Theater for families in and around Washington, DC

Imagination Stage is the official sponsor of this 2023-2024 Washington, DC area Theatre Guide.

Imagination Stage is the DMV’s premier theatre for young audiences and its leader in youth development through the performing arts. They produce award-winning professional theatre and provide accessible, inclusive arts education opportunities for children and teens at our Bethesda headquarters and at over 50 locations throughout the greater DC region. Now in it’s 44th year, they serve around 80,000 children and teens ages 1-18 annually, inspiring them to embrace the complexity of their world and overcome their challenges with hope, courage, and, above all, creativity, through engagement with the performing arts.

Imagination Stage: 4908 Auburn Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show: September 22- October 22
This show kicks the season off, with one-quarter of its performances in Spanish
and three-quarters of them in English. Using more than 70 beautiful, larger-than-life puppets and original music, this special event follows all your favorite characters from “Brown Bear, Brown Bear,” “The Very Busy Spider,” “10 Little Rubber Ducks,” and, of course, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” The show is best for ages 3-8 and is based on Eric Carle’s books.

A Year with Frog and Toad: November 15, 2023- January 7, 2024
In this hit Broadway musical, two best friends with opposite personalities wake up from hibernation and enjoy hilarious adventures through the seasons. Light-hearted, with a sprinkle of nostalgia, this show is inspired by the acclaimed children’s books. The show is best for ages 4+ and is based on Arnold Lobel books.

Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale: February 14-April 7, 2024
A bilingual Cinderella with a twist that kids will love! What will happen to Cinderella at the ball … game? That’s the surprising question in this contemporary Latin-American Cinderella musical that weaves subtle lessons on empathy, sportsmanship, and respect into an exciting, high-stakes story. An Imagination Stage original that broke new ground in bilingual children’s theatre. The show is best for ages 5+ and the book and lyrics are by Karen Zacarias.

Miss Nelson is Missing!: June 20-August 10, 2024
Meet the fifth graders at Smedley ES, whose poor behavior drives away their sweet
teacher, Miss Nelson. Her substitute, the dreaded Viola Swamp, is so strict that she
motivates the kids to search for Miss Nelson and try to make amends. An Imagination
Stage hit that played at theatres from coast to coast.

For the youngest audiences, ages 1-4, there are two beloved returning shows this season.

Mouse on the Move: January 13 – February 11, 2024
Two adventurous mice are ready to explore the world beyond their tiny mouse-hole.
They decide to go to the moon, since it is cat-free and made entirely of delicious cheese,
or so they’ve heard. In this multi-sensory experience, children receive a small suitcase of
props with which they help the actors tell the story.

Inside Out: March 3-30, 2024
It’s bedtime, and two children use their imaginations to turn their room inside out, into
a wonderland of mess! While playing dress-up, a glove becomes a dancing fish, a shirt
becomes a fantastical creature, and a sock dance rocks the closet.

Adventure Theatre: 7300 Macarthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD 20812

You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown: September 22 – October 29
Based on The Comic Strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe: November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Based on the story by C.S. Lewis

Junie B. Jones, The Musical: February 2 – March 30, 2024 
Adapted from the JUNIE B. JONES series by Barbara Park 

Sing Down the Moon: Appalachian Wonder Tales: April 26 – May 26, 2024 
Book by Mary Hall Surface

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical: June 21 – August 19, 2024 
Based on the Caldecott Honor-winning book by Mo Willems 
Book and Lyrics by Mo Willems

The Puppet Co. Playhouse at Glen Echo, next door to Adventure Theatre has magical Mainstage productions. For the little ones and those new to theater, check out the Tiny Tots program. =

National Theatre: 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Live in Concert: September 30
Featuring a soundtrack that blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Live in Concert pairs a screening of the Academy Award®-winning animated film with live musicians and turntables featuring a DJ scratcher live on stage. 

Mrs. Doubtfire: October 10-15
Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Washington, DC! Rob McClure will reprise his Tony-nominated Broadway performance on tour alongside co-star (and real wife!) Maggie Lakis in this internationally acclaimed hit musical critics call “wonderful, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny” (Manchester Evening News) and “a feel-good, family-friendly comedy that delivers” (The Hollywood Reporter). Based on the beloved film and directed by four-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Zaks, Mrs. Doubtfire tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. It’s “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now,” raves the Chicago Tribune – one that proves we’re better together.

