Since 2019, The National Theatre Foundation has partnered with Children’s National Hospital to host live and virtual performing arts experiences for young patients and their families. We provided the joy of the performing arts to Children’s National during the COVID-19 pandemic through filmed workshops that featured local artists such as Alex and Olmsted and hip-hop organization Words, Beats & Life, and supported magician Michael Chamberlain’s work at a special appearance by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and President Joe Biden. Words, Beats & Life has remained a valuable partner as we have returned in-person programming in the Costco Wholesale Atrium and the Healing Garden.
Despite the COVID-19 hospital constraints and delays, Alex and Olmsted patiently worked with us to provide an entertaining, engaging and fun time for the unit. Our patients and staff felt a sense of pride for their puppets, and we were able to display on the unit.
Dana Morgan, Performance Coordinator at Children’s National Hospital
Sunflower Music Festival
In 2025, we partnered with Children’s National Hospital to co-present their annual Sunflower Music Festival. Every year, the festival brings together patients, parents, and staff for a day of music and fun. 2025 was the biggest year ever, with seven artists filling the Costco Wholesale Atrium and Healing Garden with an international array of tunes. Check out the pictures below for more highlights!
DJ Shablast of Words, Beats & Life drops the beat.
Kofi Dennis brings joy with the drums.
Marsha and the Positrons share songs of science.
Former patient Max Nguyen returns to Children’s National.
Groovy Nate gets audiences in the groove.
Community Stage Connections is made possible in part by the generous support of
The Washington Children’s Foundation.