The Sidney Harman Hall is a majestic 774-seat theater in the heart of Washington DC and forms a part of the Harman Center of the Arts. Suitable for dance and music events, organizers can choose from the proscenium, thrust, semi-arena or bare stages, depending on the show. It is acoustically designed to suit dramas, plays and even live chamber music concerts. The venue along with the Lansburgh Theatre on the 7th Street is home to the Shakespeare Theatre Company.
The Music Center at Strathmore is a cultural and entertainment hub in North Bethesda, Maryland. This concert hall hosts shows for a variety of events. It first opened in 2005 and it is not just a music venue but also provides education in music. With a wide range of musical concerts from jazz to rock, there is something for every music lover.
Ford's Theatre, an iconic theater, is recognized as the place where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14th, 1865. A century later, in January 1968, the theater was reopened again for a performance after being under the management of numerous government organizations, including the United States Department of War and the National Park Service. Also found within Ford's Theatre is a Lincoln Museum that displays artifacts from the assassination, including the gun Lincoln was shot with. Mementos from Lincoln's life are also on display.
Thrumming with the dreamy sounds of jazzy tunes, Blues Alley is one of the best-known venues in Washington for jazz and blues performances. Tucked away in lower Georgetown, the club is near the C&O Canal. Several national acts have serenaded patrons at this beloved establishment, and the atmosphere is sleek and sophisticated. The place bills itself as a "Jazz Supper Club," and the food is almost as good as the music, much of which is inspired from Creole cuisine. Munch on savory bites such as Crab Cakes and Stuffed Mushroom as you sway to the music that envelops the lively space.
Established in 1978, the Round House Theatre in Bethesda has been entertaining locals for more than three decades. The theater has an array of shows and classes for adults and children. Every season features a mind-blowing 200 performances. Its summer classes for kids include puppet-making, sound design, dance, music and storytelling. If you're looking for a great theater experience, come to the Round House Theater and enjoy a good movie or play.
Since 1950, Arena Stage has been a primary player in the cultural life of Washington and one of the strongest regional theaters in the country. Its highly respected resident company performs a variety of stage productions, from Moliere to the Marx Brothers, as well as significant contemporary works. Arena Stage has three distinct venues: the "in-the-round" Fichlander Stage; the Kreeger with a proscenium stage and the Old Vat Room with a cabaret-style atmosphere. The theater is located near the southwest waterfront and several fine seafood restaurants.
Fairfax High School Theatre showcases classical plays, dance performances and concerts. Plays like Guys and Dolls, The Wedding Singer have been hosted here in the past. Be mesmerized by the delightful performances by upcoming talent. To know more about upcoming plays, contact the school office.
Located in the University of Maryland, this Centre is a thriving hotpot. Measuring 318,000 square feet, this impressive venue rents its facilities, like the Dance Theatre and the Grand Pavilion, to both visiting performers and students. The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center can also be rented for private events, receptions, meetings and the like, as it contains spaces to accommodate 10 to 1100 guests! Check out their schedule of the various musicals, theatrical and dance performances and watch diverse, innovative and unpredictable performances.
Washington Improv Theater, or WIT, is one of the only places in Washington DC to see long-form improv. For those not familiar with the term, long-form improv is a series of improvised scenes and games that the players act out based on an initial suggestion from an audience member. What this really means is that you will be non-stop laughing from when the show begins until when it ends. WIT's shows generally last between 70 to 90 minutes - that is a lot of laughing.
If you are a lover of performing arts, then do visit the NextStop Theater Company while in the city. The small space theater has a limited number of seats, however, it is well-equipped with light and sound amenities assuming every show is a success. Shows in genres of drama, theater and musicals are regularly scheduled at this venue.