**Just Announced** Never been to Olney Theatre before? Then you can get 4 free tickets to the Olney Outdoors event of your choice! Just use the code FirstTimeFree.
Live Performance is Back
50 Events, Over 100 Artists
Tickets available now!
The Root Family Stage is our open-air home for the summer with physically-distanced seating on blankets or in chairs. Or if you're ready for it, our raised bleacher seats are available at full capacity. You can reserve a "pod" of seats for parties of 4, 3, 2 or even a solo. Masks are encouraged, but not required for vaccinated patrons, except indoors for use of the restrooms or in case of rain.
In case of rain, some programs will be moved indoors to our Mainstage, where 200 patrons spread out to comprise less than 50% of that venue's full capacity.
From Kevin McAllister, Director of Curated Programs:
Olney Outdoors is an open invitation to people of different races, cultures, classes, statuses, genders, religions, and social acceptance to share a common space where our programs will celebrate bringing together both our likenesses and differences in a positive light. From Jazz, Cabarets, Drag Balls, and Songs of Worship to Spoken Word, Musical Theatre, Open Mics, Theatre for Young Audiences, and Dance, there is something for everyone and we welcome the chance to sit under the stars and find joy in our commonalities together.
Read more about Olney Outdoors in this week's Paperless Program.
Click on an image below for more program information.
Events
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Wednesday Nights: August 4 & 11
Sip 'N' Slam
FREE!
Hosted by Simply Sherri, enjoy a drink as verbal virtuosos rock the mic on two Wednesday nights. Part One (August 4) features: Megan Rickman Blackwood, Black Root, Regie Cabico, and Carlynn Newhouse. Part Two (8/11) features: Vijai Nathan, Amin Drew Law, Charity Blackwell, and Analysis. There's even an opportunity for you to participate during the open mic! -
Friday Nights: July 23 - August 27
The Andrew A. Isen Cabaret Series
Paid events
Expect some DC-favorites sharing the Root Family Stage in unexpected combinations like Awa Sal Secka & Bobby Smith (July 23); Ines Nassara & Tracy Lynn Olivera (July 30); Donna Migliaccio & Nova Payton (August 6); Rayanne Gonzales & Rayshun Lamarr (August 13); Greg Maheu & Vishal Vaidya (August 20); Malinda Kathleen Reese & Alan Wiggins (August 27); and more!
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Saturday Nights: July 24 - August 28
Jazz @ Olney
PAID EVENTS
Associate Produced by acclaimed musician and DC theatre-maker Mark G. Meadows (Jelly’s Last Jam), jazz gets a new home on the Root Family Stage on Saturday nights. Performers include Rochelle Rice (7/24), Christie Dashiell (7/31), Elijah Jamal Balbed (8/7), Akua Allrich & The Tribe (8/14), Warren Wolf & WOLFPACK (8/21), Mark G. Meadows & The Movement (8/28)
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Sunday Afternoons: July 25 - August 9
Sing Praise!
Paid Events
Inspired performances from top local and national groups representing diverse faiths and cultures, sanctify Sunday afternoons. Featuring: Charles Butler and Trinity (7/25), Trio Sefardi/Music Pilgrim Trio (8/1), Baltimore Choral Arts Society (8/8), Chao Tian and Tom Teasley (8/15), Capria McLearn with Tamara Jade (8/22), and more to be announced! -
Weekend Mornings: July 24 - August 28
Theatre for Young Audiences
Olney Outdoors is also home for kids of all ages including a Disney Sing-A-Long (July 24), three weekends of PNC Presents: Paper Dreams from Imagination Stage (July 31 - August 15), Rick Spacey: Space Detective, a sensory-friendly show from Only Make Believe Theatre (August 21), and podcaster/theatre-maker Melissa Victor's Stoopkid Stories (August 28).
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Wednesday Nights: August 18 & 25
Olney in Drag
FREE!
These fabulous drag queens shine brighter than the stars in the evening sky. Part One (August 18) stars Brooklyn Heights, Betty O'Hellno, Ariel Von Quinn, and Evon Michelle. Part Two (August 25) Queens: Kristina Kelly, Vagenesis, Tiara Missou, and Echinacea Monroe.
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Saturday, All Day: September 4
SummerFest
Free!
We wrap up our outdoor season with the return of SummerFest - an all day open house featuring performances, workshops, tours, a used costume sale, food trucks, community partners and more!
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Past Events
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July 2 - 11, 2021
Shakespeare Under the Stars
A Midsummer's Night Dream
by William Shakespeare
Directed by Danielle DrakesFREE!
Get lost in the forest with OTC’s National Players as they kick off their 72nd season with the quintessential summer Shakespeare rom-com.
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July 16-18, 2021
Just Arts: Heritage
FREE!
A two-night live version of our online series of performances saluting the BIPOC artists who combine their artistry and a quest for a more just society. In this newest installment, a variety of acts reflect upon the meanings of cultural history, legacy and memory. Each night is a singular and unique show, so come to one or both evenings! Then on Sunday, July 18, enjoy a new online episode of Just Arts featuring works from around the worl.
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Wednesday Nights: July 21 & 28
Dance Around the World
FREE!
Dancers bring different corners of the world - India, West Africa, China, Brazil, and even NYC - to Olney for two Wednesdays full of rhythm, movement, and passion. Part One (July 21) features Rhythmaya, Cristina Camacho & Co. and KanKouran West African Dance, Part Two (July 28) features: Company E, Xuejuan, and CHR PROJECT by Charles Renato.
All programs and prices subject to change. In case of rain, programs will be moved inside to the Mainstage with distancing. All patrons are required to wear face masks indoors unless eating or drinking.
HELP SUPPORT OLNEY OUTDOORS
Thanks to a group of dedicated Olney Theatre friends, we’ve already raised nearly $100K to support the artists who will light up the Root Family Stage this summer. But, we need more help to ensure Olney Theatre’s reopening season is as exciting and impactful as possible. Please make a gift before September 6, 2021 to help us reach our goal of $200,000.
Thank you to Our Sponsors
Gana Dunlop
Andrew A. Isen
Cliff L. Johnson & Margaret T. Roper
Margaret Ross
Stephen Simpson & Lois Taylor
