News Room

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

‘Angels in America’ is back in freshly provocative, exhilarating form

“a MUST-SEE production of a classic…the BEST kind of theatre, in the most REVELATORY of ways”

“ASTONISHING and BEAUTIFUL production… [Szász] has found a fascinating lens through which to tell [the play’s] stories”

Breathtaking and prophetic ‘Angels in America’ takes flight at Arena

“Szász’s Angels magnifies the line between reality and fantasy that lies at the heart of Kushner’s play”

Gay actor went after role in ‘Angels in America’ like a bloodhound

APRIL 2023 TOP PICKS

Stars of The High Ground visit FOX 5 Morning

"There's something special happening in the Kogod Cradle Theatre at Arena Stage from now until early April."

A playwright grapples with the legacy of the Tulsa Race Massacre

TOP 5 SHOWS OF THE WEEK

Phillip James Brannon and Nehassaiu deGannes talk The High Ground

"There’s still time to travel to Tulsa’s past in The High Ground at Arena Stage."

“70-minute meditation on love, loss, and the turbulence of unresolved racial animus”

“a BEAUTIFULLY, WELL-EXECUTED production…STELLAR performances…
the audience is immediately pulled into the narrative”

“And Sandberg-Zakian’s pair of actors certainly breathe admirable life into Davis’s construct.”

‘The High Ground’ at Arena Stage finds timeless love story in Tulsa Race Massacre

“For Brannon, maintaining the combative persona of the anxiety-plagued soldier still capable of love, it is a brilliant achievement.

“love emerges as the hopeful, yet hesitant, victor in many ways”

Retelling Of Tulsa Race Massacre Takes Center Stage In ‘The High Ground’

9 Ways You Can Still Honor Black History Month In D.C.

10 Theater Shows Worth Seeing This Winter

The best things to do in the D.C. area

"A new stage play narrates the history of the the Tulsa race massacre in a setting 100 years after the horrific event took place."

Evocative, Award-Winning Play The High Ground Opens at Arena Stage

2023 Spring Performing Arts Preview

February Theater Preview: Shows To See Around D.C. This Month

Phillip James Brannon to Star in The High Ground at Arena Stage

The Weekend Scene: 15+ Things to Do Around DC

Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in Washington, DC

“ingeniously dark and funny musical”

“Go see it! Join the enthralled cult!”

“EXHILIRATING…a MUST-SEE for musical theatre fans”

Why Gen Z Loves Ride The Cyclone

“It’s a bit like American Idol meets The Breakfast Club”

Best Best: The Jokes are Fast and Funny in Arena Stage’s “Ride the Cyclone”

How bills restricting drag could impact high school theatre productions

“a captivating charmer”

TOP 5 SHOWS OF THE WEEK

“Arena’s macabre Ride the Cyclone offers laughs, magic, and amusement”

The Weekend Scene

2023 Spring Performing Arts Preview

February Theater Preview: Shows To See Around D.C. This Month

Photos & Video: First Look at RIDE THE CYCLONE DC Premiere at Arena Stage

Nick Martínez representa a las comunidades latinas y LGBT en Ride The Cyclone

“the audience had a blast”

“90 minutes of raucous laughter, clever songs, and poignant moments”

Best Things to Do in the DC Area: Rock the Rink, “Ride the Cyclone,” and “I Dream a World” exhibit

Six die in ‘Ride the Cyclone,’ then must plead to live again

Get Out There: Valentine’s Day plans for all

Ride the Cyclone at Arena Stage follows teens in purgatory after roller coaster crash

Arena Stage Presents Cult-Fave, Ride the Cyclone

“this whirlwind ride delivers laughter and delight”

Weekend Roundup: “Ride the Cyclone” blends humor, tragedy and pure enchantment.

“fascinating, immersive…theatrical experience”

"Arena Stage hosts an anti-prom with music, dancing, and beginner swing dance lessons..."

