DC Theatres Offer Free and Discounted Tickets to Federal Workers Affected by Shutdown
Theatres across the Washington, DC-area are offering free and discounted tickets to federal workers affected by the ongoing shutdown. In uncertain times, theatre can be a powerful communal experience – a place to seek a deep understanding or to simply be entertained.
“DC-area theatre is rooted in the vibrancy and diversity of its residents and visitors. At a time when federal workers find themselves living through another period of uncertainty, we open our theatre doors to them. Theatre is a place you can be uplifted, find laughter, or find catharsis. Together, the DC-area theatre community says, ‘You are welcome here!’” said Amy Austin, President and CEO of Theatre Washington.
"STC believes art should be accessible, and in addition to our ongoing dedication to a range of ticket prices, we have extended offers of low-price seats to as many performances as possible for furloughed employees. In addition, as theatre artists, it is important to us that art be a community, and that the theatre is a safe place where people can find comfort, joy, or an escape, without the added financial strain," said Angela Gieras, Executive Director of Shakespeare Theatre Company.
"Whether you're looking for a deeper connection to what it means to be human, or just in need of a night of escapism – a night at the theatre fits the bill,” said Jenny McConnell Frederick, Artistic Director of Rorschach Theatre.
List of participating theatres and their offers
Adventure Theatre MTC
Not Your Mother's Goose!
Date: October 26, 2025 | 11 AM
Offer: Free tickets to Federally furloughed families. Use this link: https://my.adventuretheatre-mtc.org/98304/98698?promo=157121 or promo code FEDERAL2
Atlas Performing Arts Center
Atlas Presents A Bohemian Christmas with the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra
Dates: November 30, December 1, December 5, 2025
Offer: Those affected by the federal workforce shutdown may use the discount code, FEDERAL, during check out for two $20 tickets (inclusive of fees) to our Atlas Presents performances this fall season.
Compass Rose Theater
Pride & Prejudice
Dates: November 14 - 16, 2025
Offer: 6 comp tickets to each show and additional RUSH offers may be available.
Email office@compassrosetheater.org and request date/time of show, up to 2 tickets per family. To obtain RUSH tickets, call the box office at 410-980-6662 for same-day seating.
Rent
Dates: February 6 - 8. 2026
Offer: 6 comp tickets to each show and additional RUSH offers may be available.
Email office@compassrosetheater.org and request date/time of show, up to 2 tickets per family. To obtain RUSH tickets, call the box office at 410-980-6662 for same-day seating.
Constellation Theatre Company
Dracula Movie Party
Dates: Now - October 27, 2025
Offer: Use code SERVICE at checkout and get $10 tickets
Creative Cauldron
The Turn of The Screw: The Musical
Dates: October 2 - 26, 2025 (Thursdays only)
Offer: Two (2) FREE tickets per household. This offer is limited.
Code: Use the code FED25 when booking your tickets.
Folger Theatre
Julius X
Dates: Now through October 26
Offer: In light of the ongoing government shutdown, Folger Theatre is extending an invitation for all current and recent past Federal Employees to enjoy our production of Julius X for only $20.
Federal workers may reserve up to two (2) tickets online using the code FEDERAL. Please bring proof of current or recent employment when picking up tickets at will call.
Flying V
Doctor Moloch by Carla Milarch
Dates: October 17 - November 2, 2025
Offer: $20 tickets available online using code: FEDERALWORKER, $10 rush tickets at the door.
Nerd Cabaret: Flying V's Annual Fundraising Gala
Date: November 8, 2025
Offer: Nerd Cabaret: 30% off any ticket tier using code: FEDERALWORKER"
GALA Hispanic Theatre
Héctor, The Electric Kid
Dates: Now through November 1, 2025
Offer: 50% off children and adult tickets to any performance of HÉCTOR, THE ELECTRIC KID through November 1st with code TOGETHER
Keegan Theatre
LIZZIE
Dates: October 31 - November 30, 2025
Offer: 2 complimentary tickets to LIZZIE for federal workers by email boxoffice@keegantheatre.com
Nu Sass Productions
5th Date
Dates: October 24 - November 15, 2025
Offer: PWYW tickets for all performances of our production of "5th Date" by Lori Boyd. Simply select the performance you'd like to attend, the number of Pay What You Will tickets you'd like, and then input the amount you'd like to pay ($0 is fine!).
Rorschach Theatre
SO LATE INTO THE NIGHT
Dates: Now - November 2, 2025
Offer: 75% off full price tickets, use CODE: FEDS
Round House Theatre
The Inheritance, Parts One and Two
Dates: Now - October 31, 2025 (Weeknights only)
Offer: $15 tickets with code FED. Limit two tickets/person for each play (Part 1, Part 2).
Shakespeare Theatre Company
The Wild Duck
Dates: October 18 - October 31, 2025
Offer: $45 tickets to The Wild Duck for those affected by the government shutdown.
Code 45TIX is subject to availability with proof of valid federal ID. Cannot be combined with other offers or applied to previously purchased tickets. Limit 2. Valid for seats in zone B, C, or D on performances of The Wild Duck through Oct 31.
Solas Nua
Lie Low
Dates: November 6 - 23, 2025
Offer: 40% off for federal employees
Studio Theatre
The Heart Sellers
Dates: Now through October 26, 2025
Offer: Up to 4 tickets. Enter promo code SHUTDOWN, discount will appear at checkout online, you can also call the box office.
Mother Play
Dates: November 12 - December 21, 2025
Offer: Up to 4 tickets. Enter promo code SHUTDOWN, discount will appear at checkout online, you can also call the box office.
Theater J
Full 2025 - 2026 Season
Offer: CARE25 - $25 tix (limit 2 per person). Use code CARE25 at checkout
Washington Improv Theater
Laugh Riot
Dates: Now through October 25, 2025
Offer: Use promo code IMAFED for $5 tickets for the remainder of the run, which ends Oct. 25. Tickets are available at: https://witdc.org/shows/laugh-riot-comedy-in-the-face-of-everything/
We are also offering monthly free workshops for federal workers in particular (in addition to our regular free workshops for the public): witdc.org/improvforall
About Theatre Washington
Through collaborative partnerships, advocacy and programs, Theatre Washington supports the Washington, DC-area’s professional theatre community to celebrate artistic achievement, strengthen the theatrical workforce, support institutional growth and advancement, and cultivate collective action. Theatre Washington’s core programs include: the Helen Hayes Awards, Theatre Week, Theatre Work, and the Taking Care Fund.