If you love your local library, then you know it has more than just books going for it—especially if your library is in Washington, DC. Since 2024, The National Theatre Foundation and the DC Public Library have worked together to present The National Theatre Live! at the Library. This program extends the Foundation’s long-running Saturday Morning Live! series for young children by taking our artists to library locations across the District of Columbia for free performances and workshops.
The program debuted with a presentation of Pee Wee Pirates by Mary Ann Jung, a longtime member of our Community Stage Connections program. Jung appeared as real-life pirate captain Grace O’Malley at Shepherd Park Library for an audience of approximately 60 children, parents, and caregivers. Shepherd Park leadership arranged a series of pirate-themed books to accompany the performance; Branch Manager Deborah Hirsch noted happily that the array of pirate themed books had been “ransacked” following the performance!
Since then, Live! at the Library has reached 15 locations across seven Wards, entertaining nearly 700 children and caregivers. We’ve seen Virginia Ballet Company and School present selections from Don Quixote at Capitol View, shaken our bones with Cantaré at Petworth, exercised our creativity with Imagination Stage at Tenley-Friendship, snuggled up to Jennie the Cat at Bellevue, and much, much more. We’re so grateful for the DC Public Library for partnering with us to create access to transformative performing arts experience across the District. Click through the gallery below for a few snapshots!
Mary Ann Jung performs at Shepheard Park Library (January 2024).
Groovy Nate performs at Rosedale Library (February 2025).
Virginia Ballet Company performs at Capitol View Library (August 2024).
Learn More
Want to get in the know about our next program? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram or get on our email list by reaching out to education@nationaltheatre.org. All programs are free and open to the public; no registration is required. Programs are ideal for ages 3-6, but all are welcome. Consult your local library’s website for more information about location, parking, accessibility, and hours.