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

We value inclusiveness and diversity by including all artistry, abilities, and talent, by welcoming and serving the diversity of our community and by respecting the diversity of our world and our work.

 

View our commitment to IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) and read our land acknowledgment statement.


We value
investment in the future of young people through our commitment to nurturing their creative and intellectual growth through excellent, innovative theatre and arts education experiences.


We value
and create a safe haven for young people to embrace and explore their creativity.


We value
service on behalf of children as we work to use theatre to improve the lives of children in our community regardless of their means or their location.


We value
our staff associates and respect their contributions to the achievement of our mission and vision.

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

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.

View Current Performances

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).

View Current Performances
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