, Erma Hunt of Plattsburg, Mo., and many other family members and friends, the Christian County Headliner News said.
A memorial service was scheduled for March 17 at First Baptist Church in Nixa, Mo.
World Pride 2025
D.C. liquor board extends drinking hours for WorldPride
Gay bars, other liquor-serving establishments can stay open 24 hours
D.C.’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board, which regulates liquor sales for the city’s bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other establishments licensed to serve alcoholic beverages, has approved extended hours for alcohol service and sales during the days when most WorldPride events will be held in the nation’s capital.
In a May 2 announcement, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, which works with the board, said the extended liquor serving and sales hours for WorldPride will take place beginning Friday, May 30, through 4 a.m. Monday, June 9.
Although the official schedule for WorldPride events shows the events will take place May 17-June 8, most of the large events, including a two-day Pride street festival, parade, and concert, were expected to take place between May 30 and June 8.
According to the ABCA announcement and an ABCA spokesperson, liquor servicing establishments with the appropriate license can stay open for 24 hours and serve alcoholic beverages from 6 a.m. through the day and evening until 4 a.m., with no liquor sales allowed from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. during the May 30-June 9 period.
The ABCA announcement says liquor serving establishments must apply for the extended hours option and pay a $100 registration fee by a deadline on May 27.
Sources familiar with the liquor board have said the board has for many years approved the extension of liquor serving and sales hours for important events and for certain holidays such as New Year’s Eve.
At the time it approved the extended hours for WorldPride the liquor board also approved extended hours during the time when games for a World Cup soccer tournament will be held in the city on June 18, June 22, and June 26.
It couldn’t immediately be determined how many of D.C.’s 22 LGBTQ bars plan to apply for the extended drinking hours. David Perruzza, owner of the Adams Morgan gay bar Pitchers and its adjoining lesbian bar A League of Her Own, said he will apply for the 4 a.m. extended hours option but he does not intend to keep the two bars open for the full 23 hours.
Under the city’s current alcoholic beverage regulations, licensed liquor serving establishments may serve alcoholic beverages until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends.
World Pride 2025
Episcopal bishop to speak at WorldPride human rights conference
Trump demanded apology from Mariann Edgar Budde over post-Inauguration sermon
The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde is among those who are scheduled to speak at the WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference that will take place from June 4-6.
Budde, who is the bishop of the Diocese of Washington, in January urged President Donald Trump “to have mercy” on LGBTQ people, immigrants, and others “who are scared right now” during a post-Inauguration service that he and Vice President JD Vance attended at the Washington National Cathedral. Trump criticized Budde’s comments and demanded an apology.
The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde speaks at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 21, 2025. (PBS NewsHour clip)
A press release the Washington Blade received notes Icelandic Industries Minister Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, UK Black Pride founder Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, and Bob the Drag Queen are among those who are also expected to participate in the conference.
The conference will take place at the JW Marriott (1331 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) and registration is open here.
World Pride 2025
Pabllo Vittar to perform at WorldPride
Brazilian drag queen, singer, joined Madonna on stage in 2024 Rio concert
A Brazilian drag queen and singer who performed with Madonna at her 2024 concert on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach will perform at WorldPride.
The Capital Pride Alliance on Thursday announced Pabllo Vittar will perform on the Main Stage of the main party that will take place on June 7 at DCBX (1235 W St., N.E.) in Northeast D.C.
Vittar and Anitta, a Brazilian pop star who is bisexual, on May 4, 2024, joined Madonna on stage at her free concert, which was the last one of her Celebration Tour. Authorities estimated 1.6 million people attended.
PDAB: A mysterious acronym that could affect your health
I make more money than my partner and getting resentful
D.C. liquor board extends drinking hours for WorldPride
PHOTOS: Victory Fund National Champagne Brunch
Executive director of LGBTQ Catholic group to travel to Rome for conclave
TRAITOR: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has blood on his hands
Potential Pope Francis successor views homosexuality as an ‘abomination’
Jacob Elordi rides high in ‘On Swift Horses’
Liberal Party wins Canadian election
