This is one of the best Shakespeare theaters in the country, known for its accessible interpretations of plays by Shakespeare, his contemporaries, and modern masters, from Oscar Wilde to Thomas Stoppard. Attend a play here and you’re in for a thought-provoking, of-the-moment experience, whether it’s the tweaking of a classic to address the political climate in D.C.; the casting of people of color for the majority of roles; or the display of a little nudity. In its 33 years, the theater has won national and international acclaim, including a Regional Theater Tony award and recognition by Queen Elizabeth II, who named the theater’s artistic director, Michael Kahn, an Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, for his distinguished service to the arts and sciences. Washingtonians know to expect the best when they see the names of the theater’s resident artists, like Edward Gero and Nancy Robinette. But the theater brings in renowned guest performers too, like Stacy Keach and Marsha Mason.
The Shakespeare Theatre Company has two downtown locations (literally within a stone’s throw of each other), the 451-seat Lansburgh Theatre, at 450 7th St. NW, and the 774-seat Sidney Harman Hall, at 610 F St. NW (across the street from the Capital One Arena), and both houses frequently sell out. The 2018–19 season is Michael Kahn’s grand finale as artistic director and includes Bard favorites The Comedy of Errors and Richard III, but also an adaptation of the classic novel Vanity Fair; two world premieres, The Panties, The Partner and The Profit: Scenes from the Heroic Life of the Middle Class and The Oresteia; and the award-wining production of J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls. The Shakespeare Theatre also screens live performances of London’s National Theatre productions.
In addition, the theater hosts all kinds of talks, dance performances, discussions, cocktail hours, workshops, and other events, many of which target 20- to 30-somethings. Best deal for the under-35s is the sale of $25 tickets available online with the promo code provided on the website.