Washington Stage Guild

About

Smart theatre for a smart town!

Story

The Washington Stage Guild produces eloquent plays of idea and argument, passion and wit – plays from all periods of world drama presented by a classical ensemble with a contemporary sensibility – rare plays well done!

Founded in May 1986 as a professional company of theatre artists dedicated to producing literate, challenging works in a collegial and supportive atmosphere, the Stage Guild quickly established itself as an indispensable component of the D.C. area theatre scene. The Washington Post hailed its first year by saying, "Like the goddess Athena, the Washington Stage Guild sprang forth fully armed this season," and shortly thereafter The Washington Times described the young company as "the most intelligent theatre in town."

Washington has an unusually diverse and cosmopolitan audience, and the city has long supported a variety of theatrical offerings unmatched elsewhere. Longtime D.C. residents have come to expect a wide array of theatrical styles and genres that most areas of the country envy. As well, the large international and academic communities in D.C. take full advantage of the richness of the local theatrical scene. Repertory ranging from the popular to the esoteric, and performance styles spanning the spectrum from staunchly traditional to abstractly offbeat, make theatre in D.C. a destination for residents and visitors from around the world.

Of the many colors in that spectrum, the Washington Stage Guild’s work is rarely seen elsewhere and is a mark of distinction for the region. The company’s repertory of plays – literate, witty, and sophisticated – is immediately recognized by theatergoers as “Washington Stage Guild material,” and the Guild’s performance style – respectful of traditional approaches but innovative in an unforced way – has been honored with international acclaim that has grown from year to year.

Over the last 24 years in five different locations, the Washington Stage Guild has produced over 90 plays, half of them area premieres. The company has also earned a reputation as one of the world’s pre-eminent presenters of the plays of George Bernard Shaw. The Stage Guild has received critical acclaim, honors and awards, including numerous Helen Hayes Nominations and Awards, Theatre Lobby Awards, and the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington's Business Volunteers for the Arts recognition award for outstanding artistic and management growth.

The company operates under a Small Professional Theatre Contract with Actors' Equity Association and as part of its artistic mission, the Washington Stage Guild has been a leading local proponent of non-traditional casting.

Mission

The Washington Stage Guild produces eloquent plays of ideas and argument, passion and wit, plays from all periods of world drama, presented by a classican ensemble with a contemporary sensibility; smart theatre for a smart town.