Discover the rich cultural landscape of Washington D.C. with our guide to the city's top theaters. From the historic Ford's Theatre to the opulent Warner Theatre, explore the diverse range of performances, from Shakespearean plays to contemporary productions, that make D.C.'s theater scene truly unique.
Ford's Theatre
Location: 511 10th St NW, Washington, D.C.
Known For: The site of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination, Ford's Theatre is a working theater, historical monument, and museum.
Types of Shows: Offers a variety of performances including plays, musicals, and historical reenactments.
Website: Ford's Theatre
Shakespeare Theatre Company
Location: 450 7th St NW, Washington, D.C.
Known For: One of the nation's leading theatre companies dedicated to classical and contemporary plays with a focus on works by William Shakespeare.
Types of Shows: Predominantly performs works by Shakespeare, in addition to other classical and contemporary plays.
Website: Shakespeare Theatre Company
Arena Stage
Location: 1101 6th St SW, Washington, D.C.
Known For: A pioneer in American theatre, known for producing large-scale productions.
Types of Shows: Focuses on American classics, new plays, and works that portray diverse American experiences.
Website: Arena Stage
Studio Theatre
Location: 1501 14th St NW, Washington, D.C.
Known For: Committed to producing contemporary plays and known for its intimate settings.
Types of Shows: Focuses on contemporary plays and new works.
Website: Studio Theatre
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Location: 641 D St NW, Washington, D.C.
Known For: Produces innovative, provocative, and thought-provoking contemporary plays.
Types of Shows: Specializes in new works and contemporary plays.
Website: Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Signature Theatre
Location: 4200 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA (Just outside Washington D.C.)
Known For: Known for its productions of musicals, including new works and revivals.
Types of Shows: Predominantly produces musicals, but also offers plays and other performances.
Website: Signature Theatre
Synetic Theater
Location: 1800 S Bell St, Arlington, VA (Just outside Washington D.C.)
Known For: Produces physical theater with a focus on movement, music, and visual storytelling.
Types of Shows: Known for its silent Shakespeare productions, as well as other innovative and physical plays.
Website: Synetic Theatre
GALA Hispanic Theatre
Location: 3333 14th St NW, Washington, D.C.
Known For: Dedicated to Spanish-language and bilingual productions.
Types of Shows: Offers a variety of plays and musicals in Spanish and English.
Website: GALA Hispanic Theatre
Atlas Performing Arts Center
Location: 1333 H St NE, Washington, D.C.
Known For: A community-focused arts center offering a range of performances and programs.
Types of Shows: Hosts a variety of shows including plays, musicals, dance, and more.
Website: Atlas Performing Arts Center
The D.C. Improv Comedy Club
Location: 1140 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Known For: A premier comedy club featuring stand-up comedy performances.
Types of Shows: Focuses on stand-up comedy with performances by well-known and emerging comedians.
Website: The D.C. Improv Comedy Club
The National Theatre
Location: 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
Known For: The oldest theater in D.C., known for its Broadway-style productions.
Types of Shows: Offers Broadway shows, musicals, and other performances.
Website: The National Theatre
Warner Theatre
Location: 513 13th St NW, Washington, D.C.
Known For: A historic theater known for its opulent interior and broad range of performances.
Types of Shows: Hosts a variety of shows including concerts, musicals, and other performances.
Website: Warner Theatre
