In the heart of Washington D.C., a city renowned for its vibrant theater scene, small theater companies are facing an unprecedented challenge: finding and maintaining performance spaces. This struggle is exemplified by the recent experience of Theater Alliance, a 31-year-old company known for its socially conscious programming.
Just days before rehearsals were set to begin for their production of "Covenant," Theater Alliance found itself without a stage. The company had been shut out of its longtime home, the Anacostia Playhouse, in April 2024. In a stroke of creativity and determination, they secured an unconventional venue: an unfinished retail bay in a 12-story mixed-use development called the Westerly.
This situation is not unique to Theater Alliance. Many small theaters in D.C. are grappling with similar space issues, a problem exacerbated by the lingering effects of the pandemic. Kristi Maiselman, executive director of CulturalDC, notes, "Since the pandemic, the arts community, specifically the theater community, has not bounced back."
The challenges faced by small theaters are further complicated by changes in funding allocation. In 2019, legislation set aside 28% of arts grants for large organizations, a practice that ended after fiscal year 2021. More recently, a cap on arts commission grants has created a "doughnut hole" affecting theaters with budgets just under $500,000, such as Rorschach Theatre.
While small theaters struggle, larger institutions like Arena Stage and the National Theatre have secured substantial funding. Arena Stage received a $6 million earmark to pay off its mortgage, while the D.C. Council aims to purchase and improve the National Theatre for over $11 million.
The sale of the Source Theatre, a 120-seat stage that has served audiences for nearly 50 years, has sent shockwaves through the theater community. Amy Austin, president of Theatre Washington, describes the Source as "the root" that has nurtured countless theater artists.
Despite these challenges, creative solutions are emerging. Theater Alliance's use of a retail space was facilitated by the Department of Buildings' new Pop-Up Permits program. Rorschach Theatre is occupying a former menswear shop above a Metro station. These innovative approaches highlight the resilience and adaptability of D.C.'s theater community.
As the theater landscape evolves, the need for a centralized resource connecting property owners with arts organizations becomes apparent. Shanara Gabrielle of Theater Alliance suggests that D.C. could benefit from a service similar to New York's ChaShaMa, which pairs artists with underused commercial spaces.
"Theater can do a very specific thing that nothing else can do, that can only happen live. Being in a nontraditional space heightens that."
The challenges facing D.C.'s small theaters are significant, but the community's creativity and determination offer hope for the future. As these companies continue to adapt and innovate, they ensure that the city's rich theatrical tradition will endure, even in the face of adversity.