The National Theatre is a 501.c.3.not-for-profit organization

The Theatre Today

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Operations and Management

In 1974, The National Theatre evolved from a commercial business into a not-for-profit organization, operated by a board of trustees, and managed for the corporation by The Shubert Organization. The theatre presents Class-A Legitimate touring productions of Broadway shows.

Interior Decor

HH Gallery Lounge The present interior decor was created in 1983 by Broadway designer Oliver Smith, with the same taste and flair he employed in designing the settings for "My Fair Lady" and other Broadway shows. He chose bright colors - peach and aquamarine - similar to those popular in London around 1835 — the year the National Theatre first opened — when the four Adams brothers, popular decorators of the day, used cheery hues to counteract the gloomy English winters.

The Helen Hayes Gallery

This gracious space is a large attractive room with a bar and small stage on the second floor. Orchestra and Mezzanine audiences gather here for intermission refreshments.

The nation's official portrait of Miss Hayes, the "First Lady of the American Theatre," painted by Furman Finck, and on loan from the National Portrait Gallery, hangs here.

This space can accommodate up to 150 people for a stand-up reception, about 50 people for a seated meal, and about 80 people for a seated meeting. A basic public address system, and a screen for slides, video or film, are available.

The Saturday Morning at the National, Monday Night at the National and Summer Cinema programs seating 100 people, are held here, as are occasional after-show cast parties and other events. The room is sometimes available for receptions given by groups purchasing large blocks of tickets.

The Corporate Lounge

This pleasant room with a bar on the fourth floor is adjacent to the Balcony. Patrons sitting at this level enjoy intermission refreshments here. The space can accommodate up to 60 people for a stand-up reception, about 30 people for a seated meal, and about 40 people for a seated meeting.

The Auditorium

The auditorium dates to the 1920's, when the roof of another theatre collapsed after a heavy snowstorm. New building codes prompted this theatre and others to replace their roof beams with steel and concurrently undertake other renovations.

Seating Seen From Stage The National's Mezzanine and Balcony seats are sharply raked, providing excellent views of the stage. The seats, installed in 2002, are upholstered in a melon shade similar to that of the dining room at Mount Vernon. Auditorium walls, with velvet panels at the Orchestra level, are in shades of teal blue, as is carpet throughout the theatre. Other public area walls and woodwork are in various shades of melon, lemon and white. Velvet drapes and Austrian shades are in coordinate colors. The peach-colored main stage curtain was designed by Mr. Smith and specially woven in heavy peach satin brocade for the theatre. A large carved eagle atop the proscenium is gilded, as is the proscenium arch and details of the angled coffered ceiling above it. Framed antique newspaper prints of Washington landmarks, as well as classical crystal chandeliers and sconces and richly upholstered furniture, complete the elegant ambiance throughout the building.

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