1st Stage Theatre is an award-winning professional theater in the heart of Tysons, Virginia. The company serves as a cultural hub for the community producing first-rate theatrical productions as well as hosting professional musicians, orchestras, and visual artists, and providing educational opportunities for the community. 1st Stage demonstrates that great art and culture are the heart and soul of vibrant communities. Our intimate setting creates a connection between audiences and artists that unleashes the full power of theatre to excite and engage.
Tysons Corner at night
A Commitment to Artistic Excellence and Community Engagement
By making strategic investments now, we ensure that 1st Stage continues to thrive as a beacon of artistic excellence, providing consistent, high-quality programming, accessible avenues to art for all, community connections, and contributing to the cultural vibrancy of our region. When you invest in 1st Stage you are fueling the vibrant arts, rich culture, and engaged community that define our region.
1st Stage is committed to reaching a diverse audience that reflects the rapidly developing population of Fairfax County and the greater region.
Increasing Accessibility
1st Stage strives to remove any physical barriers for patrons attending performances. Current physical accessibility options include mobility and wheelchair accessibility, assistive listening devices, open captioned performances, ASL-interpreted Community Conversations, and audio-described performances during each season production. Upgrading sound equipment and ensuring our front and back of house areas are completely accessible will increase the opportunities for all our community members to experience theatre.
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1st Stage has maintained a highly accessible ticket price to ensure patrons of all financial means may attend. Each performance has stratified ticket pricing, with a set number of tickets at $25, $40, and $55, with additional special low and complimentary pricing options for military, educators, students, and artists.
1st Stage offers free programming for youth and families, including educational workshops, interactive storytelling sessions, and community events designed to engage audiences of all ages.
Investing in the Next Generation
Expanding our capacity allows us to host more events that engage the local community. These include expanding our learning and engagement programs with a more robust YES Pass (Youth Engagement Subscription, a free subscription for high school students), Storytime for youth aged 4 to 8, additional youth workshops and afterschool programming, school partnerships, day camps, and workshops led by local artists.
An expanded Fellowship program provides support for early-career artists. These initiatives serve our mission and nurture the next generation of theatre professionals and audiences in the DC area.
Future Plans and Expansion
To propel 1st Stage to its next level, we must make strategic investments that address our immediate needs and set the stage for sustainable growth. Our vision is to create a theatre that operates at the highest level of artistic excellence, ensuring we can continue to deliver impactful performances while serving the growing needs of our community.
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1st Stage is in the midst of a 3-Year Comprehensive Campaign to raise $4,000,000 to bring this vision to life. We ask for your support to make this vision a reality! Your support will ensure that 1st Stage remains a cornerstone of our community for generations to come.
Key Investment Areas
- Local Artist Engagement: Continued investment in increased pay for artists and staff will make 1st Stage a competitive employer, attracting and retaining the best local talent. We will ensure that our compensation practices are equitable, offering benefits and fair pay to both union and non-union artists. This levels the playing field and strengthens our local arts community by providing stable, rewarding opportunities for artists to live and work in the DC area.
- Technical Staff Expansion: Hiring two full-time technical staff members ensures that our productions are supported by skilled professionals who are invested in 1st Stage's success. These positions will bridge the gap between entry-level and senior technical roles, providing career growth opportunities for local theatre professionals.
- Marketing and Engagement: Hiring a Director-level marketing professional will enable us to develop strategies that resonate with expanded communities, increase attendance and engagement, and solidify 1st Stage on the national stage. A well-executed and well-funded marketing strategy will drive ticket sales and attract supporters and donors who share our vision.
- Staff Expansion: As we expand, we will hire additional front-of-house staff and contractors from the local community, creating more job opportunities and supporting the local economy.
Facility Improvements
- Create a Dynamic Gathering Space for our Community: We will connect our theatre and rehearsal space, creating a beautiful lobby with a theatre-specific lending library-a much-needed resource in our area.
- Upgrade Our HVAC System: Ensuring the comfort of our community and artists is a top priority and this upgrade will enhance the overall experience and safety of everyone involved.
- Expand Restroom Facilities: We will double our restroom capacity, ensuring convenience and accessibility for all.
- Create Office Space for Expanded Staff: To support our growing organization, we will establish new office space, enabling our team to work efficiently and collaboratively.
- Develop a Spacious Rehearsal Space: A dedicated and open rehearsal space will allow our artists to refine their craft and produce exceptional work.
- Add Additional Dressing Rooms: Expanding our capacity to accommodate 16 artists enhances the backstage experience, increases accessibility and allows our performers to prepare comfortably.
Theater stage
Awards and Recognition
1st Stage’s production of The Nance was nominated for 11 Helen Hayes Awards in 2025, including Outstanding Production, becoming the most nominated production in the region. Other awards include the American Theatre Wing’s National Theatre Company award. Additionally, 1st Stage is a renewed member of the Spur Local (formerly the Catalogue for Philanthropy) class of 2024-2025.
Past Productions
1st Stage has a rich history of producing thought-provoking performances. Here are some notable past productions:
- The Logan Festival of Solo Performance (July 13 - 23, 2023)
- The Chosen (September 28 - EXTENDED THROUGH OCTOBER 22)
- Quilters (December 7 - EXTENDED THROUGH DECEMBER 31st!)
- Shutter Sisters (February 1 - 18, 2024)
- The Nance (April 4 - 21, 2024)
- Postcards from Ihatov (June 6-23, 2024)
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