Virginia's Signature Theatre opens its doors for its annual Open House on Sunday, August 6, for an all-day extravaganza full of live performances and arts events across six different stages.
Free and open to the public, this special summer event runs from noon until 8:30pm, with numerous performances throughout the Signature complex starting every fifteen minutes, as well as a one-day-only discounted ticket sale at the Box Office for select performances of mainstage shows in Signature's 2017/18 season. A complete schedule for the day is listed below.
The Open House offers something for everyone: live performances, demonstrations, master classes, a Broadway on the Plaza grand finale, and much more. Events are held throughout the building as well as outdoors on the Shirlington Plaza, where families will find balloon animals, popcorn, sno-cones, ske-ball, basketball, a corn-hole tournament and more - all for free. This year, Signature Theatre expands the open house by hosting other events throughout the neighborhood at New District Brewing Company and Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub.
Inside, the Season Highlights Concert will feature exclusive sneak-peek performances from Signature's upcoming 2017/18 season including performances from A Little Night Music, Crazy for You and Scottsboro Boys.
During the Open House patrons can also purchase discounted tickets for select performances throughout the season. Discounts will range from $20 to 50% off tickets - every mainstage show in Signature's season will have discounted tickets available. These special ticket prices are only available in person on the day of Open House. The Box Office will be open from noon until 8:30pm. For more information on discounted performances, visit www.Sigtheatre.org.
Featured artists who will be performing throughout the day include Signature favorites Natascia Diaz, Erin Driscoll, Will Gartshore, Stephen Gregory Smith, Nova Y. Payton, Bobby Smith along with performances from the US Army Chorus and DuPont Brass.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
12:00PM - In the MAX
SIGNATURE SEASON HIGHLIGHTS CONCERT
Highlights from the new season featuring songs from the Signature's 2017/18 season including A Little Night Music, The Gershwin's and Ken Ludwig's Crazy for You, Light Years, Girlfriend and The Scottsboro Boys - plus a taste of An Act of God, 4,380 Nights and John.
FREE tickets available at 11AM at Ticket Booth ONE
12:00PM - Plaza Stage
FAMILY CABARET
The perfect cabaret for everyone in the family! From Disney show tunes, including Moana, to the latest kid-friendly radio this cabaret is guaranteed to get your young ones hooked on show business.
No tickets required
12:15PM - In the ARK
DUELING GUITARS WITH Natascia Diaz
The pairing of chanteuse Natascia Diaz with Ari McKay Wilford and Vincent Kempski on guitar lit up the stage during Jesus Christ Superstar. The trio goes beyond the canon of Andrew Lloyd Webber in an original cabaret.
FREE tickets available at 11:15AM at Ticket Booth TWO
12:30PM - In the Mead Lobby, 2nd Floor
SONDHEIM SONGBOOK
DC actors sing songs by Signature's favorite composer. From A Little Night Music to Sunday in the Park with George to Sweeney Todd, Sondheim is Signature's Signature!
No tickets required
12:45PM - In the Mead Lobby, 2nd Floor
Bobby Smith TAP MASTER CLASS
Bobby Smith, star of A Little Night Music, invites you to join him for a tap dance class! Get your body moving as you learn a fun routine. Tap shoes not required.
No tickets required.
1:00PM
BAND OF US - Plaza Stage
Finalists of the Bernard Ebb Songwriters competition, Band of Us, shed a little light and a little love with an inspirational musical performance.
No tickets required
1:00PM - New District Brewing Company
BROADWAY & BREWS AT NEW DISTRICT
Sample craft beer in the tasting room while Ines Nassara serenades you with Broadway tunes. New District Brewing Company a 5 minute walk across the Four Mile Run pedestrian bridge or a short drive from Signature at 2709 S Oakland Street.
No tickets required, limited parking
1:15PM - In the MAX
FAMILY CABARET
The perfect cabaret for everyone in the family! From Disney show tunes, including Moana, to the latest kid-friendly radio this cabaret is guaranteed to get your young ones hooked on show business.
FREE tickets available at 12:15PM at Ticket Booth ONE
1:30PM - In the ARK
SIGNATURE'S LEADING MEN
From tenor to baritone, Signature's favorite fellows take the stage! Featuring Will Gartshore, Vincent Kempski, Sam Ludwig, Paul Scanlan, Bobby Smith and Stephen Gregory Smith and Ari McKay Wilford.
