Explore the top performing arts venues in Washington, D.C., featuring a variety of live theatrical performances, including Broadway shows, music, dance, and more. This guide highlights some of the most notable theaters you shouldn’t miss.
The Washington DC theater scene has been expanding in recent years. There are dozens of places around the region to experience a wide range of live theatrical performances. Here is a guide to the leading performing arts venues providing some of the hottest Broadway shows, music, dance, and more.
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Located at 2700 F. St. NW, Washington, DC, the Kennedy Center is the premier theater and home to the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington Opera, Washington Ballet, and American Film Institute. This venue features a variety of performances including theater, musicals, dance, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular, & folk music, as well as youth and family programs.
National Theatre
Located at 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC, the National Theatre is the oldest playhouse in the United States, having operated in the same location since 1835. With a seating capacity of 1,676, it offers Broadway-level plays and musicals, Saturday-morning children’s theater, and showcases local performers on Monday nights.
Warner Theatre
Situated at 513 13th Street, NW, Washington, DC, the Warner Theatre is located in the heart of the city, just a few blocks from the White House. The venue hosts a variety of performances including comedies, dramas, musicals, and more, making it a popular destination for theater enthusiasts.
Ford’s Theatre
Located at 10th and E Streets, NW, Washington, DC, Ford’s Theatre is a national historic landmark known as the site where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. The theater features exhibits in the Ford’s Theatre Museum, explaining Lincoln’s life and tragic death while hosting an array of live performances throughout the year.
Arena Stage
At 1101 Sixth Street SW, Washington, DC, Arena Stage is the largest not-for-profit theater in the area, showcasing an impressive range of performances from American classics to new play premieres. Recently completing a $135 million renovation, it has emerged as one of the largest theaters in the region.
Shakespeare Theatre Company
The Shakespeare Theatre Company operates from two venues: Harman Center for the Arts at 610 F Street NW and Lansburgh Theatre at 450 7th Street NW, Washington, DC. The company produces eight mainstage plays annually in its centrally located theaters, contributing significantly to the vibrant arts scene in D.C.
Studio Theatre
Located at 1501 14th St. NW, Washington, DC, this smaller theater presents a rich array of plays by some of the world’s greatest contemporary playwrights. Being close to Dupont Circle, it provides an intimate setting for exquisite performances.
Atlas Performing Arts Center
Located at 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC, the Atlas Performing Arts Center is housed in a historic movie theater. It is home to a variety of locally renowned theater and dance companies, symphony orchestras, choral groups, and provides arts education programs. Being the artistic anchor in the thriving H Street corridor, the Atlas is deeply committed to its neighborhood and the arts community.
