The Glorious and Historic Theaters of Washington, DC

The iconic Kennedy Center has been hosting great cultural events over the years including the Kennedy Center Honors where the President of the United States honours lifetime achievement of artists and other talented individuals. The center shelters seven theaters, including the Concert Hall, known for its impressive acoustics and symphonic performances, and the Opera House, with its luxe red decor and massive, 50-foot-wide, starburst-like crystal chandelier (a gift from Sweden). Washington Improv Theater will present POTUS Among Us, an interactive presidential election satire. GALA Hispanic Theatre has Las 22+ Bodas de Hugo (The 22+ Weddings of Hugo) by artistic director Gustavo Ott, a hilarious romp. And of course, the classic board game Clue comes to life at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

For more than 25 years, the Shakespeare Theatre Company in DC has committed itself to serving as the nation’s premier classical theater. STC operates out of two spaces, including Sidney Harman Hall at the Harman Center, which seats 775, and the Lansburgh Theatre, which seats 451. The glittering, glass-enclosed Harman Center in Penn Quarter showcases classic Shakespeare plays, modern updates and Shakespeare-inspired original shows. For more Shakespearean excitement, visit the Folger Shakespeare Library, which contains the world's largest collection of materials relating to Shakespeare and his works. In addition to the collection, guests can see Shakespeare plays and learn more about the famous playwright with rotating exhibits.

Performers will light up stages across the region in roles they were destined to play. In an immersive nightclub experience, DC legend Roz White plays Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill (presented by Mosaic Theater Company). School of Rock alumni lookalikes Alex Brightman (Broadway) and David Flynn (West End) come together for Comedy of Errors at Shakespeare Theatre Company's Klein Theatre.

In 1865 President Lincoln was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre by John Wilkes Booth. Today, Ford’s remains a working theater with multiple productions each year, but it is also a living museum dedicated to Lincoln’s life and death. During the day, the National Park Service–run venue offers tours of the theater as well as admission to the Ford’s Theatre Center for Education and Leadership across the street, which features in-depth exhibits on America’s 16th president.

Dating back to 1922, the Lincoln Theatre was considered a precursor and influence on the Harlem Renaissance, hosting such marquee acts over the years such as Washington natives Duke Ellington and Pearl Bailey, along with greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong. The theater, located on "Washington's Black Broadway", served the city's African American community when segregation kept them out of other venues. Today the historic theater located near DC’s most iconic restaurant Ben’s Chili Bowl, continues to attract national talent to its stage with a packed calendar of touring acts. Be sure to also check out its partner venue and Washington institution, 9:30 Club.

A trip to the Warner Theatre is worth it just to see the 1924-era building’s grand architecture. After a $10 million renovation, the venue has been restored to its former glory with features like a marble and gold leaf lobby and a dramatic interior complete with crystal chandeliers and intricate carved ceilings. The venue may be the ultimate throwback, but today you can catch nationally known comedians making a tour stop, Broadway-bound musicals and other modern performances.

Just outside of DC in Bethesda, Maryland sits a picturesque performing arts venue dedicated to bringing a diversity of music to the DC region. Music fans will find a comprehensive lineup of folk, rock, blues, pop, jazz, show tunes and more at the modern music venue, The Music Center at Strathmore. Also on the campus, the Mansion at Strathmore presents more intimate programs in its 100-seat theater. The Mansion also hosts afternoon tea service on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Also not to be missed, Strathmore has a cool concert venue up the road in Rockville called AMP.

At Theatre Week’s free Kickoff Fest on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Arena Stage, you will have the chance to meet and greet with representatives from more than 45 DC-area theatres. The event will feature interactive workshops, pop-up performances, panel conversations, ticket giveaways and activities for fans of all ages. Register for free beginning Sept. 9.

Get a little behind-the-scenes access and info about #dctheatre – as well as some exercise – on a free bike ride tour to area theatres. You can also venture on a walking tour of downtown DC’s historic theatres (in partnership with WalkingTown DC/Events DC). If a bus tour is more your speed, join Smithsonian Associates for a full day of stops at local venues. More information and registration will be available Sept. 9 at theatreweek.org.

There’s no better time to explore the wonders of the stage than during Theatre Week, when #dctheatre joins together to offer $20, $40 and $60 tickets to over 30 productions at venues all over the District, Maryland and Virginia (DMV). You can also attend free events like the Kickoff Fest at Arena Stage, a bike ride with behind-the-scenes access, a powerhouse concert on the District Wharf and lots more. Make sure to mark the calendar: Theatre Week tickets go on sale Sept. 9 at theatreweek.org.