Round House Theatre Marks 50 Years with 50 Free Theatrical Experiences Throughout 2026/27 Season
Jul 4, 2026
To mark its 50th anniversary, Round House Theatre will present 50 free theatrical experiences throughout the 2026/27 season. In addition to its mainstage offerings, audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy staged readings, open classes, backstage tours, complimentary tickets, and more.
“We wanted to celebrate in a way that truly reflects our mission of being a theater for everyone,” says Artistic Director Ryan Rilette. “By programming 50 free events for our community, we’re opening our doors wider than ever, inviting audiences of all ages and backgrounds to experience the first-rate theater that has defined Round House for the past five decades.”
Tickets and/or free registration for most 50 for 50 events will open on a rolling basis throughout the 2026/27 Season, generally three to four weeks before each event.
FREE ANNIVERSARY EXPERIENCES
Round House Rewind
Revisit Round House favorites from the last 50 years through staged readings that bring acclaimed works back to life in intimate settings throughout the season, while celebrating the artists and productions that helped define Round House’s history.
- The Wedding Band by Alice Childress (Sep 17, 2026)
- Escape from Happiness by George Walker (Dec 7, 2026)
- Nixon’s Nixon by Russell Lees (Feb 8, 2027)
- Ironbound by Martyna Majok (May 3, 2027)
Return to one of the most memorable chapters in Round House history with a free screening of the complete ten-episode Homebound, along with a new episode set seven years later, followed by a live onstage conversation with original writers and cast members. (Jun 21, 2027)
Mainstage Tickets
In addition to their usual Pay-What-You-Can and Two-for-One Tuesday discounts, Round House will offer 50 free tickets to the first Thursday performance of each mainstage show, selected by random drawing. Entry registration will open three weeks prior to a show’s opening, and winners will be drawn one week prior to the performance.
Tech Rehearsal Look-Ins
Get a rare glimpse of the production process as a show comes together, from staging and design to the final technical elements.
- August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Sep 4, 2026)
- Chinese Republicans (Jan 21, 2027)
- Baby Shower Katie (Apr 8, 2027)
Go behind the scenes at Round House and see the spaces, tools, and teamwork that turn bold ideas into live theater. (Nov 29, 2026 and Jun 13, 2027)
Inside Looks
Get a behind-the-scenes, advance look at upcoming shows at Round House’s Inside Look events, featuring a discussion with the director, cast, and designers. These intimate events — normally an exclusive perk for Round House donors — will be opened to 50 members of the public, offering a sneak peek at the creative choices and design elements of each show.
- August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Aug 18, 2026)
- Cult of Love (Oct 27, 2026)
- Chinese Republicans (Jan 5, 2027)
- Teen Performance Company: The Camp Silver Lake Jamboree Massacre (Feb 6, 2027)
- Baby Shower Katie (Mar 30, 2027)
- The White Chip (May 18, 2027)
Join Round House for casual, community-centered gatherings that bring audiences and artists together in the theater’s shared spaces.
- Drag Bingo & Halloween Costume Contest (Oct 26, 2026)
- Karaoke Night (Feb 22, 2027)
Experience fresh voices and exciting new stories through special readings connected to Round House’s new play development work. Titles and dates will be announced in early 2027.
Open Classes
Learn from directors, actors, designers, and other theater-makers in special sessions that explore the craft behind the work. Dates/details to be announced.
Student Matinees
Local students are welcomed into the theater for free performances that spark curiosity, conversation, and connection. Interested schools may learn more and apply here.
Teen Nights
Young people can experience theater together, connect with artists, and make Round House their own. Learn more and reserve tickets here.
Homecoming Celebrations
Celebrate the artists, staff, students, supporters, subscribers, and community members who have been part of Round House’s story over the past 50 years. Dates/details to be announced.
ANNIVERSARY SEASON SPECIAL EVENTS
In addition to the free initiative, Round House will celebrate with a slate of special productions and ticketed events:
- Happenstance Theatre Returns (Jul 16–Aug 2, 2026): Led by Street 70 founding member Mark Jaster, Happenstance presents ADRIFT: A Medieval Wayward Folly. Tickets are on sale now.
- Sarah Metzger Memorial Play 25th Anniversary: Round House and its signature education program, the Teen Performance Company, will commemorate the 25th Sarah Metzger Memorial Play with the world premiere of The Camp Silver Lake Jamboree Massacre (Mar 5-7, 2027) by former Round House Associate Artistic Director, Naysan Mojgani. Tickets will go on sale in fall 2026.
- 50th Anniversary Gala (Mar 13, 2027): A gala celebrating Round House’s golden anniversary and the artists past and present, supporters, and community who have shaped the theater’s first 50 years. Details to be announced.
How to attend: Tickets and/or free registration for most 50 for 50 events will open on a rolling basis throughout the 2026-2027 Season, generally three to four weeks before each event. Visit RoundHouseTheatre.org/50for50 for details, or join Round House’s mailing list to receive event updates as they are announced.
Round House Theatre is located at 4545 East-West Highway, one block from Wisconsin Avenue and the Bethesda station on Metro’s Red Line.