The National Theatre has been Washington’s home for outstanding shows and legendary performers since our first curtain rose in 1835.
The National Theatre Foundation (NTF), the non-profit organization, that owns and cares for the renowned venue, also maintains its vast historical Archive and connects audiences to the magic of theatre every day.
We do this through our Broadway at the National series, presented by the Nederlander Organization, and our free programs that provide access to, and instill a lifelong love of the performing arts.
The National has made extraordinary contributions to the nation’s rich cultural heritage across three centuries and, to this day, continues to bring the joy of remarkable theatre, music, and dance to Pennsylvania Avenue – America’s wonderful Main Street.
Gifts to The National Theatre Foundation help fund necessary capital improvements to preserve and maintain our historic theatre, as well as support free community and educational programming, and make possible the management of a vast, content-rich archive.
Education and Community Engagement
Your support allows us to invest our energy into creating a bright future for both adult and children’s theatre in DC as we continue to strengthen and grow our existing community programs, Saturday Morning Live! At The National, Community Stage Connections, and Teens Behind the Scenes.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts
The staff and Board of Directors are working together to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices into all levels of our organization through consistent action and review. Read our DEI Statement and learn about ongoing initiatives.
History and Culture
The National has operated as a theatre longer than any other major touring house in the United States and is the oldest cultural institution in the Nation’s Capitol. The theatre opened its doors for the first time on December 7, 1835, with a production of A Man of This World. The National Theatre has played a vital role in history by hosting presidential inaugural balls, world premieres of landmark American musicals, presidential command performances of national artistic merit, and the first presentation of the coveted Helen Hayes Award.
League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT)
The National Theatre Foundation is a proud member of the League of Historic American Theatres. Founded in 1976, the League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT) is a non-profit organization with the main purpose of sustaining historic theatres across North America for the benefit of their communities and future generations. The charter members of the League started out with the modest, but noble, cause of uniting historic playhouses across the continent.