Ever wondered who’s behind the productions you’ve enjoyed in Washington-area theaters? Join local guide Lynn O’Connell for a unique exploration of the vibrant local theater scene as you spend a day with leaders at five notable companies.
Begin at Studio Theatre, a 14th Street landmark, by meeting Danilo Gambini, the company’s new associate artistic director. He discusses Studio’s upcoming productions and how he is planning to contribute to Studio’s future, as well as his fascinating background as a theater, musicals, and opera director in Brazil.
Head to Bethesda’s Round House Theatre where Ryan Rilette, artistic director, previews what to expect on stage in the coming months. After a boxed lunch at the theater, step onto the set of The Mountaintop, Round House’s fall production, and learn about Rilette’s directorial approach to last year’s Helen Hayes Award–winning production of “We declare you a terrorist …”
The afternoon kicks off with a backstage tour at 1st Stage Tysons, where Alex Levy, artistic and executive director, shares his plans to direct Shutter Sisters, opening in February. At Washington Stage Guild, catch some of a rehearsal for the upcoming production of Arms and the Man and hear from Bill Largess, WSG’s artistic director, and others about the show's concept and character creation and the rest of the company's diverse season offerings. Chats with Constellation Theatre’s Allison Arkell Stockman, founder and artistic director, and Anderson Wells, managing director, bring down the curtain on the day of theatre. Stockman offers perspectives on her direction of the recent shows Incognito and The School for Lies adapted by David Ives.
Recommended Program: If you are interested in this program, we recommend you consider registering for DC Theater Preview 2023-24, an online program on Monday, October 2.
Know Before You Go
- The tour departs by motorcoach from downtown Washington, DC with a designated secondary pick-up outside the city. Content delivered by the study leader on the way to the destination is an integral part of the study tour experience. Meeting the group once the tour is en route is discouraged.
- Tour participants meet at and leave by bus from the Holiday Inn Capitol at 550 C St., SW (corner of 6th and C Streets). No fringe pick-up.
General Information
- Registration for this tour will end by 2 p.m. ET on Friday, November 3, 2023.
- Smithsonian is a mask-friendly environment. Masks are strongly recommended to be worn on buses at all times and may also be required at various indoor sites.
- For additional tour information:
