1101 Sixth Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024
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Arena Stage History
Founded August 16, 1950 in Washington by Zelda Fichandler, Tom Fichandler and Edward Mangum, Arena Stage is a flagship American theater. Arena Stage is one of the first nonprofit theaters in the U.S. and a pioneer of the regional theater movement. They were the first regional theater to transfer a production to Broadway, the first invited by the U.S. State Department to tour behind the Iron Curtain, and the first to receive the Regional Theater Tony Award. Taking a leadership role in extending theater’s horizons, they have implemented groundbreaking policies and programs, promoting diversity in all aspects of theater, from theatergoing to production.
Shows at the Arena Stage
DATES PRODUCTION 9/13/2019 - 10/20/2019 Jitney (2019) 6/8/2012 - 7/29/2012 The Normal Heart (2012) - Dear Evan Hansen (2015)
News
Washington, DC Regional Theatres Release Statement on Washington Post’s Arts & Culture Staff Cuts
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2026
Theatre Washington has released a statment, commenting on the recent cuts to The Washington Post arts team. A total of 33 theatres have signed the statement.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2026
Theatre Washington has released a statment, commenting on the recent cuts to The Washington Post arts team. A total of 33 theatres have signed the statement.
Arena Stage Welcomes Darren Johnston as Associate Artistic Director
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2026
Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater has named Darren Edward Johnston as Associate Artistic Director of Commercial Strategy and Partnership.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2026
Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater has named Darren Edward Johnston as Associate Artistic Director of Commercial Strategy and Partnership.
Interview: Theatre Life with Kara-Tameika Watkins
by Elliot Lanes - Feb 26, 2026
Today’s subject Kara-Tameika Watkins is currently living her theatre onstage at Olney Theatre Center in the World Premiere Musical Little Miss Perfect. The show has just been extended to March 15th which means you have even more time to attend a performance.
by Elliot Lanes - Feb 26, 2026
Today’s subject Kara-Tameika Watkins is currently living her theatre onstage at Olney Theatre Center in the World Premiere Musical Little Miss Perfect. The show has just been extended to March 15th which means you have even more time to attend a performance.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 26, 2026- DEATH BECOMES HER and SIX Welcome New Leads and More
by - Feb 26, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 26, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Feb 26, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 26, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
South Coast Repertory to Showcase New Talent at 2026 Pacific Playwrights Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 25, 2026
South Coast Repertory has revealed the lineup for the 28th Pacific Playwrights Festival, anchored by two world premieres of fully staged productions.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 25, 2026
South Coast Repertory has revealed the lineup for the 28th Pacific Playwrights Festival, anchored by two world premieres of fully staged productions.
Holli' Gabrielle Conway, Jade Milan and Stoney B. Woods to Star in CRAZYSEXYCOOL " The TLC Musical
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 25, 2026
The principal cast has been revealed for CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical at Arena Stage. The rise, resilience, and rhythm of the most successful female group of all time will take center stage in a summer 2026 world premiere.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 25, 2026
The principal cast has been revealed for CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical at Arena Stage. The rise, resilience, and rhythm of the most successful female group of all time will take center stage in a summer 2026 world premiere.
10 Indigenous Writers Receive #MMIWR Readings At 21 Companies
by Stephi Wild - Feb 25, 2026
On May 5, over 10 Indigenous writers will be featured in readings across 21 companies in 11 cities, marking a significant event in Native American theater. Learn mroe here!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 25, 2026
On May 5, over 10 Indigenous writers will be featured in readings across 21 companies in 11 cities, marking a significant event in Native American theater. Learn mroe here!
Pioneer Theatre Company Will Present Utah Professional Premiere Of KING JAMES
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 25, 2026
Pioneer Theatre Company (PTC), the professional theatre company in residence at the University of Utah, will present the Utah professional premiere of KING JAMES in the Meldrum Theatre at Einar Nielsen Field House from March 20–April 4, 2026.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 25, 2026
Pioneer Theatre Company (PTC), the professional theatre company in residence at the University of Utah, will present the Utah professional premiere of KING JAMES in the Meldrum Theatre at Einar Nielsen Field House from March 20–April 4, 2026.
BWW Q&A: Kevin Cahoon Talks CHEZ JOEY at Arena Stage
by Joshua Wright - Feb 24, 2026
Chez Joey is now running at Arena Stage. We spoke to Kevin Cahoon, who plays Melvin Snyder in the musical - which is a revisal of Pal Joey.
by Joshua Wright - Feb 24, 2026
Chez Joey is now running at Arena Stage. We spoke to Kevin Cahoon, who plays Melvin Snyder in the musical - which is a revisal of Pal Joey.
Aléna Watters, Ethan Peterson and More to Star in NEXT TO NORMAL at Denver Center Theatre Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 24, 2026
The Denver Center Theatre Company has revealed the full cast and creative team for the Tony Award-winning rock musical, Next to Normal, with music by Tom Kitt and Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 24, 2026
The Denver Center Theatre Company has revealed the full cast and creative team for the Tony Award-winning rock musical, Next to Normal, with music by Tom Kitt and Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey.
