About Us

Our Story

DC Dogs is a multi-media performing arts troupe in Washington, D.C. Our mission, since our informal inception in 2001, has been the production of artistic projects including live theater, music, radio and film. Over the past 8 years, DC Dogs have produced over 20 short films (several award winning), 2 music CDs, numerous live performances and have taught several classes and mentored many students in filmmaking and photography. Together with our partner, Theater Lab, DC Dogs have been involved with the “Life Stories” project for at-risk youth, helping incarcerated young men to tell their stories through films they write and produce.

As a formal organization, DC Dogs will expand its capacity for production and adult and youth education. Embracing the internet era, DC Dogs will launch a website (this one!) that includes a function for on-line training in such things a photography, film production, special effects and scoring. This free resource, together with our formal classes will enable us to help potential artists of all ages in Washington find creative outlet and bring their visions to light.

DC Dogs will always be inclusive of those populations in the city traditionally underserved by arts organizations through scholarships for classes and productions, mentoring in the context of productions and innovative equipment loan programs for aspiring photographers and filmmakers.

Finally, DC Dogs will remain true to its roots as a performing arts troupe providing high quality films, music and theater in Washington. DC Dogs will produce the works of independent musicians, playwrites and filmmakers thereby expanding the pool of creative professionals in the area while providing enduring entertainment.

Jonathan Zuck

Award winning photographer, filmmaker and digital artist, with studios in DC and Brussels, Jonathan’s work has appeared in local and national ad campaigns, festivals, exhibitions and in homes and businesses around the world. Jonathan’s editorial work, has appeared in multiple publications including the Washington Post, Washington City Paper, On Tap and several websites.

Amy R. Mack, Psy.D.

Dr. Mack has experience conducting program evaluations in the areas of school-based programs and creating and evaluating mentoring programs for at-risk youth on the state and local level.  She is a clinician turned researcher in that her strong foundation in the areas of family, youth and community violence; trauma, suicide and anger management have guided her to develop and evaluate the very programs that serve these same populations.    In her spare time, she is involved with the historic Avalon Theatre in Washington, D.C. and is a member of their Capital Campaign Committee. She also is Chair of a national group concerned about animal wellness; People Passionate About Animal Wellness (PPAW). PPAW is part of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Foundation.

Leslie Ross

Peter J. Carnes

Serving in various senior executive and consulting roles for public and private companies since 1992, Peter J. Carnes has been helping a diverse range of organizations refine their value proposition and create wealth. Peter’s has expertise in strategy development, supply chain management, FDA good manufacturing practices and IT development and application.

René Adam

A senior entrepreneurial executive with more than 30 years of experience managing sales, marketing, operations, personnel and merchandising at the district, regional, and corporate level for both start-up and established companies since 1980, René has been involved in advising a wide range of organizations during their growth.

René graduated from the University of New Orleans, and completed his Masters of Business Administration at Tulane University  He has had his CPA certificate since 1976.