In an ordinary year, 1st Stage would mount 165 performances for 15,000 audience members in an intimate, 110-seat venue. Dynamic, compelling, modern plays written and performed by professionals from diverse backgrounds would excite audiences and spark community conversations on topics like social justice, mental health, and education that would deepen and enrich understanding. But this is no ordinary year. 1st Stage now invites artists and professionals in the field to participate in online conversations that keep audiences connected and engaged – programs like Performers in Quarantine, Life of a Solo Artist, and Artistic Directors in Conversation. Its Solo Playwright Commissions will provide funds for 10-12 artists to create one-person performances – a pipeline for the annual Logan Festival that will also provide financial resources to artists in uncertain times. During a pandemic, theaters are likely among the last venues to reopen: let's not forget them.

Headquarters: VA-Fairfax County

Where They Operate: VA-Fairfax County; Tysons

Age Groups Served: Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49); Seniors (50+)

Population(s) Served: All

Awards & Recognition

Recipient of American Theater Wing's 2015 "National Theater Company" Award

Named "One of America's most impressive smaller regional companies" by the Wall Street Journal (September 2016)

Winner of several Helen Hayes Awards including 2016 award for "Best Supporting Actress"

Winner 2016 Broadway World Award for "Best Director"

Washington Post referred to 1st Stage as "the small troupe at Tysons that’s building a reputation for thoughtful work" in September, 2016

All of 1st Stage's 2015 plays were chosen as part of DC METRO THEATER ARTS' "Best Plays in Professional Theater"

OLD WICKE SONGS was chosen as one of the top ten shows of 2015 by DC THEATRE SCENE

HARVEY was chosen as one of the best plays of 2015 by BROADWAY WORLD

Press

Budget (FY2015)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • The current budget for 1st Stage is: Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

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!

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