When the Oscar-winning actor/producer director John Houseman founded the Acting Company 40 years ago, he could not have imagined the influence it would have upon students, schools and potential stars of stage, screen and television. During that time, the company has toured by bus to 48 states and 10 foreign countries performing 137 classic plays and new works for more than 3 million people. This outstanding repertory company has received Tony Awards for excellence in theater.

In keeping with its mission to develop a diverse theater audience, the Acting Company presents two plays locally, Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas on Saturday, followed on Sunday by John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” at George Mason University Center for the Arts.