Imagination Stage
Washington, DC youth theater program
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.
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.
Upcoming Shows from Imagination Stage
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Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical
This musical is a joy-filled celebration of letters, words, and imagination featuring infectious rhythms, dazzling puppets, lively dancing, and playful audience interaction. Written and directed by Nina Meehan with music and lyrics by Austin Zumbro, it is produced by Third Wish Productions and origi…
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Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
This spectacular musical adaptation brings Whoville to life with whimsical sets, toe-tapping songs, and the timeless story of a Grinch who discovers the true meaning of Christmas. Directed and choreographed by Helen Hayes Award winner Ashleigh King, who previously directed Imagination Stage's A Year…
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Wake Up, Brother Bear!
Written and originally directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer and Janet Stanford, this production invites audiences into the world of Brother and Sister Bear as they follow a year through the seasons. Children sit on the floor around the stage and may join in the action as the characters see a waterfall me…
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Pandora: Out of the Box!
This world-premiere musical, directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer, features book and lyrics by Psalmayene 24 and music by Deborah Wicks La Puma. When 10-year-old Pandora can't resist opening an oversized, mysterious gift from her grandfather Zeus, she accidentally unleashes a rowdy quartet of troublemake…
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Inside Out and Backwards
Written and originally directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer and Natasha Holmes, with music composed by Tim Guillot, this interactive and highly visual production follows two children who use their imaginations to turn their room inside out at bedtime. While playing dress-up, a glove becomes a dancing fis…
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TheaterWorksUSA's Rosie Revere, Ada Twist, and Iggy Peck: The Questioneers
Based on the books by Andrea Beaty, with book by Lauren Gunderson, music by Bree Lowdermilk, and lyrics by Kait Kerrigan, this production follows three inquisitive STEM heroes in Ms. Greer's classroom. Rosie Revere has big dreams, Iggy Peck has a relentless passion for architecture, and Ada Twist's …
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Grand Slam Hero
This musical centers on real-life hero and baseball legend Roberto Clemente, written by the internationally celebrated musical theatre writing team of Karen Zacarías and Deborah Wicks La Puma. The production highlights a creative partnership for Imagination Stage and serves as the culminating produ…
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Educational Theatre Program
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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