Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts (BAPA) is founded and 17 children enroll in the first class at Whitier Woods Elementary School in Bethesda, MD
About Us
Our Mission
Imagination Stage empowers all young people to discover their voice and identity through performing arts education and professional theatre.
About Us
Our Vision
Imagination Stage envisions a future where theatre experiences are a fundamental aspect of children’s lives, nourishing their creative spirit, inspiring them to embrace the complexity and diversity of their world, and helping them overcome their challenges with hope, courage and, above all, creativity.
About Us
Our Values
For Every Ability
We strive for our programs and organization to embrace all artistry, abilities, and talent by prioritizing working together and learning from each other.
Youth Development
We strive for the future of young people by nurturing their creative, social, and emotional growth through excellent, innovative theatre and arts education experiences.
Representation Matters
We strive for a safe haven for young people to explore their own identities by, in part, seeing themselves reflected in our staff and respected on stage.
The Needs of Now
We strive to serve the evolving needs of our community by being in constant relationship with local partners and national leaders alike.
View our commitment to IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) and read our land acknowledgment statement.
About Us
Our History
Imagination Stage was founded as BAPA (Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts) in 1979 in response to the urgent need for arts education for young people. The company was renamed Imagination Stage in 2001 in anticipation of its move to its downtown Bethesda theatre arts center in 2003.
Imagination Stage has grown from a handful of children in a single classroom to a full-spectrum theatre arts organization, with theatre productions by professional actors and artists. Unlike most children’s theatre companies, Imagination Stage commissions new works for children every year. These productions have been recognized with awards and productions by other companies around the world.
Timeline
Arts Access Program is started for children who have physical and/or cognitive disabilities. Today the program is called Access and Inclusion.
The Deaf Access Program is started for children who are deaf or hard of hearing
Imagination Stage professional children’s theatre opens at White Flint Mall
Imagination Stage’s new facility opens on Auburn Avenue in Bethesda
Jim and Carol Trawick donate $2,500,000 to Imagination Stage at the 30th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, October 24, completing the capital campaign
Imagination Stage expands its programming for children ages 2-4 with intimate, participatory plays and installations for this age group
Imagination Stage launches its Learning Through Theatre initiative, serving 3,000 MCPS Title I third grade students
Theatre for Change program established with ¡Óyeme!
ISDC is established, followed by Learning Through Theatre DC in 2015.
About Us
About Our Facilities
THE ANNETTE M. AND THEODORE N. LERNER FAMILY THEATRE
The Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Theatre opened in 2003 when Imagination Stage moved into its beautiful facility in downtown Bethesda. The theatre opened with the world premiere musical Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business and has been the home to Imagination Stage’s professional Theatre for Young Audiences ever since.
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Studio Theatre
Since 2003, The Christopher and Dana Reeve Studio Theatre has been home to a tremendous variety of performances by Imagination Stage’s acting, dance, musical theatre, access and inclusion, and conservatory students. Performing ensembles who call the Reeve Studio Theatre home are Pegasus, Imagination Stage Performing Ensemble (ISPE), and Speak-Out On Stage (SOOS).
Current Classes
Imagination Stage offers classes in theatre arts that nurture, challenge, and empower young people of all abilities, ages 1-18. Disciplines include early childhood, acting, musical theatre, dance, and filmmaking. Learn more today!
In Our Communities
Imagination Stage provides theatre arts classes and residencies at area schools. Our Theatre for Change program uses theatre productions and educational workshops to bridge cultural divides and lift up underrepresented voices. Bring Imagination Stage to your school or community group!