The Wiz: October 24-29
This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and finger-snapping 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. Audiences get to enjoy the epic grooves of such beloved, timeless hits as “Ease on Down the Road,” which became the show’s break-out single, and the bona fide classic “Home” in this spectacular revival.

Annie: January 23-28, 2024
Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production – just as you remember it and just when we need it most.

Peter Pan: April 9-21, 2024
The adventure begins when Peter Pan and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of pixie dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget.  This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including “I’m Flying”, “I Gotta Crow”, “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Neverland”. Peter Pan embraces the child in us all, so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning – your entire family will be Hooked!

Other shows at The National Theatre include Pretty Woman, The Book of Mormon and MJ

Saturday Morning Live! at The National Theatre
Fun takes center stage at the National Theatre for Saturday Morning Live! Join in the Helen Hayes Gallery space on select Saturday mornings at 9:30am and 11:00am for wow-inspiring children’s entertainment of all sorts, from interactive performances, puppets, dance, and music – all designed to light up imaginations and celebrate a world of wonder.

Kennedy Center: 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566

Millennium Stage at The Kennedy Center presents free performances everyday, no tickets required! Shows typically begin at 6pm.

Look Both Ways: October 14–29
This story was going to begin like all the best stories. With a school bus falling from the sky. But
no one saw it happen—they were all too busy. Washington, D.C.-area native, New York
Times best-selling author, and Kennedy Center Next 50 leader Jason Reynolds conjures 10 tales
(1 per block) about what happens after the dismissal bell rings. Ten unique perspectives are
brilliantly woven into one funny, piercingly poignant look at the detours we face on the walk
home, and in life. Most enjoyed by ages 7+.

NSO Family Concert- Halloween Spooktacular: October 22
An October tradition! The Concert Hall transforms into a ghostly sight when ghoulishly attired
National Symphony Orchestra musicians perform new and old classics to celebrate Halloween
and Dia de los Muertos. Praised for his “easygoing and engaging podium presence” (Playbill),
Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser leads this festive family concert. Most enjoyed by ages 5+.

NSO Music for Young Audiences- Peter and Friends: November 4 & 5
Inspired by Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, this immersive family show developed
specifically for toddlers will have audience members playing like cats, flying like birds, and
engaging with live music all along the way. The wild adventure features storytellers, puppets,
and a quintet of woodwind and brass musicians. Most enjoyed by infants to age 5.

The Dragon King’s Daughter: November 18–December 17
Twelve-year-old Kenny Li is being bullied at school. When he finds a magical tablet, he is
transported to the Jade Kingdom where he meets Xing, the Dragon King’s daughter. Together,
they go on a quest to save the world, finding courage and friendship along the way. Chinese
dragon mythology, martial arts, and stunning voices combine in this world premiere musical
following an unlikely young duo on a daring adventure. Most enjoyed by ages 5+.

The Other Side: January 12–14, 2024
Clover’s mom says it isn’t safe to cross the fence that segregates their African-American side of
town from the white side where Anna lives. But the two girls strike up a friendship, and get
around the grown-ups’ rules by sitting on top of the fence together. Most enjoyed by ages 5+.

Elena Moon Park and Friends: January 20, 2024
Elena Moon Park and Friends performs folk and children’s music from East and Southeast Asia,
reimagined to celebrate various musical traditions, languages, styles, and stories. The tunes
include northern Japanese sea shanties, Tibetan jump rope rhymes, joyous Korean harvest singalongs, Taiwanese train songs, energetic original songs, and much more. The artists encourage
audiences of all ages to dance and sing along in many different languages—and join in this
shared performance. Most enjoyed by ages 7+.

The Girl Who Became Legend: February 2–11, 2024
The town of Dustbin is known for two things: rules and dust, the kind you get when it doesn’t
rain for years and years. But one day a young girl named Raina spies a cloud in the sky. No one
believes her, so she sets out on a great adventure to bring the cloud back home. Along the way,
she meets outlaws, folk heroes—and a thunderstorm. Come along with Raina in this modernday feminist folktale with music! Most enjoyed by ages 7+.