FREE tickets available at 12:30PM at Ticket Booth TWO
1:45PM - In the Mead Lobby, 2nd Floor
KANDER & EBB SONGBOOK
A cabaret performance featuring songs by the duo who wrote this season's The Scottsboro Boys as well as the iconic musicals Cabaret and Chicago.
No tickets required
2:00PM - In the Mead Lobby, 2nd Floor
Nova Y. Payton MASTER CLASS
Powerhouse vocalist Nova Y. Payton (Jelly's Last Jam, Dreamgirls) hosts a master class in singing for pre-selected students. Watch how Nova helps students hit all the right notes.
No tickets required
2:00PM - New District Brewing Company
BROADWAY & BREWS AT NEW DISTRICT
Sample craft beer in the tasting room while Ines Nassara serenades you with Broadway tunes. New District Brewing Company a 5 minute walk across the Four Mile Run pedestrian bridge or a short drive from Signature at 2709 S Oakland Street.
No tickets required, limited parking
2:15PM - Plaza Stage
The U.S. ARMY CHORUS
Beyond the traditional military music and patriotic standards, the repertoire of the Army Chorus covers a broad spectrum which includes pop, Broadway, folk and classical music.
No tickets required
2:15PM - In the MAX
SIGNATURE SEASON HIGHLIGHTS CONCERT
Highlights from the new season featuring songs from the Signature's 2017/18 season including A Little Night Music, The Gershwin's and Ken Ludwig's Crazy for You, Light Years, Girlfriend and The Scottsboro Boys - plus a taste of An Act of God, 4,380 Nights and John.
FREE tickets available at 1:15PM at Ticket Booth ONE
2:45PM - In the ARK
DUELING GUITARS WITH Natascia Diaz
The pairing of chanteuse Natascia Diaz with Ari McKay Wilford and Vincent Kempski on guitar lit up the stage during Jesus Christ Superstar. The trio goes beyond the canon of Andrew Lloyd Webber in an original cabaret.
FREE tickets available at 1:45PM at Ticket Booth TWO
3:00PM - In the Mead Lobby, 2nd Floor
Jerry Herman SONGBOOK
A toe-tapping cabaret performance of songs by the mastermind behind La Cage aux Folles, Mame and Hello, Dolly!.
No tickets required
3:00PM - Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub
BINGO & BEER AT Samuel Beckett'S
Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer and composer Matt Conner host a lively game of bingo based on Signature Theatre trivia at Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub, located a short walk down the street from Signature at 4150 Campbell Avenue.
No tickets required
3:15PM - In the Mead Lobby, 2nd Floor
Jennifer Cordiner JAZZ MASTER CLASS
Get ready to move as Jennifer Cordiner (West Side Story) guides you through a high-energy dance routine. No previous experience necessary!
No tickets required
3:30PM - In the MAX
SIGNATURE DIVAS
The ladies of musical theater perform a powerhouse concert filled with their favorite songs. Featuring Susan Derry, Natascia Diaz, Erin Driscoll, Maria Egler, Ines Nassara, Nova Y. Payton and Maria Rizzo.
FREE tickets available at 2:30PM at Ticket Booth ONE
3:30PM - Plaza Stage
The U.S. ARMY CHORUS
Beyond the traditional military music and patriotic standards, the repertoire of the Army Chorus covers a broad spectrum which includes pop, Broadway, folk and classical music.
No tickets required
4:00PM - Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub
BINGO & BEER AT Samuel Beckett'S
Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer and composer Matt Conner host a lively game of bingo based on Signature Theatre trivia at Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub, located a short walk down the street from Signature at 4150 Campbell Avenue.
No tickets required
4:00PM - In the ARK
SIGNATURE SING-ALONG
Join Maria Egler and Stephen Gregory Smith for a sing-along of songs from musicals like The Gershwins' and Ken Ludwig's Crazy for You and many more. Whether you are a karaoke fiend or just in the shower, bring your singing voice and belt with the best!
FREE tickets available at 3PM at Ticket Booth TWO
4:15PM - In the Mead Lobby, 2nd Floor
Richard Rodgers SONGBOOK
The Sound of Music and Oklahoma! are just a few of the musicals by Richard Rodgers. Hear some favorite showtunes and perhaps a few you haven't heard before.
No tickets required
4:30PM - In the Mead Lobby, 2nd Floor
Matthew Gardiner MASTER CLASS
Associate Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner (Jelly's Last Jam, La Cage aux Folles, West Side Story) leads an acting master class featuring pre-selected students. Come observe Matthew's artistic process.
