News Room

Hana S. Sharif Makes History as First Black Artistic Director for Arena Stage

Hana S. Sharif Lands Her Dream Job at Arena Stage

The 16 best theaters in the D.C. area to catch a play

Arena Stage welcomes first Black artistic director

Artswatch: Arena Stage’s New Director, Atlantic Festival Returns, Latest on Folger

Artistic Director of Arena Stage Hana S. Sharif Talks the State of Theatre in D.C.

Meet Arena Stage's New Artistic Director

Arena Stage Reveals Senior Leadership Team Promotions

Hana S. Sharif is named as Arena Stage’s next artistic director

Hana Sharif Named Arena Stage’s Next Artistic Director

Rep’s artistic director Hana S. Sharif is stepping down

Arena Stage Names Hana Sharif Its Next Artistic Director

Hana Sharif steps down as Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ artistic director after 5 years

Arena Stage names Hana Sharif as its new artistic director

Hana Sharif Named Artistic Director of Arena Stage

Arena Stage Names Hana Sharif as New Artistic Director

Hana Sharif Will Step Down as Artistic Director Of The Rep

Arena Stage’s artistic director looks back on a quarter century of programming for the unique community that comprises the nation’s capital.

Hear from Molly Smith, the outgoing Artistic Director of Arena Stage, the first desegregated theater in Washington, D.C.

After 25 Years of Shaping Southwest Theater, Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith Set to Step Aside

April Fool's Day 2023: D.C.'s Arena Stage did not name a corgi named Pickles to its leadership team.

This Month in Theatre History: Arena Stage's tour of the Soviet Union

Calendar: Play Readings, Workshops, and Theater Events in the DMV

Editor’s Pick: Molly’s Salon at Arena Stage

Molly’s Salons are back — now live at Arena Stage

Rethinking Theater Criticism Conference Planned for Washington D.C. This Month

2023 Helen Hayes Nominations Announced; 37th Awards Show Returns Live at Anthem May 22

Artists Who Inspire! #7: Mauricio Pita

Regional Theaters Need Your Support Now

For the Love of D.C.: 2022 Culture + Music Picks

College Of Fellows Welcomes New Members: Speaker for 2023 is Molly Smith

10 Things To Do In D.C. (That Aren't Historic)

DC Theatre Week Offers Discounted Tickets

March on Washington Film Festival celebrates 10th anniversary in DC

Across the U.S., regional theaters are starting to transform. Here's why

Offscript: Molly Smith and the Next Revolution

A Wide-Ranging Exit Interview With Arena Stage’s Molly Smith

Molly Smith Reflects on 25 Years with Arena Stage

Americana exceptionalism: Perseverance Theatre founder Molly Smith to retire from Arena Stage in Washington, D.C.

Molly Smith announces an exit after 25 years leading Arena Stage

Arena Stage announces 2022/23 season, Molly Smith’s 25th as artistic director

World Premiere of AMERICAN PROPHET & More Announced for Arena Stage 2022-2023 Season

Ride the Cyclone, Angels in America In the Round, More Part of D.C.'s Arena Stage 2022-2023 Season

Edgerton Foundation New Play Awards Announce Second Round of 2021-22 Recipients

D.C.’s Women Cultural Leaders Speak Out

Taking Risks is Part of Camp Experience

From Alaska to Washington DC – Theatre Director Molly Smith Has Seen it All

Associate Artistic Director Teresa Sapien speaks with WPFW about Arena's 2021/22 Season.

Watch the video interview: 5 Questions with Artistic Director Molly Smith

Shonali Burke named Chief Marketing Officer of Arena Stage

Teresa Sapien named Associate Artistic Director of Arena Stage

May Adrales honored with Andrew R. Ammerman Directing Award

Arena Stage roars back: Molly Smith on resuming live performances

13 D.C. area theaters will require audiences to prove they're vaccinated 

Hear how youth feel about the pandemic in Waiting Room from Arena Stage

Hear voices of Generation COVID-19 in Waiting Room from Arena

Fairfax students shine in Arena's Waiting Room 

Arena Stage announces robust lineup for September reopening 

Local theaters rebound: reckoning and reinvention in a pandemic

Arena Stage remembers Martha Knight Clements, stage manager extraordinaire

Arena Stage premieres Waiting Room: A New Film by Voices of Now Ensembles

Arena Stage announces three-year partnership with Step Afrika! 

