Local theaters, including Olney Theatre and Signature Theatre, are reporting a significant uptick in ticket sales, increased donations, and a surge in interest from performers looking for alternatives to the Kennedy Center.
This past year has been anything but smooth for the Kennedy Center, marked by leadership changes, artist boycotts, dwindling subscriptions, and even the controversial addition of President Donald Trump’s name to its title.
Amid the ongoing controversies surrounding this renowned D.C. venue, nearby theaters are experiencing heightened interest. Some are even receiving inquiries from performers and groups who might have previously collaborated with the Kennedy Center, now seeking new performance spaces.
“We’ve received over $50,000 in donations from individuals who initially planned to contribute to the Kennedy Center but have since chosen to support us instead,” stated Debbie Ellinghaus, executive director of the Olney Theatre Center in Maryland.
Ellinghaus acknowledged that ticket sales were strong during the holiday season, though she finds it challenging to determine whether this positivity is connected to the current climate surrounding the Kennedy Center. She highlighted a renewed enthusiasm for local theaters and community-focused productions, as many audiences actively seek alternatives.
“This is a chance for us to engage with our community and perhaps introduce many for the first time to the concept of a nonprofit regional theater and the vital role we play in our neighborhoods,” added Ellinghaus.
In Arlington, Signature Theatre’s managing director, Maggie Boland, confirmed that ticket sales are experiencing a notable surge, with shows such as “Fiddler on the Roof” and “In Clay” being completely sold out.
While Boland refrains from speculating about the reasons behind audiences choosing Signature, she expressed satisfaction in the increased ticket sales and revenue compared to previous years. “Regardless of the reasons, it’s encouraging to see our ticket sales rise,” Boland remarked.
She also noted that December proved to be a fruitful month for fundraising, emphasizing that successful productions often encourage increased donations.
While Signature Theatre focuses primarily on its own artistic offerings, Olney Theatre also accommodates various performances and looks forward to expanding its repertoire following the completion of a $37 million renovation. Ellinghaus shared that she has recently received numerous calls regarding rentals and collaboration opportunities from performers seeking alternative venues.
The Vibrant Arts Community
At Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., Artistic Director Hana S. Sharif remarked that while there’s no concrete data yet to identify a trend, feedback from theatergoers suggests a growing interest tied to the situation at the Kennedy Center.
“We’re hearing from patrons who express excitement about our commitment to our work, community engagement, and dedication to our 75-year heritage; this clarity of mission seems to have galvanized support,” Sharif explained.
Monica Jeffries Hazangeles, president and CEO of Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland, noted a slight uptick in the number of shows at their venue, although she emphasized that it’s too minor to be perceived as a clear trend. “Most decisions are based on technical production aspects, seating capacity, and scheduling rather than any overarching shift,” she clarified.
Sharif expressed that while it has been disheartening to watch some major artists bypass D.C., the local theater community has stepped up to fill the void where the Kennedy Center previously played a central role.
“It’s inspiring to see my peers across the board step in where the Kennedy Center was once a larger player in the ecosystem,” Sharif noted.
She further reflected on the close-knit nature of the theater community, recognizing the shared history among staff and artists affected by these changes. “As soon as shifts began occurring at the Kennedy Center, our colleagues responded with tremendous support, understanding the long-standing relationships we’ve built over various projects,” Sharif added.
Beyond the headlines surrounding the Kennedy Center, Boland emphasized that the arts remain vibrant in the D.C. region, with theaters collaborating for mutual success. “A win for Arena Stage or Shakespeare Theater is a positive outcome for Signature and vice versa,” she stated.
Hazangeles believes the arts community in the area is not only robust but also diverse and thriving overall. “Every one of our nonprofit venues contributes uniquely to both artists and audiences, thus creating a rich ecosystem that relies on a multitude of flourishing institutions,” she concluded.
