The 2018–2019 season in Washington theatre is packed with plenty of excitement.

Arena Stage offers the world premiere of JQA, about the often-overlooked John Quincy Adams. One of the hottest and most surprising musicals from the recent Broadway season, The Band's Visit, arrives at the Kennedy Center. Separate Rooms by Washington playwright Joe Calarco debuts at 4615 Theatre, one of the area’s newest and most ambitious companies. Michael Kahn’s grand-finale season as artistic director at the Shakespeare Theatre Company includes the suggestively titled The Panties, the Partner, and the Profit by audience favorite David Ives. And those are just a few highlights.

With more than 80 professional companies in the area, how can theater fans really know what might be the hottest ticket in town, what’s worth the price, and what they might be able to skip? Turn to Lorraine Treanor, editor of DC Theatre Scene, Washington's liveliest theatre website. She’s ready to reveal what’s buzz-worthy in the new season, as well as the up-and-coming companies, directors, and artists to watch.