Arena Stage
1101 6th St SW, Washington, DC 20024 202-488-3300

Description: SOUTHWEST. This well-regarded theater presents a variety of productions that focus new and classic American plays. Performances take place on one of two stages ­ the 800-seat Fichandler or the 500-seat Kreeger. Each venue's particular ambience is conducive to the type of productions presented. The theater's reputation and work are stellar, and public readings of new plays are eagerly attended by local theater-goers. METRO: Waterfront-SEU
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DAR Constitution Hall
1776 D St NW, Washington, DC 20006 202-628-4780

Description: DOWNTOWN. This performance space was designed by John Russell Pope, the same man who designed the Jefferson Memorial. It's operated today by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and seats about 3700. Many popular artists have performed here in the past, including the Maria Callas, U2, the National Symphony Orchestra and Ella Fitzgerald. The building itself is comprised of three distinct sections ­ the concert hall, a museum, and the DAR national headquarters and library. DAR National Headquarters and METRO: Farragut North
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District of Columbia Arts Center
2438 18th St NW, between Belmont and Columbia Rds, Washington, DC 20009 202-462-7833

Description: ADAMS-MORGAN. This not-for-profit institution provides performance and exhibition space to emerging, innovative, and experimental groups and artists. The complex consists of a small gallery and a compact black box theater. Several different companies benefit from use of the spaces during the season. Dedicated and unpretentious, the center hosts concerts, plays, performance art pieces, poetry readings and art exhibits representing all sorts of media. The works may not be your standard offerings, but you'll definitely be challenged by them and amazed at the art that's possible on meager budgets. METRO: Woodley Park-Adams-Morgan
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Folger Shakespeare Library and Theatre
201 E Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003 202-544-4600

Description: CAPITOL HILL. Collections of rare paintings, books, manuscripts, and Shakespearean works are housed in this structure. Although research facilities are not open to the public, visitors may peruse the museum's constantly changing exhibits. The Grand Hall and Elizabethan Theatre host literary performances and concerts for all to enjoy. Guided tours of the building and the surrounding gardens are available. METRO: Capitol Hill or Union Station
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Ford's Theatre
511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 202-426-6924

Description: DOWNTOWN. [Closed for renovations until Feb 2009]. The tragic, nation-shaking assassination that occurred here on April 14, 1865, cemented this theater's historical status. Interested visitors can take a self-guided tour and follow the course John Wilkes Booth took to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln. Downstairs in the museum are the Derringer pistol that Booth used and the clothes that President Lincoln was wearing during the performance of "Our American Cousin."
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Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566 202-467-4600

Description: FOGGY BOTTOM. The Kennedy Center has several auditoriums that host opera, symphony, and ballet performances, as well as film screenings and plays. Free guided tours of the building detail the center's significance and its ties to JFK. Tours also provide guests the opportunity to visit the Hall of States, African Room, and other areas not open to the general public. Parking $17 for 2+ hours. If you're just going to the box office, be aware that the garage charges a refundable $15. Ticket prices vary from about $25 on up to $200+. METRO: Foggy Bottom
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Lincoln Theatre
1215 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009 202-328-6000

Description: U STREET. Constructed in the early 1920s, this building once hosted performances by Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Louis Armstrong and other African-American talents also frequented the stage until the theater closed in the 1970s. No completely refurbished, the venue is more popular than ever. The schedule of performances includes modern dance, film, theater, and many genres of music, from classical to jazz and R&B. Ticket prices vary widely. METRO: U Street/Cardoza
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Lisner Auditorium
730 21st St NW, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052 202-994-6800

Description: FOGGY BOTTOM. Cultural performances, children's shows, and comedy acts are examples of the entertainments hosted by this campus concert hall. You'll also find step shows, music festivals, and concerts by orchestras, bands, and individuals. The venue's 1500 seats are in close proximity to the stage, establishing a unique connection between audience and performers. Be aware that the box office accepts cash and checks only, no credit cards. Paid parking. METRO: Foggy Bottom/GWU.
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National Theatre
1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 202-628-6161

Description: DOWNTOWN. This historic theater, only blocks from the White House, is popular for its Broadway-style shows. Its intimate space and fantastic acoustics complement the abilities of talented performers and ensure that audiences will catch and enjoy every word and song. If you adore large scale musical productions like "Cats" or "Ragtime," this venue offers a perfect vantage point. Show ticket prices vary widely, but most shows are in the $35-80 range. Free public tours are available by appointment, Mon-Fri 11am-3pm. METRO: Metro Center
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Shakespeare Theatre
450 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 202-547-1122

Description: DOWNTOWN. This impressive theater has as its mission the preservation, exploration and presentation of classical plays, whether they be those of Shakespeare and his contemporaries, or works by Ibsen, Shaw, Wilde and Williams. Even the Greeks aren't off-limits. Led by artistic director Michael Kahn, the theater mounts five mainstage productions each season, along with a festival of free works each summer. The theater also runs educational programs in city schools and goes to great lengths to ensure that audiences make connections between themes in the plays and our modern world. Past guest artists have included Ralph Fiennes, Patrick Stewart and Jean Stapleton. METRO: Archives/Navy Memorial or Gallery Place
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Strathmore
10701 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814 301-530-0540

Description: BETHESDA. Two separate structures comprise Strathmore, the original Mansion and the newer Music Center, and both venues feature top-notch performance halls. In addition to classrooms and galleries, the Mansion houses some wonderfully intimate performance spaces. The calendar for the Mansion includes an eclectic selection of lectures, classes, and performances by local and regional musicians in virtually every genre. The Music Center can accommodate an audience of about 1975, but the overall experience is every bit as impressive. The schedule here might include nationally and internationally known performers such as Savion Glover, Arlo Guthrie, and the BSO. METRO: Grosvenor-Strathmore
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The Athenaeum
201 Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314 703-548-0035

Description: This eye-catching Greek Revival structure was built in 1850. Originally a bank, the unique apricot-colored building later served as a hospital during the Civil War. Years later it became what it is today ­ an excellent museum with a broad range of fine art from local and regional art on display. Performances by the Alexandria Ballet are often on the schedule. METRO: King Street, then DASH bus
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The Center for the Arts
4400 University Dr, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030 703-993-2787

Description: FAIRFAX. George Mason University brings a dose of culture to Fairfax at the Arts Center, which hosts a range of performances and events. From lectures and plays to performances by internationally renowned ballet and music companies, the Concert Hall is a great place to be entertained, with plenty of spacious tiered seating. The TheatreSpace portion of the Arts Center shows student and professional performances of everything from Broadway classics to children's productions. Paid parking is available in the adjacent garage.
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Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
1624 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA 22182 703-255-1900

Description: This national park hosts a variety of performers, including hometown girl Mary Chapin Carpenter and the National Symphony Orchestra. The main venue, the Filene Center, is partially covered with fixed seating, but many attendees prefer the lawn and bring blankets and coolers to performances. The Barns building hosts a variety of indoor events from October-May, while the Children's Theater-in-the-Woods presents a summer season of popular shows for kids. METRO: West Falls Church, then Wolf Trap Shuttle ($5)
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