The National Theatre Live at the Library

Looking Back on Our 2026 Cycle of Programs

In July, we wrapped our latest cycle of The National Theatre Live at the Library, our special partnership with the DC Public Library that shares the work of artists in our network across the District of Columbia. This was our biggest cycle yet, culminating in some 240 children, parents, and caregivers enjoying Selections from Swan Lake at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial! We’re especially grateful to Events DC for their financial investment, which made this cycle possible. Check out some highlights in the photo gallery below, featuring lessons in creating rhythms, fabulous dance performances, and artistic traditions from around the world.

  • A young woman with a fox puppet greets parents and children.
    Mollie Greenberg of Ingrid & Mollie introducing Fizz the Fox to folks at Palisades Library.
  • A man in a black shirt instructs children and parents in how to keep a beat.
    Edgar of Words, Beats & Life teaching the basics of rhythm at Chevy Chase Library.
  • A man in a traditional red Japanese top teaches young children some dance moves.
    Mark H Rooney teaches some moves in his introduction to Japanese Taiko at West End Library.
  • Two men in jumpsuits play instruments in front of a crowd of small children.
    Artists from Imagination Stage conduct a workshop with visitors to West End Library.
  • A ballerina in a white tutu and headband strikes a pose.
    Virginia Ballet Company performs selections from Swan Lake at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library.

About The National Theatre Live at the Library

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 at The National series for young children by taking our artists to library locations across the District of Columbia for free performances and workshops. Between 2024 and 2026, The National Theatre Live at the Library has reached 21 locations different across all eight Wards in the District of Columbia, entertaining nearly 1,400 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.

Coming Up Next

Want to get in the know about our next cycle? 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.