Editor’s Pick: Molly’s Salon at Arena Stage

A romantic mystery that spans a century

Interview: Daniel Goldstein, Lora Lee Gayer, and Adam Chanler-Berat Give More Life to Unknown Soldier

“the memory musical unfolds with the delicacy of an heirloom music box”

Nehal Joshi on his hilarious vaudevillian romp in ‘Unknown Soldier’

“Goldstein and Friedman perfectly capture the uncertain certainty of collective and personal memories, daring the audience to figure out the “right” answers to what happened"

“take some tissues when you see it for yourself”

“Goldstein and Friedman have created a rapturous score that ranges from humorous to heartbreaking”

Lora Lee Gayer, Daniel Goldstein & Peter Leigh-Nilsen perform “Milkshake” from the musical Unknown Soldier

Arena Stage presents: Unknown Soldier

Springfield youngster makes professional debut at Arena Stage

‘A Quick 5’ with Ronald Joe Williams, Actor in ‘Unknown Soldier’ at Arena Stage

UNKNOWN SOLIDER & More Lead Washington, DC's April 2024 Top Theatre Shows

Video: In Rehearsal with Judy Kuhn for UNKNOWN SOLDIER

D.C.’s spring theater scene offers ‘Macbeth,’ ‘Peter Pan,’ Sedaris and more

2024 Spring Arts Guide: Unknown Soldier, March 29 through May 5

Photos/Video: Behind the Scenes of Arena Stage's UNKNOWN SOLDIER

The most promising theater to see in D.C. and N.Y. this spring

Lora Lee Gayer, Adam Chanler-Berat, Judy Kuhn to Star in Unknown Soldier at Arena Stage

Judy Kuhn, Kerstin Anderson, Perry Sherman & More to Star in UNKNOWN SOLDIER D.C. Premiere

Play about education luminary Anna Julia Cooper debuts at Arena Stage

“powerful new work gives Cooper the Mount Rushmore treatment she so richly deserves”

Equal Access to Education at the Core of Arena Stage Production of ‘Tempestuous Elements’

At Arena Stage, a Hidden DC Figure Comes to Life

Interview: Theatre Life with Psalmayene 24

Anna Julia Cooper’s Courageous Revolt: The History Behind ‘Tempestuous Elements’ at Arena Stage

‘It’s time for a celebration of Black women’: Psalmayene 24 on directing ‘Tempestuous Elements’ at Arena Stage

With Tempestuous Elements, D.C. Trailblazer Anna Julia Cooper Gets Her Flowers

Theater Night: Transformation and Change

CTV News: Interview with Kelly Renee Armstrong

Arena Stage world premiere unveils the tumultuous journey of a Black woman principal in DC

WGI Mentor Kia Corthron has two new shows

Dim sum, tea, art shows, and other D.C. Women's History Month events

“play about brilliant educator Anna Cooper provides a much-needed history lesson”

"In Director Psalmayene 24’s hands, [Kia] Corthron’s play is an historical document to be treasured and studied"

An extraordinary woman in the eye of the storm in ‘Tempestuous Elements’ at Arena Stage

"Playwright Corthron captures Cooper’s passion and compassion, infusing many of the scenes with subtle humor." 

‘A Quick 5’ with Jasmine Joy, Actor in ‘Tempestuous Elements’ at Arena Stage

SEE IT: “Tempestuous Elements” is an enthralling local history lesson all should experience

In Its World Premiere, ‘Tempestuous Elements’ Shines Brightly at Arena Stage

Onstage, Alexandria: March 2024

Tony Thomas brings ‘Tempestuous Elements’ to DC

Photos: First Look at Gina Daniels in TEMPESTUOUS ELEMENTS at Arena Stage

The Most Important Black Educator You've Never Heard Of

Onstage, Georgetown: March Into These Shows

Cast and Creative Team Set for Arena Stage's World Premiere of Tempestuous Elements

Cast and Creative Team Set for TEMPESTUOUS ELEMENTS World Premiere at Arena Stage

