News & Events

Get to Know Our New Chief Managing Officer

This week, Imagination Stage welcomes Layne Holley, as our new Chief Managing Officer (CMO). Holley joins Joanne Lamparter, Imagination Stage’s Chief Artistic Programming Officer, in advancing the mission of our acclaimed 45-year old organization, which …Read more.

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Meet Our New Chief Artistic Programming Officer

Imagination Stage is thrilled to welcome Joanne Lamparter–formerly our Artistic Director for Education and Theatre for Change–into her new role as Chief Artistic Programming Officer. We spoke with Joanne to learn more about her history …Read more.

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Imagination Stage’s 2024-2025 Season

Imagination Stage™, the metro DC region’s largest professional theatre dedicated to young audiences, announces five shows for 2024-2025–the first led by new Chief Artistic Programming Officer Joanne Seelig Lamparter. First up in the Lerner Family Theatre …Read more.

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Spend a Day in the Life with Imagination Stage Staff Members!

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at Imagination Stage? Or what it would be like to be a staff member here for a day?  We are excited to announce Day in …Read more.

A Note from Christopher Michael Richardson, Director of Winnie the Pooh

100 years after Winnie-the-Pooh first appeared, this Bear with “very little brain” continues to remind us about the simple power of friendship, honesty, and a little bit of imagination. As Pooh teaches us how to …Read more.

Meet Our Teaching Artists! (Part 1)

Get to know the faces behind our fall classes! We have a passionate and highly talented slate of teaching artists preparing to lead courses in acting, musical theatre, creative drama, filmmaking, and more, starting September …Read more.

Meet Our Teaching Artists! (Part 2)

Get to know the faces behind our fall classes! We have a passionate and highly trained slate of teaching artists preparing to lead courses in acting, musical theatre, creative drama, dance, and more, starting September …Read more.

About Sensory-Friendly and ASL-Interpreted Shows

Did you know that Imagination Stage offers sensory-friendly performances and ASL interpreted performances? Imagination Stage’s Sensory-Friendly events are designed to be more accessible to individuals who have sensory-sensitivities. Our sensory-friendly performances provide a safe and …Read more.

20 Years on Auburn Avenue!

On May 9, 2003, Imagination Stage moved from two small, compromised spaces into our beautiful home on Auburn Avenue.

Imagination Stage Announces New Leadership

Joanne Seelig Lamparter is Chief Artistic Programming Officer Imagination Stage Board President, Dr. Kim W. Barnette proudly announces the selection of Joanne Seelig Lamparter as Chief Artistic Programming Officer of Imagination Stage, the nationally-prominent regional …Read more.

Insights on Imagination Stage Classes

Senior Faculty Member, Alison Gee (photo below), who has been part of Imagination Stage’s teaching staff for 22 years.

Graduation Season: a Tale of Two Seniors

Imagination Stage welcomes all students at all points in their arts journeys. Some train here as an important stepping stone to their dream career as a professional theatre, dance, or film artist; others find the …Read more.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA)

From its very inception Imagination Stage has welcomed ALL young people and families regardless of race, ethnicity, ability, religion, age, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. We use theatre arts to explore complex social justice …Read more.

ENOUGH! Plays About Ending Gun Violence

Imagination Stage is proud to be part of the collaborative effort, ENOUGH! Plays to End Gun Violence. It comprises six bold new plays about gun violence, all winners of a national short play competition: The Smiles …Read more.

Celebrating Women’s History Month at Imagination Stage

In honor of Women’s History Month and in anticipation of our 2024 Annual Gala: Celebrating the Women who Made Imagination Stage, we are spotlighting four incredible women who are an integral part of this organization’s …Read more.

Meet Susan Ruth Campell as we celebrate “National Make a Will Month”

You may not have known, but August is “National Make a Will Month.” You also may be surprised to learn that two thirds of Americans haven’t yet formalized their estate plans, leaving their loved ones …Read more.

Founding AD Janet Stanford to Depart in Summer 2024

Founding Artistic Director, Janet Stanford, has announced that she will depart Imagination Stage in the summer of 2024, after over 30 years at the youth arts powerhouse.  Stanford, along with Founder Bonnie Fogel, was instrumental …Read more.

Community Conversations: Workplace Transitions for Neurodiverse Youth

The transition from education to the workplace can be a tricky time for young people with disabilities. Drawing together experts in disability rights, inclusive arts, and community employment, this Community Conversation offers families, students, and …Read more.

A Chat with Composer Deborah Wicks La Puma

Imagination Stage was delighted to talk with long-time friend and collaborator Deborah Wicks La Puma about her work on Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience and her storied (or should we say tuneful…?) …Read more.

Land Acknowledgement

Imagination Stage acknowledges that the land on which our theatre home sits was, and is, still inhabited and cared for by the Piscataway Conoy and Piscataway tribes.

Access & Inclusion

Imagination Stage endeavors to create an inclusive and welcoming environment, as well as equitable access to all artistic and educational programming for students, staff, patrons, professional artists, and visitors of all abilities. Inclusive Programming – …Read more.

“Winnie The Pooh” starts September 18

Imagination Stage™, the metro DC region’s largest professional theatre for young audiences and leader in positive youth development through the arts, transports the Hundred Acre Wood to the DMV with Winnie the Pooh, running September 18-October …Read more.

Meet the Director & Choreographer of Miss Nelson is Missing!

We are so excited to have a powerhouse creative team working on our upcoming production of Miss Nelson is Missing, including Director Janet Stanford and Choreographer Tony Thomas!  Janet Stanford recently retired from her role …Read more.

New Touring Performances of “Mouse on the Move”

Imagination Stage’s Theatre for the Very Young production, Mouse on the Move, is now on tour and heading to Howard County! Our interactive production will be at the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center at Howard …Read more.

Thoughts from Ashleigh King, Director of FROG & TOAD

A Year with Frog and Toad is a loving retelling of the classic books by Arnold Lobel. For many of us, these beloved stories were among our first introductions to the beauty of friendships and …Read more.

“Greatest hits” shows begin September 22 with “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show”

BETHESDA, MD (August 22, 2023). Imagination Stage™, the metro DC region’s largest professional theatre for young audiences and leader in positive youth development through the arts, starts its ‘Greatest Hits’ series with the return of …Read more.

Kalen Robinson returns for NATE!

If you saw THE HULA-HOOPIN' QUEEN earlier this year, you will recognize the talented Kalen Robinson, who played the role of Kameeka. This summer, Kalen returns to Imagination Stage...