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.