Washington theatreWeek 2014 Begins Today

theatreWashington today kicks off its celebratory theatreWeek (April 14 - 20, 2014), offering countless opportunities for both lifelong patrons and reticent newbies to explore Washington's diverse professional theatres-from discounted performances to ticket giveaways and promotions to behind-the-scenes events. A joint endeavor with presenting sponsor The Washington Post, the Washington theatre community, Destination DC, and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the campaign spotlights Washington-area theatre through a regional ad campaign, to be seen by millions. The celebration culminates with the 30th Annual Helen Hayes Awards on April 21 at the National Building Museum.

"It's a full week celebrating Washington theatre at every level, in every way," said theatreWashington President & CEO Linda Levy. "Theatre newbies can dip their toe in the water virtually risk-free -- with so many discounted tickets and free events. Passionate theatre lovers can do something different every day for the whole week, then join us at the Helen Hayes Awards to celebrate the community's accomplishments."

The 36 participating theatres include 1st Stage, Adventure Theatre MTC, American Century Theater, Annapolis Shakespeare Company, Arcturus Theater Company, Arena Stage, Compass Rose Theater, Constellation Theatre Company, Creative Cauldron, Faction of Fools Theatre Company, Factory 449, Folger Theatre, force/collision, Ford's Theatre, Forum Theatre, GALA Hispanic Theatre, The Kennedy Center, MetroStage, The National Theatre, The National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, NextStop Theatre Company, Olney Theatre Center, Pointless Theatre, Rep Stage, Round House Theatre, SCENA Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Signature Theatre, Studio Theatre, Synetic Theater, Teatro de la Luna, Theater Alliance, Theater J, Washington Improv Theater, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, and Young Playwrights' Theater.

Events throughout the week range from post-show discussions to open houses to participatory workshops and theatre classes. Across the entire theatre community, discounts, pay-what-you-can performances, and online promotions and giveaways will help bring people to the theatre--for the first time or the hundredth. Some theatres offer exclusive deals for performances occurring within theatreWeek, while others are offering discounted tickets for future peformances -- if patrons buy their tickets this week. All activities, deals, and promotions will be listed on theatreWashington.org.

"We are thrilled that so many theatres will play a part in this year's theatreWeek," said Levy. "The number draws attention to the diversity and range of what we have right here, in our own region."

theatreWeek will conclude on a high note on April 21 with the area's largest cast party, The Helen Hayes Awards, celebrating its 30th anniversary year. Tickets are available to the public for $150. Presented at and co-hosted by the National Building Museum, the evening will take on a new format this year, combining Awards and party in one not-to-be-missed event.

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