Topic summary

Arena Stage

Arena Stage

Arena Stage is a not-for-profit regional theater based in Southwest, Washington, D.C. Established in 1950, it was the first racially integrated theater in Washington, D.C., and its founders helped start the U.S. regional theater movement. It has three stages.

Arena Stage is currently led by President and Executive Producer Edgar Dobie, after Artistic Director Hana S. Sharif resigned effective June 30, 2026. It is the largest company in the country dedicated to American plays and playwrights. Arena Stage commissions and develops new plays through its Power Plays initiative. The company serves an annual audience of more than 300,000. Its productions have received numerous local and national awards, including the Tony Award for best regional theater and over 600 Helen Hayes Awards.