A Helen Hayes Award for NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED!
Imagination Stage was thrilled to receive the award for "Outstanding Production--Theatre for Young Audiences" for NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED...
View Events Imagination Stage
News & Events
Explore below to find out more about upcoming events, recent press, videos, and our latest blog posts from within Imagination Stage!
In Our Community
20 Years on Auburn Avenue!
On May 9, 2003, Imagination Stage moved from two small, compromised spaces into our beautiful home on Auburn Avenue.
View Events Imagination Stage Across the DMV
While we are headquartered in Bethesda, Imagination Stage reaches students throughout the DMV. Explore this map to see where our work is being done.
View Events From The Blog
View All PostsThoughts 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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
Imagination Stage Announces Key Leadership Hires
Imagination Stage selects Jason Najjoum as new managing director..
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. We offer both …Read more.
Careers & Apprenticeships
Join Our Team
Imagination Stage celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values members of our whole community. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
Videos
View All VideosWake Up Brother Bear - Theatre for the Very Young
Sister Bear and Brother Bear are back from hibernation to take little ones on an interactive journey through the seasons. Meet a curious butterfly, play in a rushing waterfall, and catch lightning bugs as the bears frolic through the forest in an unforgettable theatre experience.
https://imaginationstage.org/on-our-stages/wake-up-brother-bear/
Balloonacy
Inside Out
Aquarium
Balloonacy Promo
By: Barry Kornhauser
Directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer
February 5 - February 20, 2022
A beautiful, movement-based show that revisits the classic film THE RED BALLOON. Nothing can go right for the character of the old man, whose days are gray and dreary- until he is visited by a friendly red balloon. In the playful physical style of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, the old man- an adult version of the boy in the film- regains his youthful spirit, with the help of the red balloon!
Produced by special arrangement with Plays for New Audiences
MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS at Imagination Stage
Book by Robert Kauzlaric
Music and Lyrics by George Howe
Based on the novel by Richard and Florence Atwater
Directed by Nathaniel P. Claridad
Mr. Popper, a painter of modest means, dreams of taking an Antarctic adventure. So he’s thrilled when a penguin named Captain Cook waddles out of a mysterious box left on his doorstep. The zookeeper donates a female companion and soon…the patter of 20 baby penguin feet! To feed all of these mouths, the imaginative Mr. Popper and his wife turn his talented penguins into a must-see traveling vaudeville act full of song and dance. But the rigors of performing take a toll on them all, and they must make a difficult decision. This musical play, featuring expert puppetry, depicts a wild and witty way to follow your dreams–and your convictions.
23 24 Season Announcement
It's our Greatest Hits!
See what's in store for audiences in the 2023-24 season of shows at Imagination Stage, the DMV's premiere theatre for children.
Sept 22-Oct 22, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (Ages 3-8)
Nov 15-Jan 7, A Year with Frog and Toad (Ages 4+)
Jan 13-Feb 11, Mouse on the Move (Theatre for the very young, 1-4)
Feb 15-Apr 7, Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale (Ages 5+)
June 20-Aug 10, Miss Nelson is Missing! (Ages 4+)
For more information visit our website: imaginationstage.org
Trailer for The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at Imagination Stage(2023)
Check out this preview of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at Imagination Stage. On Stage through October 22, 2023. For tickets: imaginationstage.org/on-our-stages/the-very-hungry-caterpillar-show/
Created by Jonathan Rockefeller
Based on Eric Carle’s Books
Directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer
CAST
Jordan Essex* - Puppeteer
Irene Hamilton* - Puppeteer
Andrés F. Roa* - Puppeteer
UNDERSTUDIES
Bri Houtman
Moira Todd
Harry Denby III
Janet Stanford
Founding Artistic Director
Lighting Designer - Jason Arnold**
Sound Designer - Robert Pike
Puppet Consultant - Matthew Pauli
Spanish Language Dialect Coach - Luna Hernández
Resident Stage Manager - Samantha Leahan*
Upcoming 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!
FAQs
All your Imagination Stage questions answered! Look here for information on COVID protocols, class and camp registration, ticket purchases, and planning your visit, including parking.