American Dreaming is a poignant exploration of the complex interplay between pursuing financial freedom and the Black experience in America. This series delves into the nuanced relationship between aspiration and the systemic barriers that persist within our society.
Join us on a journey through the American experience recognizing the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history and culture. Enjoy the crowd-thrilling musical experience of The Exclusives – one of the hottest bands in the DMV!
A light-hearted homage to the style and spirit of the Great Age of Vaudeville, an immensely popular theatre from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, comprised of specialty acts, song, and dance. Happenstance Theater’s five versatile players breathe new life into classic old routines from a ventriloquist’s dummy to a magic act that goes awry, from novelty songs and a musical saw to waiters juggling meatballs, all with full live foley sound effects. This show teems with hijinks, harmonies, nostalgic beauty, and physical comedy. This family-friendly show has something for everyone!
A light-hearted homage to the style and spirit of the Great Age of Vaudeville, an immensely popular theatre from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, comprised of specialty acts, song, and dance. Happenstance Theater’s five versatile players breathe new life into classic old routines from a ventriloquist’s dummy to a magic act that goes awry, from novelty songs and a musical saw to waiters juggling meatballs, all with full live foley sound effects. This show teems with hijinks, harmonies, nostalgic beauty, and physical comedy. This family-friendly show has something for everyone!
This performance is part of our Education on Stage Series and is recommended for Grades K-5. Black History heroes laid the groundwork for some of the most amazing discoveries of the modern era, especially regarding Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Hosted by the incredible scientist, George Washington Carver, who invented thousands of uses for the lowly peanut, this Bright Star Touring show introduces students to other great scientists, entrepreneurs, and groundbreakers from Black History. Meet Madame CJ Walker, Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and more! Please note, everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age.
This performance is part of our Education on Stage Series and is recommended for Grades K-5. Black History heroes laid the groundwork for some of the most amazing discoveries of the modern era, especially regarding Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Hosted by the incredible scientist, George Washington Carver, who invented thousands of uses for the lowly peanut, this Bright Star Touring show introduces students to other great scientists, entrepreneurs, and groundbreakers from Black History. Meet Madame CJ Walker, Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and more! Please note, everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age.
This multi-week class builds upon foundational acting skills, focusing on in-depth exploration of techniques, character development, and performance styles; often including scene work, improvisation, and analysis of dramatic texts. Participants should have a basic understanding of acting techniques and principles that the class will focus on refining and expanding.
This class will run from February 17 – March 24, 2026 on Tuesday evenings, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Registration will open in mid-November, 2025. Participants must register for the entire class session; there are no drop in rates.
Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect traces Thurgood Marshall’s life and career from his birth in Baltimore in 1908, through his years at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Lincoln University and Howard University School of Law, and on to his groundbreaking career as a lawyer championing civil rights. After launching his legal career in Baltimore in 1935, Marshall went on to win 29 of the 32 cases he argued before the U.S. Supreme Court, most notably the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case, which invalidated the “separate but equal” doctrine and ended racial segregation in public schools. In 1967, Marshall became the first African American appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, where he served until his retirement in 1991. Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect includes exclusive interviews with family members, leading historians and authors, and legal experts who offer fresh insights into the life and extraordinary influence of the man who became known as “Mr. Civil Rights.”
Executive produced by Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Stanley Nelson and MPT Senior Vice President and Chief Content Officer Travis Mitchell, the film is produced and directed by Alexis Aggrey, with music by two-time Grammy Award-winning composer Derrick Hodge. “For the first time, audiences will hear Thurgood Marshall tell his own story – in his own words,” said director and producer Alexis Aggrey. “This film is the first to center Marshall’s own voice, drawn from a rare eight-hour oral history. It’s not just a documentary; it’s a conversation with a man whose legal mind reshaped the nation and whose legacy still echoes through our justice system today.”
Note: reservations strongly recommended due to limited seating.
This film is not yet rated; Run Time: 1 hour
American Dreaming is a poignant exploration of the complex interplay between pursuing financial freedom and the Black experience in America. This series delves into the nuanced relationship between aspiration and the systemic barriers that persist within our society, particularly emphasizing the American lottery system as a symbol of hope in the Black community.
This performance is part of our Education on Stage Series and is recommended for Grades 1-6. Race to the finish line with two black Olympians who changed history in this original musical play from Discovery Theater! Soaring music and the exhilaration of world-class sports inspire us all to greatness in this vivid portrayal of the lives of Jesse Owens and Wilma Rudolph. Watch them overcome childhood illness, infirmity, and poverty to become the world’s fastest man and fastest woman, winning the greatest honor in athletics: the Olympic Gold medal. The John Cornelius II score speaks to the heart and soul of the winner in all of us. Please note, everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age.
This performance is part of our Education on Stage Series and is recommended for Grades 1-6. Race to the finish line with two black Olympians who changed history in this original musical play from Discovery Theater! Soaring music and the exhilaration of world-class sports inspire us all to greatness in this vivid portrayal of the lives of Jesse Owens and Wilma Rudolph. Watch them overcome childhood illness, infirmity, and poverty to become the world’s fastest man and fastest woman, winning the greatest honor in athletics: the Olympic Gold medal. The John Cornelius II score speaks to the heart and soul of the winner in all of us. Please note, everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age.
A live tribute to American singer and songwriter Frankie Beverly. He was best known for his recordings with the soul and funk band Maze and was a consistent hitmaker on the R&B charts for almost 50 years. His music is known for its authenticity and emotional depth. This concert highlights the early years of Maze and the transition to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. We Are One X-Perience performs all the hit songs that everyone knows and loves, including: “Back in Stride,” “Too Many Games,” “Can’t Get Over You,” “Before I Let Go, Running Away,” and many more. They pride themselves on giving the audience an incredibly high-energy performance each time they take the stage.
A live tribute to American singer and songwriter Frankie Beverly. He was best known for his recordings with the soul and funk band Maze and was a consistent hitmaker on the R&B charts for almost 50 years. His music is known for its authenticity and emotional depth. This concert highlights the early years of Maze and the transition to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. We Are One X-Perience performs all the hit songs that everyone knows and loves, including: “Back in Stride,” “Too Many Games,” “Can’t Get Over You,” “Before I Let Go, Running Away,” and many more. They pride themselves on giving the audience an incredibly high-energy performance each time they take the stage.