‘Mindplay’ reads minds of audiences at Arena Stage

“NOT TO BE MISSED…Mindplay reminds us that theatre is magic, and magic is theatre”

“Mindplay will play with your mind…as well as preoccupy it for several days thereafter”

“delights through stagecraft and audience-assisted mentalism”

Escaping into Imagination with ‘Mindplay’ at Arena Stage

“transforms audience members into co-creators” 

“IMPRESSIVE…ARRESTING…MEMORABLE…weaves together a mentalist performance with a one-man show about DePonto’s own life and, of course, his mind”

“CAPTIVATING…DePonto takes the audience on a guided tour of the mind and how it works”

Mindplay, Cowboy Bebop, and More Best Bets for Jan. 18–24

Arena Stage reveals ‘Mindplay,’ a surprise addition to 2023/24 season

Vinny DePonto's MINDPLAY Added to Arena Stage's 2023/24 Season

Arena Stage’s ‘Swept Away,’ ‘Angels in America’ top Helen Hayes nominations

Helen Hayes Award nominations ‘swept away’ by Arena Stage in battle of best local theater

Truth, forgiveness: 'Swept Away' is a theatrical vessel for Avett Bros' music

Tuneful and tragic, Swept Away looks to be the latest Arena Stage musical to graduate to Broadway.

Episode 24: Swept Away with Adrian Blake Enscoe

With Musical Swept Away, The Avett Brothers Chart New Waters

Avett Brothers-Inspired Musical Swept Away Hoists Enthralling Sails

The Avett Brothers’ Songs Get Theatrical Treatment in ‘Swept Away’

The stars of the Avett Brothers musical ‘Swept Away’ embrace their emotional journey

"Swept Away" sweeps audiences off their feet at Arena Stage

Watch: Get Swept Away With the New Avett Brothers Musical at Arena Stage

Set Sail with the Swept Away Cast on Opening Night

A striking 'Swept Away’ lands at Arena Stage

“Swept Away” Washes Ashore at Arena Stage

“TRANSFIXING NEW MUSICAL…waves of roots rock and soulful introspection
come crashing one after the other”

Photos: Go Inside Opening Night of The Avett Brothers Musical SWEPT AWAY at Arena Stage

“SEE WORTHY…The Avett Brothers’ roots rock translates beautifully
to the stage in the new musical adventure”

“...with ELITE TALENT across the board, a TRULY STUNNING score, and a MASTERFUL set, Swept Away has tremendous potential as a production with an eye for Broadway”

"AWESOME, in the fullest sense of the word…"

“Gallagher, Duvall, Sands and Enscoe are careful stewards of the Avett Brothers’ beloved songs…their four voices blend remarkably well in group numbers and soar in solo turns.” 

Interview: Chris Miller and Brian Usifer On Orchestrating The Avett Brothers For The Stage

“DELIVERS MASTERFUL THEATRE…you may find yourself swept away”

"DEEPLY EMOTIONAL story…powered by RICHLY MELODIC score…"

“DARING and ORIGINAL, CHALLENGING and THOUGHT-PROVOKING…
Swept Away is one of the most stunning pieces of theatre that I’ve ever seen”

"...a RESOUNDING SUCCESS, featuring can’t-miss acting, an intrepid, tragic book, and jaw-dropping production effects"

“For the entirety of its 90 minutes, I was gripped by its stunningly distilled storytelling..."

Photos: Get a 1st Look at Avett Brothers Musical Swept Away, Opening December 6 at Arena Stage

Will Swept Away Rock John Gallagher Jr. and Michael Mayer Back to Broadway?

An Avett Brothers musical is testing the waters. Next stop: Broadway?

Is an Avett Brothers Musical in Broadway’s Future?

