Your Trip to Washington, D.C.: The Complete Guide SEE FULL GUIDE prev next Live Music Where to Shop Annual Events Best Restaurants Family-Friendly Restaurants Top Bars Nightlife Guide Best Breweries Best Time to Visit Weather & Climate Washington, D.C. Airports Best Hotels Neighborhoods to Know Public Transportation 48-Hour Itinerary Weekend Getaways The Best D.C. Tours Top Things to Do Free Things to Do Things to Do With Kids Where to Ski Near D.C. Beaches Near D.C. Camping Near D.C. Best Parks Top Museums Theater Guide Your Trip to Washington, D.C.: The Complete Guide close Overview United States Washington, D.C. Washington DC Theater - Venues for Plays, Music & Dance Written by Rachel Cooper Facebook Twitter Linkedin Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 25 years. She is also the author of several books covering the capital and mid-Atlantic regions. Tripsavvy's Editorial Guidelines Rachel Cooper Updated 05/17/19 Share Pin Email The Washington DC theater scene has been expanding in recent years. There are dozens of places around the region to see a wide range of live theatrical performances. Here is a guide to the leading performing arts venues providing the hottest Broadway shows, music, dance, and more. 01 of 08 John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Hisham Ibrahim/Getty Images 2700 F. St. NW, Washington, DC. The premier theater is the home to the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington Opera, Washington Ballet and American Film Institute. Performances include theater, musicals, dance, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular, & folk music; youth and family programs and multi-media shows. 02 of 08 National Theatre Photo courtesy of the National Theatre 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC. The 1,676-seat Federal-style theater is the oldest playhouse in the United States and has operated in the same location since 1835. The National Theatre offers Broadway-level plays and musicals, Saturday-morning children's theater and Monday-night showcases of local performers. 03 of 08 Warner Theatre Paul Morigi/Getty Images 513 13th Street, NW Washington, DC. The theater is located in the heart of Washington, DC, a few blocks from the White House. Performances include comedies, dramas, musicals and more. 04 of 08 Ford's Theatre Photo by Maxwell MacKenzie 10th and E Streets, NW Washington, DC. The theater is a national historic landmark, the site where Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. On the second floor of Ford's Theatre, you can see the box seat where Lincoln was sitting when he was killed. On the lower level, the Ford's Theatre Museum displays exhibits about Lincoln’s life and explains the circumstances of his tragic death. A variety of live theatrical performances is available throughout the year. Continue to 5 of 8 below. 05 of 08 Arena Stage photo by Nic Lehoux courtesy of Bing Thom Architects 1101 Sixth Street SW Washington, DC. The largest of the Washington, DC area's not-for-profit theaters, features a range of performances from American classics to premieres of new plays. The theater recently completed a $135 million renovation and is now one of the largest theaters in the region. 06 of 08 Shakespeare Theatre Company Daniel Lobo Harman Center for the Arts, 610 F Street NW Washington, DCLansburgh Theatre, 450 7th Street NW Washington, DCThe Shakespeare Theatre Company produces eight mainstage plays annually in its two downtown theaters. 07 of 08 Studio Theatre Thisisbossi 1501 14th St. NW Washington, DC. This smaller theater offers a broad range of plays by some of the world's greatest contemporary playwrights. Located near Dupont Circle in Washington, DC. 08 of 08 Atlas Performing Arts Center Joe Long 1333 H Street NE Washington, DC. Housed in a historic movie theater, the performing arts center is home to a diverse group of locally renowned theater and dance companies, symphony orchestras, choral groups, and arts education programs. As the artistic anchor in the thriving H Street corridor, the Atlas is committed to its neighborhood and arts community. Live Music in D.C. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit