Studio Theatre

Great show last night called ‘Love, Live, Love’ in such an inviting space. The show with British accents was brilliant. The actors accents put me back at boarding school and the years I lived in Central London. Well done!

This is my favorite theater in D.C.! They try —not so much the tried and true—but the new and inventive and fun and stimulating works of new and local and less known playwrights. Have never disliked a play here—and the acting and directing are always first rate.

Studio's shows engage with highly topical themes with uncommon depth and nuance, never feeling preachy. Their facilities and production values are great, and the Washington Improv Theatre residency provides further reason to visit.

What a delightful place to see a show! Have only been here once so far but look forward to coming back

I loved attending one of their improv shows! Everyone I met was warm, welcoming, and FUNNY! Very very funny!

I caught a Saturday afternoon matinee of "Clyde's" here. The show was very good and this review is more about the theater. Ordering the tickets and their delivery was simple and all online. We're old school so we printed ours out. You can, of course, just keep them electronically on your phone. A quick scan at the window and we were in. There are a few theaters in this compound and the show I caught was at, I think, the Victor Shargai Theater. It's an intimate setting and there's not a bad seat in the house; it's easy for the actors to make eye contact with you. Catch a show there when you can.

Love Studio Theatre! This is the theatre to go to if you want to enjoy shows that center Black culture and storytelling. Their productions and sets always look amazing.

Impressive space, in the theater me just outside where they often have receptions. The reception area is a tad funky with pillars breaking up the room. It's awkward unfortunately. Overall the theater makes up for that minus. Always feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @joerazz

Street parking was relatively easy to find. Very welcoming and professional staff to assist and ensure a wonderful experience. They went above and beyond to provide outstanding customer service. The theater is clean, refreshments are sold, and the vibe is perfect. Looking forward to returning.

Great performance venue. Cozy, comfortable and quaint. Went to see Fat Ham and enjoyed the entire experience and the play was so much fun! Look forward to seeing future performances here!

My first time at this theatre was to watch the play Love, Love, Love. I was sadly underwhelmed. I just could not relate to the plot, it was longer than it should have been and was not a tight plot. Anyway, Studio Theatre has discounts for students and I would not mind seeing another play there if I hear good things about it.

Came here for my friend's Improv Level 1 class performance! The venue was clean with accessible bathrooms and in a great location with food and shopping all down the street. I brought in food from Whole Foods to eat before the performance and afterward, we walked down 14th street to have lunch and drinks! I'm interested in checking out what other events or performances there are here (anyone could have dropped in to watch the improv show!)

Recently saw Fun Home at Studio Theatre and absolutely loved it. Casting and directing were well done and the show was absolutely phenomenal. Tickets to shows here can be expensive -- but after the performance I saw, it was worth it! The space is quite small, which gives an intimate feeling for the audience. There is a small bar available with space to sit. Note: parking is available through the Washington Plaza hotel and can be paid for at the theatre -- total cost, $14. The staff was friendly and accommodating as they helped people to their seats and within the space.

A beautiful theater space with extraordinary performances! My friend and I were very impressed by the quality of the musical Fun Home, the kind ushers, the beautiful space, and the cleanliness too!

Studio Theater is one of the most respected regional professional nonprofit theaters in the country, known for producing thoughtful and original plays with world class actors in an intimate setting. It's one of the treasures of the Loan Circle district.

Fun Home musical was great. Seating inaccessible to people in larger bodies. Arm rests painful. Was extremely uncomfortable having to touch a stranger next to me for the whole show.

Went to see a comedy with friends of mine from Florida in DC. Have a great time great people great place.

Love the variety of performance you can see in one place. The venue is big enough and doesn't feel crowded! Parking at the Washington Plaza Hotel was convenient.

Was one of the lucky ones to catch Pass Over this past weekend before the Studio Theater closed due to Covid 19. Pass Over is intense, tragic. It's an emotional play and touches on many heartbreaking social issues. I wasn't sure what to expect and got an earful and eyeful. The actors are superb; with a cast of only three (most of the drama is just with two), the audience gets to know these characters intimately. I did laugh at some of the humor thrown in for levity but overall this is one gritty, realistic dramatic production. It's perfectly suited for this venue. Really liked the set, too. Congrats to the playwright, director, cast and supporting crew for a quality staging. I think it would be difficult to carry off this particular script as well as it has been performed here, at the Studio Theater.

I used to love the studio but I have found the plays so so the last two years and not provocative. I now much prefer wooly mammoth theater. Much more exciting content

English: in a world of confluence of languages learning English is presented as trauma. Passing TOFEL, much like preparing for driver license exam, is a scene of fierce competition between those preparing for exam-hilarious indeed. Stereotype is abundant. Artistic content is void. Language learning is extending humanity connections. Banning teaching/learning of a mother tongue, like Kurdish, Arabic, Turkish, Gilak, Turkmen, Baluchi, etc. in Iran is a suffering. Speaking English with an accent is only suffering for members of diaspora who suffer from lack of self esteem who do not want to be themselves but want to parrot others; due to their own upside down view of the world. No bravo for this empty play that is not able to stand on any ground nor gets anywhere..

It's been way too many years since I've visited the Studio Theatre, and yesterday's matinee reminded me of what a great space this is. We saw 'The Remains', a compelling and entertaining drama about the trials and tribulations of a long-married gay couple facing a lot of the same challenges that straight couples have been facing for years (including dealing with family members who, of course, all have an opinion). You'll be in for the full 90 minutes, except for the last dissonant scene that really didn't add anything to the play - something that they'll hopefully work on before the play moves on to its next engagement. The Mead Stage itself is quite intimate - nine rows deep in the center, four rows deep on the sides - so even if you're towards the back, you're still quite close to the stage. We were in the next-to-last row and, quite honestly, I think those were some of the best seats in the house as you're slightly elevated from the rest of the center section, giving you a nice view of the stage. If you get to the theatre a little early (or would like to stay and linger with friends), there's a nice bar right outside the Mead Stage and, after performances, they open up the big garage door near their long high-top table, making for some great people-watching. The Studio Theatre's known for supporting up-and-coming playwrights, where you'll be able to see some amazing plays that may not be Broadway-bound (so few things are) but are equally as compelling, if not more so. Support your local theatre scene by checking out the Studio Theatre!

This venue is clean and contemporary and we were greeted by volunteers, nice touch. Inside the Mead theater we were seated in the last row and I grabbed the end seat so I could visually see the stage, however my tall hubby couldn't see above or around the gentleman in front of him because the his seat is on the same level. My hub was at first lucky to move to another seat. During the play dialogue I heard clear voices and realized they were coming from the street since we were near the exit door. My hubby also heard the street noise. It was a definite distraction especially because this production was confusing. Location, location.

The Studio Theater is notoriously picky and perfectionist. If there's one place in the entire city that showcases the kind of theater that transects social mores and questions conventions, while using the highest performance standards and brilliant actors, it is the Studio. If you ever need to impress someone with your artsy side in a manner that will transport you to another world, take your emotions for a ride, and surprise and startle your regular thinking, then you should bring them to a Studio Theater performance. This place stands toe to toe with the elite theaters in the entire nation, Broadway, Chicago and Minneapolis included. I've watched plays here for over 15 years. During their season, they offer cutting edge interpretations of plays, with unique sets and staging. Their productions rightly receive critical acclaim. Watch out that their shows get sold out for weeks .... you need to think and plan ahead. The actors are drawn from the best theatrical programs in DC as well as New York and Chicago. You'll most likely see some gems when you go. Performances take place on four different stages, including a black box stage which allows a fully immersed or surrounded kind of theater experience rather than an apron format stage or an arena stage. They have an excellent lobby up on the second floor, with bar and foyer that offer ceiling-high windows looking out on the lively 14th street scene. Studio theater was an anchor of P and 14th Street waaay before the Whole Foods came and gentrified the entire neighborhood.

First time at ST. Attended a segment of the international hit "Mortified." Was very impressed with the friendly staff and volunteers. They smiled with greetings that assured everyone that a good time is yours to be had. And boy, it was! The bar staff worked furiously to accommodate the thirst-driven lines of customers. The building itself is ruggedly impressive; obviously arranged for functionality with multiple stages, centrally accessible rest rooms, and comfortable seating. Honestly, I regret not using this cultural resource earlier. Try it.....you won't be disappointed.

I've seen a number of plays at Studio Theatre and am repeatedly pleased with my night out at the theatre. Everything runs efficiently -- shows start on time, never any crowd congestion, and staff are always willing to help. In addition, each individual theatre has its own character that speaks to the thoughtful design behind this building and its interior. They also have a little food/beverage/drinks stand where you can grab a little something (albeit overpriced) before your show starts. I will note that I was slightly annoyed at not being able to bring my tea (bought there) into the theatre; thus, was forced to chug scalding hot liquid. I can respect not allowing food/drink in the theatre, but please make it more clear at the food/bev stand! That said, definitely come down to Studio for a night out. Good theatre here.

Good theater. No complaints there. Just writing this review to warn people against buying an overpriced, inferior, inconsistent drink at the bar. My "glass " of wine was ridiculously cheap. My friend's "draft" was a coffee cup of foam with something nasty at the bottom.

The seats I received were basically folding chairs directly behind an actual row, not on another level, so I had to strain my neck and constantly reposition to see anything. In addition, I could hear street sounds (cars and birds) from outside. What an unpleasant experience! Studio, don't add crappy fake seats by the door just to get more money in ticket prices. It's not fair to the patrons. Lastly, the stage blocking seemed poor. Obviously with that shape of a stage you will not always see the front of the actors, but you shouldn't be in a position where someone's back is to you AND they are blocking the front of another actor.

So here's the skinny on The Studio Theatre Acting classes: 1) Latecomers: It's in the busy part of 14th street and most classes are during rush hour. There is only street parking, so you will most likely be in traffic or circling the block to find parking. 2) What Refund?: The refund policy is garbage. You can only cancel before your class starts or 3 days after the 1st class. In my case, the teacher started cancelling classes and we had substitute teachers around the 3rd class - bait & switch - no refund now. 3) Watch your Wallet: The classes are expensive in the area. Like over $500 for a class where you are doing pantomimes EVERY DAY! 4) The Hustle: You can't just sign up for the class you want to take yo further your acting experience. Oh no! You have to take their classes in order because they have assigned prerequisites for EVERY class. Sorry Julia Roberts, you too would have to take Principles of Realism too. It's part of the hustle to get you to spend thousands of dollars before you can take the class you want. 5) No one cares: I requested a refund do to the multiple changes in my class teacher. The guy who runs the conservatory would rather walk through hell in gasoline underpants than give any student their money back for being dissatisfied with the quality of their purchase. I've sent over 15 emails just asking to apply a credit for me to take the class next session. No dice. Nadda. No responses. And I emailed EVERYONE! (Maybe I should email a lawyer or Consumer Protection next) Bottom line: Save your coins. Go to The Theatre Lab. I felt more welcomed and less swindled there.

We went to see the play "The Effect" at the theatre in November 2017. The production was absolutely mind blowing. The acting was superb! The group truly embodied the characters. True excellence, raw emotion and unbelievable story telling showcased by Rafi Silver, Katie Kleiger, Eric Hissom and Gina Daniels. The mixture of the music, usage of technology, the story itself and the acting created a truly unique experience. Thank you for your hard work and the highest level of excellence! I look forward to visiting the theatre many more times based on this unbelievable production.

Such a great, small theater. We were rushing to get to the theater on time but due to traffic missed the beginning. Not only were the ticketing agents kind and willing to seat us late, but they offered us tickets to the next night instead. Thank you Briah and Melissa! Once we got seated the second night, the show, Pass Over couldn't have been better. A great production at a great theater.

I really like this theatre. They have a great marketing team and they bring some really unique shows. Last month I was able to catch Choir Boy, a great show with a great cast. The thing that I really appreciate about this theatre is that they offer student priced tickets. As a struggling graduate student who appreciates performing arts, it can be difficult to afford to see some of the shows I'd like to see.

Founded in 1978, The Studio Theatre is the third largest producing theatre in Washington D.C. Studio is recognized as a Major Cultural Institution. How cool is that? This is THE place for contemporary theatre. The entrance space for the "Scond Space" plays feels like you are walking into someone's home/apartment. Not the same feel of the National Theatre, but in a good way, Where else can you see award winning plays for $25?

OK venue. My company had our holiday party here, and it was nice. I'm not sure if it's the carpeting or what, but it just seemed like a few details off from being a good or great venue. Maybe I'll come back and check it out, when it's not serving as a party venue, and see if it feels nicer then.

Saw a one woman performance here recently and it was outstanding. The stage and the lobby are beautiful with wooden beams and feels very modern and clean. The seats were comfortable and the music was neither too loud nor quiet. This smaller theater within Studio Theater (can't think of the name), was nice because it was smaller and more intimate which was perfect with only one actor on stage. They also hold interesting, smaller plays so you never know what you are going to get the chance to see.

Very pretty, very spacious! My daughter participated in a theater summer camp here. It was a GREAT experience. I wish I could have recorded the viewing. It was her best performance. She was vulnerable and projected beautifully.

We love this local theater! Stumbled upon it last year and saw The Father which had amazing acting. So well done. We went back this year and saw Vietgone which was absolutely hilarious. Hope to stop by every time we are in dc!

We were at the Studio Theater last night to see "Between Riverside and Crazy". We had tickets and dinner plans a couple weeks ago to celebrate my wife's birthday but we were snowed out. We were lucky to snag the last seat in the first row (in the middle) and the last seat in the second row (also in the middle) for last night's performance. In this 200 seat theater, there's not a bad seat in the house, but still, these were GREAT SEATS! The performance was fabulous. My kind of play: Humor, dark, ethnic, twists, raunch, all driven by excellent writing, directing and acting. Kudos to all involved in this production.

