With its unique combination of traditional performing arts and community participation, Washington Revels brings together professionals and non-professionals, children and adults, to explore traditional music, dance, and drama. Revels invites us to understand our shared experience – at a time when such understanding is much needed – and to celebrate that experience together. Annual programs include The Christmas Revels (a big, festive, fully-staged celebration of the Winter Solstice seen by over 10,000 people), May Revels, monthly Community Sings and Contra Dances, after-school workshops for grades K-6, parade performances, and annual Pub Sings. Five year-round performing ensembles feature a cappella, African-American traditional music, songs of American heritage, sea chanteys, and dramatic portrayals of local historical figures. These groups perform over 35 times a year, presenting music and spoken word at a range of venues throughout the region. Let the celebration begin!
COVID-19 Update:
Community Sings, Family Fun Night Out, workshops for school children, and May Revels all take place online. Daily Antidote of Song, has engaged approximately 40,000 people via Zoom and Facebook Live (to date). Jubilee Voices’ month-long series of virtual 10th anniversary events and social media features highlighted members of the ensemble and their decade of celebrating African American traditions. A four-month fall program intersects with diverse cultural holidays and traditions in Season of Reveling, a series of interactive virtual events, performance videos, and social media features that transform Christmas Revels into a celebration fit for the times.
Headquarters: MD-Montgomery County
Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Montgomery County; MD-Prince George's County; VA-Arlington County; VA-Fairfax County; VA-City of Alexandria; VA-City of Fairfax; VA-City of Falls Church
Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49); Seniors (50+)
Population(s) Served: All
Schools They Work In: Under our Community Initiative, Revels partners with school, church and neighborhood groups to produce Revels-style community theater, with Revels producing and directing while engaging the people of the partner communities as the performers and part of the production team.
Awards & Recognition
2010/11 Catalogue for Philanthropy
Press
- Troupe Celebrates a Truly Old Fashioned Christmas
Fri Dec 17 2010, Voice of America
It's Christmas time in Washington. For hundreds of families... that means attending a production of the Chrristmas Revels...
- Review & Contest: Christmas Revels!
Wed Dec 8 2010, FoBoBlo -- The Foggy Bottom Blog
I have learned to love and embrace the Christmas season, and part of that is due to annual performances by Christmas Revels...
- The Washington Revels 28th Annual Christmas Revels
Tue Dec 7 2010, ShowBizRadio.net
In its 28th year, Washington Revels has spread the impact of darkness and light, and the joy of the season, from diverse cultures ...
Budget (FY2015)
- $3 million or higher
- $1 million to $3 million
- The current budget for Washington Revels is: $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
About the Catalogue for Philanthropy
Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.
The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!