Imagination Stage in Washington, DC
Imagination Stage was founded as BAPA (Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts) in 1979 in response to the urgent need for arts education for young people. The company was renamed Imagination Stage in 2001 in anticipation of its move to its downtown Bethesda theatre arts center in 2003.
Imagination Stage has grown from a handful of children in a single classroom to a full-spectrum theatre arts organization, with theatre productions by professional actors and artists. Unlike most children’s theatre companies, Imagination Stage commissions new works for children every year. These productions have been recognized with awards and productions by other companies around the world.
Imagination Stage also offers classes in theatre arts that nurture, challenge, and empower young people of all abilities ages 1-18. Disciplines include early childhood, acting, musical theatre, dance, and filmmaking. Imagination Stage also provides theatre arts classes and residencies at area schools. Our Theatre for Change program uses theatre productions and educational workshops to bridge cultural divides and lift up underrepresented voices.
Imagination Stage has grown from a handful of children in a single classroom to a full-spectrum theatre arts organization, with theatre productions by professional actors and artists. Unlike most children’s theatre companies, Imagination Stage commissions new works for children every year. These productions have been recognized with awards and productions by other companies around the world.
Imagination Stage also offers classes in theatre arts that nurture, challenge, and empower young people of all abilities ages 1-18. Disciplines include early childhood, acting, musical theatre, dance, and filmmaking. Imagination Stage also provides theatre arts classes and residencies at area schools. Our Theatre for Change program uses theatre productions and educational workshops to bridge cultural divides and lift up underrepresented voices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Imagination Stage
Where is Imagination Stage located?
Imagination Stage is located at 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20814.
What age ranges does Imagination Stage serve?
Imagination Stage serves youth aged 1 to 18 years old.
What is the tuition cost for programs at Imagination Stage?
The tuition cost for programs at Imagination Stage is $12 - $600.
When does the next session begin at Imagination Stage?
The next session at Imagination Stage begins April 14, 2025.
Upcoming Shows from Imagination Stage
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Balloonacy - January 10, 2026 to February 15, 2026 A beautiful, movement-based show that revisits the classic film The Red Balloon and will delight audiences of all ages and speakers of all languages. Nothing can go right for the old man, whose days are gray and dreary, until he is visited by a friendly red balloon. In the playful physical style of ... |
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Havana Hop - February 14, 2026 to March 7, 2026 A charming, dynamic tale of culture and originality, created by award-winning DC and IStage artist Paige Hernandez, using her childhood as inspiration. What if you were invited to dance for President Obama? You’d want it to be the best dance ever! Meet young Yelia who visits her grandmother in Cub... |
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Good Morning, Good Night - March 21, 2026 to April 19, 2026 In this brand-new show, very young children will discover the beauty of the world during daytime and nighttime. They will watch–and help–Winnie and August work the “day shift:” waking the birds, putting dew in the grass, and baking fresh clouds; and the “night shift:” releasing the firef... |
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Pete the Cat: A Live Rock Musical - June 17, 2026 to July 26, 2026 Life is a really, really, really big adventure as Pete the Cat and the Biddle family rock out in a fast-paced, globe-trotting musical based on the smash hit book series. When Jimmy Biddle is anxious about finishing second grade, Pete takes him to Paris in his VW bus and Jimmy connects with his inner... |
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Educational Theatre Program - October 1, 2025 to October 1, 2028 Imagination Stage, a leading theatre dedicated to youth development through the arts, is set to launch a national Educational Theatre Program in partnership with Kaiser Permanente. Starting October 2025, the program will deliver live theatre and workshops focusing on children's mental health to scho... |
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