Bethesda’s Imagination Stage is expanding its footprint outside of Montgomery County.
The nonprofit children’s theater that also offers acting classes and arts education is partnering with The National Theatre to bring at least one production to that District playhouse.
“We look forward to expanding our reach and welcoming D.C. school children, families and tourists to The National Theatre for professional theatre productions at family-friendly prices—or in the case of D.C. school children, for free,” Genny McSweeney Ryan, vice chair of the board of The National Theatre, said in a statement.
Imagination Stage will also offer educational programming and its early childhood program for kids 5 and younger at The Anacostia Center for the Arts, The Atlas performing arts center on H Street and THEARC, a recreation arts campus east of the Anacostia River, all in Washington, D.C.
Muriel Bowser, a D.C. City Councilmember and candidate for mayor, congratulated Imagination Stage on the expansion, and said in a statement, “I know that this new entity will not only bring joy to the community, but also new jobs, new spin-off business in the surrounding area, and new opportunities for tourists.”
Imagination Stage first announced its expansion plans at its annual gala Saturday night.