No tickets required
4:45PM - In the MAX
SIGNATURE SEASON HIGHLIGHTS CONCERT
Highlights from the new season featuring songs from the Signature's 2017/18 season including A Little Night Music, The Gershwin's and Ken Ludwig's Crazy for You, Light Years, Girlfriend and The Scottsboro Boys - plus a taste of An Act of God, 4,380 Nights and John.
FREE tickets available at 3:45PM at Ticket Booth ONE
4:45PM - Plaza Stage
DUPONT BRASS
An eclectic, soulful, nine-piece brass ensemble with a sound that mixes jazz, hip-hop and R&B.
No tickets required
5:15PM - In the ARK
SIGNATURE DIVAS
The ladies of musical theater perform a powerhouse concert filled with their favorite songs. Featuring Susan Derry, Natascia Diaz, Erin Driscoll, Maria Egler, Ines Nassara, Nova Y. Payton and Maria Rizzo.
FREE tickets available at 4:15PM at Ticket Booth TWO
5:30PM - In the Mead Lobby, 2nd Floor
GERSHWIN SONGBOOK
We've got rhythm and we've got music as Signature sings some of our favorite songs by George and Ira Gershwin. Who could ask for anything more?
No tickets required
5:45PM - Plaza Stage
DUPONT BRASS
An eclectic, soulful, nine-piece brass ensemble with a sound that mixes jazz, hip-hop and R&B.
No tickets required
6:00PM - In the MAX
SIGNATURE LEADING MEN
From tenor to baritone, Signature's favorite fellows take the stage! Featuring Will Gartshore, Vincent Kempski, Sam Ludwig, Paul Scanlan, Bobby Smith, Stephen Gregory Smith and Ari McKay Wilford.
FREE tickets available at 5PM at Ticket Booth ONE
6:15PM - In the ARK
HAMILTUNES
Don't throw away your shot as Signature gets exclusive rights for a Hamilton Sing-Along! Be in the room where it happens and join in for all your favorite tunes from the smash-hit Broadway sensation.
FREE tickets available at 5:15PM at Ticket Booth TWO
7:00PM - Plaza Stage
BROADWAY ON THE PLAZA - GRAND FINALE
A special finale concert that features Signature's favorite performers celebrating the astounding music of Broadway and Signature!
No tickets required
ALL PERFORMANCES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
FREE tickets for performances in the MAX and ARK will be distributed one hour prior to show times at the Ticket Booths behind the Plaza Stage. Tickets do not guarantee admission.
ONGOING OPEN HOUSE EVENTS:
SIGNATURE STREET - On the Plaza
Get a taste for what Signature has to offer while your kids play skee ball, basketball, get wonderfully designed temporary tattoos, or get a variety of balloon animals. Grab popcorn, snow cones and cotton candy - all for FREE.
This year Signature will also present the first annual Cornhole Tournament. Sign up by 2PM to be one of the 16 teams to compete for bragging rights!
Also, if you missed your chance to grab any of our merchandise this past season, take advantage of our special Signature Sale.
ALI'S BAR
Food and drink specials available for purchase all day long including hamburgers and hotdogs, amish macaroni salad, fruit kabobs, smoked caprese salad, margaritas and summer sangria.
TICKET SPECIALS
The following ticket specials are valid for seats in Tier 1 and Tier 2 only, and exclude all Saturday evening and Sunday matinee performances.
$20 Off Per Ticket Offers
Little Night Music
Act of God (first 4 weeks only)
Crazy for You
Scottsboro Boys
50% Off Per Ticket Offers
4,380 Nights
Light Years
John
Girlfriend
Cabarets: Holiday Follies only, 20% off all performances
Founded in 1989, Signature Theatre is a Tony Award-winning regional theater that broadens and brightens the region's cultural landscape with its bold productions of challenging new and established works and engaging education and outreach programs. Under the leadership of co-founder and Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer and Managing Director Maggie Boland, musical theater has become Signature's "signature," and the Theatre is renowned for its definitive Sondheim productions, inventive adaptations of overlooked or forgotten works, and investment in fresh new projects. Called a "musical theater powerhouse" by The Washington Post, Signature combines Broadway-caliber productions with intimate playing spaces and aims to be a leading force in U.S. musical theater. Since its inception, the Theatre has produced 51 world premiere works-including 19 new musical commissions-and is home to the single largest musical theater commissioning project in the United States, The American Music Voices Project. Attracting talent from the DC metropolitan region and New York, Signature has grown to reach more than 100,000 people annually from the Washington, DC region and beyond. Signature has won 103 Helen Hayes Awards for excellence in the Washington, DC region's professional theater and has been honored with 411 nominations.
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