Rob McClure, National Tours of KIMBERLY AKIMBO and SOME LIKE IT HOT Among 2026 Helen Hayes Award Nominees
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 24, 2026
The 2026 Helen Hayes Award nominations have been announced, recognizing outstanding achievement in Washington-area professional theatre. Arena Stage, Signature Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Round House Theatre, and dozens of regional companies are represented across performance, direction, design, and production categories. The awards highlight the breadth of theatre work presented throughout the D.C. metropolitan area.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 24, 2026
The 2026 Helen Hayes Award nominations have been announced, recognizing outstanding achievement in Washington-area professional theatre. Arena Stage, Signature Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Round House Theatre, and dozens of regional companies are represented across performance, direction, design, and production categories. The awards highlight the breadth of theatre work presented throughout the D.C. metropolitan area.
Gus Birney and More Will Lead the Cast of SEAGULL: TRUE STORY Off-Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Feb 20, 2026
The full cast has been announced for SEAGULL: TRUE STORY, which will begin performances off-Broadway next month. Learn more about the cast, led by Gus Birney!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 20, 2026
The full cast has been announced for SEAGULL: TRUE STORY, which will begin performances off-Broadway next month. Learn more about the cast, led by Gus Birney!
Arena Stage Honors Chairman Phil Mendelson With The American Voice Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 19, 2026
Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater presented the American Voice Award to District of Columbia City Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, as part of the Opening Night celebration for Chez Joey.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 19, 2026
Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater presented the American Voice Award to District of Columbia City Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, as part of the Opening Night celebration for Chez Joey.
Corbin Bleu and John Behlmann Will Join THE GREAT GATSBY on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Feb 18, 2026
Film, television, and stage star Corbin Bleu will join the Broadway company as Nick Carraway after playing the role in the West End production last year. Bleu joins the company with Broadway favorite John Behlmann
by Stephi Wild - Feb 18, 2026
Film, television, and stage star Corbin Bleu will join the Broadway company as Nick Carraway after playing the role in the West End production last year. Bleu joins the company with Broadway favorite John Behlmann
Arena Stage Marks 75th Anniversary with New Play Festival in 2026
by Stephi Wild - Feb 18, 2026
Arena Stage will present a New Play Festival from February 27 to March 1, 2026, featuring works by notable playwrights to celebrate its 75th anniversary.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 18, 2026
Arena Stage will present a New Play Festival from February 27 to March 1, 2026, featuring works by notable playwrights to celebrate its 75th anniversary.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 18, 2026- STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW Welcomes Teen Critics and More
by - Feb 18, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 18, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Feb 18, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 18, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Review Roundup: Critics Sound Off On CHEZ JOEY at Arena Stage
by Joshua Wright - Feb 17, 2026
Chez Joey is now running at Arena Stage through March 15th, 2026. What did the critics have to say? Read all the reviews.
by Joshua Wright - Feb 17, 2026
Chez Joey is now running at Arena Stage through March 15th, 2026. What did the critics have to say? Read all the reviews.
Photos: Myles Frost & More in CHEZ JOEY at Arena Stage
by Joshua Wright - Feb 17, 2026
See Myles Frost and a star-studded cast bring CHEZ JOEY to life at Arena Stage, featuring reimagined Rodgers & Hart classics.
by Joshua Wright - Feb 17, 2026
See Myles Frost and a star-studded cast bring CHEZ JOEY to life at Arena Stage, featuring reimagined Rodgers & Hart classics.
Review: CHEZ JOEY at Arena Stage
by David Friscic - Feb 17, 2026
An embarrassment of theatrical riches, bordering on sensory, stimulating overload, is on display in an exceptionally bold and satisfying reimagining of the very influential musical Pal Joey—now reconceived as Chez Joey. The show still takes place in the 1940’s Chicago music/nightclub scene, but it has been opened up to explore potent possibilities that are realized in this production.
by David Friscic - Feb 17, 2026
An embarrassment of theatrical riches, bordering on sensory, stimulating overload, is on display in an exceptionally bold and satisfying reimagining of the very influential musical Pal Joey—now reconceived as Chez Joey. The show still takes place in the 1940’s Chicago music/nightclub scene, but it has been opened up to explore potent possibilities that are realized in this production.
The Washington Stage Guild Will Perform CAESAR & CLEOPATRA
by Stephi Wild - Feb 16, 2026
The Washington Stage Guild will close its 2025-2026 season with a return to their most favored playwright, George Bernard Shaw, and his rarely produced Caesar & Cleopatra. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 16, 2026
The Washington Stage Guild will close its 2025-2026 season with a return to their most favored playwright, George Bernard Shaw, and his rarely produced Caesar & Cleopatra. Learn more here!
Videos