“Arena Stage delivers yet another powerhouse musical staging”

‘Ride the Cyclone’ is a carnival of a cult musical at Arena Stage

10 Theater Shows Worth Seeing This Winter

“a delightfully odd, energetic feast for your eyes, ears, and heart”

January Theater Is Here: Catch These Shows Around D.C. This Month

"the musical with a growing cult following, uses props from the playhouse’s past productions"

15 Virtual And IRL Things To Do Around D.C. This Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend

JANUARY TOP PICKS

12 Local Theater Performances We’re Excited For In 2023 

See who will Ride the Cyclone at Arena Stage

HOLIDAY TOP PICKS

A sneak peek of Step Afrika!'s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show at Arena Stage

Step Afrika! performs sneak peek of holiday step show

Arena Stage Rings in Holidays with Step Afrika! (Pg. 11)

Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show’ dazzles at Arena Stage

Step Afrika! Holiday Show Brings Soulful Seasonal Cheer

Don’t miss these holiday shows

Fun Things to Do! December 12-15

The Weekend Scene: 10+ More Things to Do Around DC 

Hoiliday Concerts, Markets, Festivals and Events in the D.C. Area

What to do this weekend for the holidays in DC, Maryland and Virginia

The best things to do in the D.C. area

15 Virtual And IRL Things To Do Around D.C. This Weekend

December entertainment guide 2022

Step Afrika! performs ‘Magical Musical Holiday Step Show’ at Arena Stage

Here Are 28 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays Around D.C

Holiday Shows for Kids Near DC in 2022

Catch These Shows Opening Around D.C. In December

55 Activities to Check Off Your Holiday Bucket List This Season

A holiday-by-day guide to festive fun in D.C

Best Things to Do in the DC Area: Step Afrika!’s Holiday Show

‘My Body/No Choice’ readings set at CMU

Women speak out about bodily integrity in ‘My Body No Choice’

Arena Stage’s Molly Smith Reflects On Choice, Retirement, And Her Final act Of Theatrical Protest

Must-see production offers forum where women react to Roe

Fountain Theatre Gives Women A Voice With Free Readings of MY BODY, NO CHOICE

My Body No Choice: taking the fight for abortion rights to the stage

Brave voices raise consciousness in ‘My Body No Choice’ at Arena Stage

MY BODY NO CHOICE Rallies Cries of Resistance at Arena Stage

As America votes, abortion rights take center stage at a D.C. theater

To Do in D.C. 10.20-10.23: My Body No Choice at Arena Stage

Beginning October 20, Arena Stage's My Body No Choice Features Monologues From 8 Female Playwrights

Best bets for October: Molly Smith’s last directorial venture for Arena Stage

MY BODY NO CHOICE Presented By 8 Valley Theatres Pre-Election

'My Body No Choice' eight monologues protesting Roe v. Wade's end

October 25th performance of My Body No Choice at Edmonds College

Radial Theater Project Presents MY BODY NO CHOICE: A Free Reading, October 24

How one D.C. theater is advocating for abortion rights

'My Body No Choice' — Arena Stage advocates for reproductive rights

‘My Body No Choice’ to be Molly Smith’s last show as artistic director at Arena

Washington DC’s October Top 10

Black Women Lead: From the Stage to the Streets

Arena Stage Announces Longtime Leader Molly Smith’s Final Show

Fall Arts Preview 2022: My Body No Choice at Arena Stage

October entertainment guide 2022: My Body No Choice at Arena Stage

Theater Season In Full Swing: Catch These Shows Opening Around D.C. In October

Arena Stage's My Body No Choice to Feature Monologues by Sarah Ruhl, Dael Orlandersmith, V, and More

A diverse fall theater season underway in D.C.

This fall, theaters whet our appetites with an impressive buffet

Playwright Martyna Majok on finding hope in impossible situations

Arena Stage presents immigration play ‘Sanctuary City’ about teen DREAMers

“...powerful and important perspective on immigration that EVERYONE SHOULD SEE”

“SPELLBINDS … will hold you on the EDGE OF YOUR SEAT”

‘Sanctuary City’ puts human faces to strife of undocumented immigrants

“Martyna Majok’s Sanctuary City pulls no punches.”