Avett Brothers Musical Swept Away Starts at Arena Stage November 25

The 36 best things to do in D.C. this weekend and next week

Weekend Roundup: Get “Swept Away” at Arena Stage

Photos: Go Inside the First Rehearsal for SWEPT AWAY at Arena Stage

Musicals, Plays and Festivals to Take In This Fall and Spring

2023 Fall Arts Guide: Swept Away, opens Nov. 25

See Who's Starring in Avett Brothers Musical Swept Away at Arena Stage

Avett Brothers Musical Swept Away Unveils Key Art From Rock Poster Artist Ken Taylor

Full Cast & Creative Team Set for The Avett Brothers' SWEPT AWAY at Arena Stage

Theatre News: Mother Play, Harmony, Hadestown, On the Flip Side, Baked and Swept Away

Full Cast and Creative Team Announced for Avett Brothers Musical Swept Away

Momentum builds for East Coast debut of The Avett Brothers musical ‘Swept Away’

Broadway-Aimed Avett Brothers Musical ‘Swept Away’ Sets Washington D.C. Cast

John Gallagher Jr., Stark Sands to Lead Swept Away at Arena Stage

‘SWEPT AWAY’ SAILS INTO ARENA STAGE THIS FALL

LIVING LOCAL DMV: Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show

"It is, indeed, a magical and musical holiday celebration that has become a holiday tradition to many in the Washington area."

"Step Afrika!’s unique fusion of stepping, dance, a celebration of rhythm, culture, and joy, left me full of holiday spirit."

"Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show...sets a high standard for all holiday pieces."

"The Peppermint Candies was robbed! At least that’s my opinion of the MC’s decision in The Arctic Step Challenge." 

11 Holiday Concerts and Shows to See in the DC Area

Holiday shows to enjoy with your kids

11 Holiday Concerts And Shows To Catch Around D.C. This Season

Things to Do, DMV: Weekend Rundown, Dec. 7-10

Step Out for Step Afrika’s Magical Music Holiday Step Show

The votes have been tabulated. ‘POTUS’ at Arena Stage is a winner.

‘POTUS’ playwright talks profanity and the patriarchy

“Arena’s production of POTUS is, in a word, outstanding.”

Director Margot Bordelon on ‘POTUS,’ the bawdy feminist farce at Arena Stage

POTUS sucker-punches the patriarchy by pairing profane comedy with sharp social critique

POTUS Is a Madcap Romp With Seven Stars

"A rollicking ‘POTUS’ kicks dumbass at Arena Stage"

Fast on its feet, and furiously funny, Arena's "POTUS" offers a wild time at the White House, powered by women.

“the cast is up to the task and never misses a beat”

Powerful Women Take Center Stage in ‘POTUS’ at Arena Stage

'POTUS' now playing at Arena Stage

‘POTUS’ a brash, ballsy farce performed by all-female cast

Arena Stage's "POTUS" Just Might Be the Political Catharsis You Need

"Of course, performing a political play in the nation’s capital makes it extra special."

Get into the spirit of Election Day with “POTUS”

Arena Stage Announces Cast and Creative Team for POTUS

Photos: First Look at the Cast in Rehearsal For POTUS at Arena Stage

11 D.C.-Area Theater Performances We’re Excited For This Fall

Local theater scene prepares for a season to remember

Arena Stage Reveals Cast for POTUS

10 Musicals and Plays to See in the DC Area This Fall

“Lauren Yee’s play provides a long-silenced soundtrack for a country still recovering from historical violence”

Interview: Theatre Life with Francis Jue

Quiz: How Well Do You Know CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND?

SEE IT: A resonant “Cambodian Rock Band” strikes the right chords

“COMPELLING…LUMINOUS…the cast is uniformly excellent”

Video: Meet the Cast of CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND at Arena Stage

“WORTH THE WAIT.”

Photos: First Look at CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND at Arena Stage

Lauren Yee's Cambodian Rock Band Begins at Arena Stage July 19

“ASTONISHING…TRANSCENDENT…a remembrance of family and social history that turns into an exorcism of past evils, all to the spirited sound of Cambodian rock music performed live”

“[Lauren Yee] proves to be one of the foremost storytellers of this era”

“carefully-crafted characters and committed, authentic performances keep the audience involved” 

‘Cambodian Rock Band’ melds horror with a rock concert

Arena Stage’s “Cambodian Rock Band” Fuses Live Music + Theatre for Healing Survivors’ Tale

10 Great Things to Do in DC This July

Brooke Ishibashi, Abraham Kim & More to Star in CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND at Arena Stage

Joe Ngo, Brooke Ishibashi, Francis Jue, Abraham Kim, Tim Liu, Jane Lui and More Set for Lauren Yee’s CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND at Arena Stage