The Anacostia Playhouse is a community oriented performing arts organization dedicated to making the production and consumption of theater more widely accessible in Ward 8. Founded in 2013 as a continuation of the H Street Playhouse, the Anacostia Playhouse takes great pride in its established history of providing accessible performing arts opportunities with a strong community focus to a historically under-served part of Washington, DC. Without an affordable space to rehearse and perform, our partners—many of whom are also our neighbors—would not be able to share their artistic expressions and resonant messages.

In a similar vein, we are committed to keeping admission prices to our productions, classes, and workshops free or pay-what-you-can to remove as many financial obstacles to the production and consumption of theater (which can be so overwhelming here in Ward 8). Furthermore, we consider it to be likewise integral to our mission to support the local artistic economy by paying our employees and contractors a living wage. We at Anacostia Playhouse endeavor to build meaningful connections and provide affordable opportunities to engage with the performing arts for everyone East of the Anacostia River and beyond.

UPCOMING MAIN STAGE PROGRAMS

PREVIEW – April 19, 2023 – “NIGHT MOTHER – By Marsha Norman
On a seemingly normal evening, we meet Thelma Cates, an aging mother and widow, who lives with her daughter, Jessie. When Jessie confesses she plans to kill herself with her father’s old revolver, the two build a bond that changes their lives forever.

NEW VOICES NEW WORKS
Anacostia Playhouse’s annual new works series. is seeking new and non-produced 10-minute plays for its annual new works series. Selected playwrights will have the opportunity to work with a professional director and actors to prepare their 10-minute plays for a staged reading. This year’s theme is “Love will make you do right/make you do wrong.”

PREVIEW – July 5, 2023 – BREAKTHROUGH – By Verna Craighead Green
Breakthrough is a contemporary Gospel musical production about a young man who must decide between the draw of the church and the draw of the streets. Pablo’s journey of misfortune and hijinx with his crew leads him down the path of self-discovery. He ultimately must face the consequence of his choices. Will he make the right decision?