October entertainment guide 2022: Sanctuary City at Arena Stage

Theater Season In Full Swing: Catch These Shows Opening Around D.C. In October

Fall Arts Preview 2022: Sanctuary City at Arena Stage

“VERY GOOD-LOOKING show”

“LAVISHLY appointed and acted production”

“PARTY like it's 1928! … Arena hits the play’s HIGH NOTES”

“a HANDSOME, CHARMING … and quite MOVING production"

Interview: Theatre Life with Lance Pennington

Washington DC’s October Top 10

Arena Stage revives Broadway classic 'Holiday' for special run

Best Things to Do in the D.C. Area

Southwest Resident Anita Maynard-Losh to Direct Holiday at Arena Stage

Fall Arts Preview 2022: Holiday at Arena Stage

October entertainment guide 2022: Holiday at Arena Stage

Theater Season In Full Swing: Catch These Shows Opening Around D.C. In October

A diverse fall theater season underway in D.C.

September ArtsWatch: Arena Stage Announces Cast for “Holiday” 

2022 Fall Arts Guide: Holiday at Arena Stage

Live Entertainment Line-Up Around DC this Fall

“[Douglass’] words ring forth with SCALDING POWER”

In beguiling ‘American Prophet,’ Frederick Douglass lets freedom sing

Frederick Douglass gets the Hamilton treatment with new musical

American Prophet: Frederick Douglass in His Own Words Completes World Premiere at Arena Stage August 28

American Prophet Closes

Detroit actor from 'Scandal' stars as Frederick Douglass in musical with Broadway potential

Things to Do in the DC Area 8/22-8/28: Last Chance to See "American Prophet"

Baltimore Backstage: Frederick Douglass musical resonates

Tisch Alumni Spotlight: How Cornelius Smith Jr. ’07 Found His Voice as Frederick Douglass

The woman who freed Frederick Douglass: a Q&A with Kristolyn Lloyd

‘Bless the Broken Road’ that led Marcus Hummon to ‘American Prophet’

Cornelius Smith Jr. on His Hopes to Bring ‘American Prophet’ to Broadway

Musical Of Frederick Douglass’ Life Hits The Stage

Is This Musical About Frederick Douglass The Next Big Broadway Hit To Get Its Start In D.C.?

Move Over Hamilton. Nashville’s Marcus Hummon Brings Frederick Douglass to the Stage

Rousuck's Review: "American Prophet" at Arena Stage in DC

Interview with Cast of "American Prophet" at Arena Stage

“a theatrical experience truly breathtaking and wonderful”

August Theatre Picks

AMERICAN PROPHET & More Lead Washington DC's August Top Picks

"American Prophet is Must-See Tribute To Great Orator"

“If you only see one show this summer, make it 'American Prophet.'”

“HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL melodies … POWERFUL acting”

Grammy Winner Pens Original Songs for Arena Production

Arena’s ‘American Prophet’: Majestic, Mesmerizing – A Tour de Force

"A provocative and inspiring new musical"

New musical honors Frederick Douglass’ life and writings

Charles Randolph-Wright speaks with Allison Keyes

Unforgettably powerful ‘American Prophet’ is on fire at Arena

First Look at American Prophet: Frederick Douglass in His Own Words at Arena Stage

World Premiere of American Prophet: Frederick Douglass in His Own Words Opens July 28

Cornelius Smith Jr. on Spending Five Days at Memorial and Becoming an American Prophet

Weekend Round Up, July 28 – 31: "American Prophet" at Arena Stage

Frederick Douglass Musical ‘American Prophet' Premieres at DC's Arena Stage

Thanks to a new musical, Frederick Douglass dances into pop culture

Arena Stage premieres musical based on Frederick Douglass’ life

Photos & Video: See Cornelius Smith Jr. & More in Rehearsals for the World Premiere of American Prophet at Arena Stage

Three Shows to Catch in Washington, DC this Summer

The best things to do in the D.C. area the week of July 14-20

Things to Do in DC, From Family-Friendly to Offbeat

Arena Stage Presents “American Prophet”

Kristolyn Lloyd, Cornelius Smith Jr., More to Star in World Premiere of American Prophet: Frederick Douglass in His Own Words

Cornelius Smith Jr. and Kristolyn Lloyd ready for world premiere of 'American Prophet'

World-Premiere Frederick Douglass Musical American Prophet Announces Cast

Summer Theater for all Ages

Playwright Charles Randolph-Wright Shines Spotlight on Frederick Douglass in Arena Stage World Premiere

'American Prophet' stars talk Frederick Douglass, premiering at Arena Stage