DMV Theatre Community Gathers for Symposium on Championing Theatre and “State of Theatre in Washington, DC” podcast taping with City Cast DC on October 5
Elected officials, theatre-makers, and industry experts gather at Studio Theatre to discuss the future of DC’s theatre scene
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Theatre Washington brings together theatermakers, theater lovers, patrons, and policy influencers to discuss the important role that Washington-area theaters play in the cultural and economic life of the region. This symposium explores how we can use our voices as artists, arts lovers, and arts leaders to support the policies, priorities, and financial support they need to thrive.
Members of the DMV arts community will gather at Studio Theatre on Monday, October 5 for two workshop sessions:
1:00 PM: How to Champion for Theatre: with Will Gartshore, Senior Director of Policy and Government Affairs at World Wildlife Fund and a three-time Helen Hayes Award recipient will lead a training session with Deb Gottesman of Theatre Lab.
3:30 PM: A panel conversation moderated by Paige Hathaway, Chair of the Maryland State Arts Council, and Q&A with elected officials representing DC, Virginia, and Maryland about issues shaping our region and our theatre community.
5:00 PM: Keynote Speaker & Cocktails
7:00 PM: Podcast Taping with City Cast on “The State of Theatre in Washington, DC.”
The day will end with a live taping of City Cast DC’s “The State of Theatre in Washington, DC.” Join Theatre Washington and City Cast DC, the official media partner of Theatre Week, for a live discussion and podcast taping on the state of theater in DC. City Cast DC co-host and executive editor Michael Schaffer and theater critic Chris Klimek will be joined on stage by Edgar Dobie of Arena Stage, Adrien-Alice Hansel of Studio Theatre, and educator and actor Ro Boddie. The panelists will discuss the ripple effects of the Kennedy Center closure, the breadth and richness of the DC-area's theatre scene, must-see shows in the 2026–27 season, and more.
This event is part of Theatre Week 2026, an annual three-week celebration of the DC-area’s vibrant, diverse, and world-class theatre scene, running September 24 – October 11. The popular annual event offers residents and visitors $25, $45, and $65 tickets to more than 30 productions across the region.
Full media release on Theatre Week, including participating theaters and events, can be found HERE.
WHAT:
Theatre Week Advocacy Day featuring advocacy training, a panel conversation with DMV elected officials, and live taping of City Cast DC’s “The State of Theatre in Washington, DC”
WHO:
Amy Austin, President & CEO, Theatre Washington
Will Gartshore, Senior Director of Policy and Government Affairs, World Wildlife Fund
Paige Hernandez: Chair, Maryland State Arts Council
Elissa Silverman: At-Large Councilmember, Council of the District of Columbia
Nick Cohen: Executive Director, Maryland Citizens for the Arts
Tim Zhao: Commissioner (Region 4), Virginia Commission for the Arts
Deb Gottesman: Founder and Co-Director of The Theatre Lab
WHEN:
Monday, October 5, 2026
1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE:
Studio Theatre
1501 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
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