Committed to our values of artistry, inclusion, company, stewardship, and boldness, Studio produces contemporary plays that start conversations and forge connections. Whether it’s through the work on our stages, engaging with our community, hosting high school students for free performances, or training the next generation of arts professionals, Studio strives to be a welcoming artistic home for all and a cultural hub for our city.
Help generate positive impact throughout our community: Join fellow theatregoers who believe in the power of theatre and join one of Studio’s Giving Circles today. As giving Circle participants, here are programs where donations significantly help boost Studio’s achievement:
Studio is known for its acclaimed productions featuring quality playwriting, acting, and design. Each season, Studio produces six plays, offering a repertoire of provocative new and contemporary playwriting and inventive stagings of modern classics. Each season, Studio holds over 300 performances, reaching over 65,000 people. These productions show the range of voices and styles that reflect the best of contemporary theatre. Studio is defining a new era of programming as we explore the flexibility of the newly redesigned Victor Shargai Theatre and return to producing work in Stage 4.
PRODUCTION HISTORY
Studio invests in the creation of new work from its inception to production with commissions for both writers and directors. On average there are between six and 10 active commissions at one time. Since 2011, when Studio began incorporating new plays into our artistic programming, we have commissioned 20 artists and premiered 14 new plays.
Recent highlights include the Studio commissioned play GOOD BONES by James Ijames. The season before, Kimberly Belflower’s John Proctor is the Villain, which premiered in 2022, won the Hayes award for Outstanding Production at the 2023 Helen Hayes Awards. Last season, Studio produced the world premiere of Julia May Jonas’ Problems Between Sisters.
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At Studio Theatre community engagement takes many forms, all of which are grounded in our values of inclusion and stewardship. These efforts include a wide range of discounted tickets for patrons who identify as first responders, educators, students, military, and theatre makers.
Studio fosters connections that build bridges between theatre and education, service, and support groups. Recent partnerships include Duke Ellington High School, Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, N Street Village, Whitman Walker Health, and SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders).
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Each year Studio holds dedicated performances for students through our Student Matinee program. DC public high school classes can access free tickets and transportation for the mid-week matinee. The matinees aim to develop social and emotional learning skills, provide access to intimate and live contemporary theatre, and foster an appreciation for the arts. Alongside the performances, Studio works with an arts education specialist to create a curriculum guide, aligned with local and national education standards, as an educational resource for teachers and students.
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Studio’s Fellows in Residence program is the most comprehensive of its kind in the DMV region. Each season, Studio recruits 10 fellows who receive full-time seasonal employment that includes an entry-level salary, benefits and housing. Fellows gain on-the-job training within the theatre’s artistic, administrative, and production departments.
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Look back at the work and impact of Studio Theatre in the 22-23 season.