The Anacostia Playhouse brings arts presentations, performances, exhibits and instruction to an underserved neighborhood, and provides a venue for local artists to create, perform, and display their work. Located in a place rich in history and great in promise, the Playhouse is uniquely positioned to serve the local community east of the river while it also introduces the neighborhood to members of other communities – and helps restore nighttime vigor to historic Anacostia and its economy. In addition to mounting three annual productions, it regularly partners with Theater Alliance (its resident company) and Essential Theater (an African American theater company in the metro area), and hosts a range of performers, from jazz musicians to puppeteers. Between performances, local schools, youth programs, nonprofits, and others utilize the space to make art and come together … as a community.
Headquarters: DC-Ward 8
Where They Operate: DC-Ward 7; DC-Ward 8; Historic Anacostia
Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49); Seniors (50+)
Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Individuals who identify as LGBTQ; Individuals living with HIV/AIDs; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; Veterans/Military Families; Immigrants/Refugees
Awards & Recognition
Theater Review - ‘One Mo’ Time’ brings 1920s jazz to life at Anacostia Playhouse - https://dctheaterarts.org/2023/12/05/one-mo-time-brings-1920s-jazz-to-life-at-anacostia-playhouse/
Theater Review - Theatre Review: ‘One Mo’ Time’ at Anacostia Playhouse - https://mdtheatreguide.com/2023/12/theatre-review-one-mo-time-at-anacostia-playhouse/
Theater Review - A tricky father-daughter play about being wrong for the right reasons - https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater/2024/04/11/sunset-baby-anacostia-review/
Theater Review - Sunset Baby at Anacostia Playhouse - https://www.theatreindc.com/sunset-baby/4514/
Theater Review - ‘Sunset Baby’ at Anacostia Playhouse - https://mdtheatreguide.com/2024/04/theatre-review-sunset-baby-at-anacostia-playhouse/
Theater Review - Father comes home from the revolution in ‘Sunset Baby’ at Anacostia Playhouse - https://dctheaterarts.org/2024/04/08/father-comes-home-from-the-revolution-in-sunset-baby-at-anacostia-playhouse/
Theater Review - ‘Sunset Baby’ Explores Complex Human Relationships - https://www.hillrag.com/2024/04/08/sunset-baby-celebrates-struggle-for-freedom-at-anacostia-playhouse/
Press
- Sunset Baby at Anacostia Playhouse
Sun Apr 28 2024, Theater in DC
Kenyatta Shakur is alone. His wife has died, and now, this former Black Revolutionary and political prisoner, is desperate to reconnect with
- Theatre Review: 'Sunset Baby' at Anacostia Playhouse. Posted By: Anne Valentino
Tue Apr 16 2024, MD Theatre Guide
MD Theatre Guide - Highly Recommended
- A tricky father-daughter play about being wrong for the right reasons By Trey Graham
Thu Apr 11 2024, Washington Post
Washington Post - Recommended
- Father comes home from the revolution in 'Sunset Baby' at Anacostia Playhouse By Whit Davis
Mon Apr 8 2024, DC Theater Arts
DC Theater Arts - Recommended
- 'Sunset Baby' Explores Complex Human Relationships By Matthew McClure
Mon Apr 8 2024, Hillrag
Sunset Baby is an intricate tapestry of complex threads woven together by Morisseau in honor of the Black Power movement.
Budget (FY2022)
- $3 million or higher
- $1 million to $3 million
- $500k to $1 million
- The current budget for Anacostia Playhouse is: Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
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