Through the Sunken Lands: March 2–17, 2024
Six months ago, a massive flood wiped away most of Arcady. Born with cerebral palsy, unable
to contact her family, and trapped in the library, Artemis has built the place into her sanctuary.
Trying to find a way back to Aunt Maggie’s house, Artemis soon learns of a new danger—a
committee determined to claim the town for themselves. Follow Artemis, Aunt Maggie, and a
talking heron in the fight to save their dying town. First commissioned and released by the
Kennedy Center as a radio play as part of WTYA Presents… in 2021, Tim J. Lord’s play transforms
into a new musical, with music by Avi Amon and direction by Cara Phipps. This heartening world
premiere amplifies the voice of a commonly overlooked community and teaches us how we can
make the world a little better for everyone. Most enjoyed by ages 7+.

NSO Family Concert- Music of Duke Ellington: March 17, 2024
Conducted by Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, the National Symphony Orchestra performs this
swinging session as part of the Kennedy Center’s season-wide Duke Ellington at
125 celebration. Most enjoyed by ages 5+.

NSO Music for Young Audiences– String Thing (Featuring NSO violinist Heather LeDoux Green and NSO bassist Paul DeNola): April 6 & 7
This daring double act of classical fun is BACK. Bassist Paul DeNola and violinist Heather LeDoux
Green introduce young audiences to some of the greatest music ever written. You’ll never hear
a word out of them during the concert, but with instruments in hand and a trunk full of gags,
this “silent” comedic tag-team presents a hilarious program of music and mayhem. Most enjoyed by ages 3+.

Swing Makes You Sing!: April 13, 2024
On a mission to uplift, connect, and spread the joy of jazz, Swing Makes You Sing! is an awardwinning jazz concert for kids ages 2 to 102 by Svetlana & the New York Collective. The criticallyacclaimed ensemble explores key elements of jazz in an engaging, historically grounded way, featuring virtuoso musical performance, exciting storytelling, and energizing movement. As part of the Kennedy Center’s season-wide Duke Ellington at 125 celebration, the performance will
feature multiple Ellington compositions and share fun facts from his life story. Representing jazz
as a Black American art form that grew beyond its community to embrace the values of
diversity and inclusion, the ensemble includes a talented lineup of musicians reflecting its
audiences’ diversity and inspiring the next generation of jazz listeners! Most enjoyed by ages 7+.

Divinity Roxx: May 3–5
Celebrate self-love and positivity in Divinity Roxx’s fun and empowering live show. The upbeat
and sunny music is filled with powerful messages that encourage young people to become the
best versions of themselves. A Grammy®-nominated musician, recording artist, and composer
who has toured with Beyoncé, Roxx is praised for her ability to inspire others with her infectious grooves and memorable lyrics. Most enjoyed by ages 5+.

Arts on the Horizon: 1801 N. Quaker Lane Administrative Office
1819 N. Quaker Lane Performance Space, Alexandria, VA 22302

Winter Festival: December 2-3
Celebrate the season with us! We’re hosting a weekend of winter wonderland fun for the whole family. Come meet some of your favorite AOTH characters, make crafts, participate in a winter-themed sing-a-long, have a steamy cup of cocoa, and more! 

Off the Page: April 5-May 11, 2024
The magic of books can transport us to new worlds. When an imaginative young child dives into a book, the stories come to life around them. Through dance, music, puppetry, and vibrant imagery, this world premiere production will use an immersive design to literally unfold around the audience. Watch a new world come to life right before your eyes! Best for ages 3-6.

Save the Date:
Wild Kratts! 2.0 at Warner Theatre: September 24
Bluey’s Big Day at The Kennedy Center: November 21-26
Disney’s Frozen at The Kennedy Center: Dec. 20, 2023 – Jan. 21, 2024

Additional venues:
Arena Stage
Atlas Performing Arts Center Arts for Young Audiences
BlackRock Center for the Arts
Bloombars
Busboys + Poets
Discovery Theater
Encore Stage and Studio, Theatre for Kids, By Kids
Jammin Java
Olney Theatre Center
Other Voices Theatre
Strathmore
The Arlington Players
The National Theatre Saturday Morning Live!