I adore the Studio Theatre. I just went to my second show there and between Studio Theatre and 2nd Stage (non-union part of Studio), the shows they turn out are nothing less than amazing. I first saw My Children, My Africa with a couple friends of mine and it was amazing. The show had 3 actors in it, two were from NYC and the female was a local professional. I have yet to see a play that has moved me like My Children, My Africa. All the theatres inside the Studio have a nice intimate feel to them; they're not too large so that you feel lost and detached, yet not so small that you feel as if you're not even at a real event. It's so easy to get drawn in and to forget where you are. I saw Jerry Springer the Opera here on Sunday night and it was quite a show! If you're wondering what the concept is, think Jerry Springer then think opera and you got it. Seriously. It's such a shock to your senses because the beautiful music is debased by the crude nature of the content of the show. Strippers, fecal fascination, cheating, transsexuals....I don't want to give anymore away if you plan on seeing it. It's something that you never really get over, but it's definitely worth seeing. I feel at home when I go to the Studio Theatre, but I also enjoy it very much as a night out on the town. It's more satisfying than just going to the movies.

I appreciate this theater hosting events for the Hip Hop Theater Festival. I saw a free show on a Friday night and laughed my behind off. The theater staff are very friendly and personable. We arrived about 15 minutes before the show began, and when doors opened were able to get great seats....second row center to be exact. The location is great as you can do dinner and drinks before and/or after the show. I've only seen one show, but I may go back tomorrow and see it again because the experience was that great. The list of performances look stellar, and this one experience proved that they are not messing around and are very successful at recruiting fantastic performances to grace this city.

My first time there (2/8/11) I had free tickets! Loved the theater. Didn't care for the play (Marcus; Or The Secret Of Sweet!!) AT ALL! Too much profanity. Plus the use of the "n" word is very unsettling. Boo! But the theater is sleek, and new, and modern.

Studio is intimate and edgy, kind of like that lover about which you fantasize but are too afraid to approach. I once saw a play there in which an obese woman, scantily clad, played the main character; the theme was the struggle with her self image versus how others saw her. Another play focused on Da Vinci's disapproval by the Church for his theory that the world was round. The main stage has rows of seats surrounding three sides, and it's a small playhouse, seating maybe 100 people. In the audience, one feels as if one is in very close proximity with the rest of the audience and with the actors. I love it. Tip: if you're poor, seek to volunteer as an usher. I've done it a couple of times.

Came here yesterday to see "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead" -- great experience all the way around. First off, everyone here was so friendly and helpful. The lobby space is really cool looking, modern and interesting. Love the little cafe where you can get coffee and pastries. We were in the main theatre on the first floor, and it provides great viewing from all angles. Not the most comfortable seats in the world, but I haven't really ever had a comfortable seat in a theatre. The production was impressive -- great set design, sound, lighting, and loved the casting. All in all a very sophisticated theatre and a quality performance.

I really like this space. It's got a really fresh/new appeal to it that's making the Logan Circle area fun to come to. The inner space is a bit funny, as you have to buy your tickets at one floor, wait on yet another floor before the show, and then change levels one more time for the seating. The theatre was small and cozy, but the quality of the play we saw was really good. The actors delivered on what I considered a very mediocre script. And for $20, it's nice to support the arts but get some good entertainment in return. Great date night material.

I'm writing a review because last night they were short on staff and if you are interested in District theater, ushering here is a great chance to see it for FREE. http://www.studiotheatre.org/opportunities/usher.php I've volunteered three times now, directing people to their seats and working concessions before the show and during intermission. Usually, they ask you to arrive at least an hour before the show and scheduling is easy, with positions every other month, or you can reschedule for whichever show you desire. My sweetheart and I go together, and they always find seats for us...it's a good date idea (but not for the first date-don't be a cheapskate)! I have seen plays about South African women, a musical spanning decades, and African-American politicians in Pittsburgh. Radio Golf is extended through July 5th so if you get a chance, check it out! I like that the casts are typically smaller (3-10 people), and the sets are nicely done with the space provided. They also serve wine and beer at the snack bar but they are not allowed inside the theatre.

This is a great theater! Great seats and you really can't get a bad one in the main room. We were sitting on a side row, and didn't miss out on anything. There are no columns or anything so your view is always pretty good. Do come on time, because late seating is at the discretion of management... Its a smaller venue - but has interesting play selections. Recommend.

Fine contemporary space for DC's best contemporary theater. I haven't had a bad seat in the house, and Studio consistently puts on high-quality shows. Recent plays I've really liked include Charlie Victor Romeo, Fat Pig, Guantanamo, and Frozen. All had top notch actors. All had thought-provoking themes (voyeurism, prejudice against fat people, terror suspects' rights, and free will, respectively) that had me and my friends discussing (arguing?) long after the shows ended. Now you won't see your favorite TV and screen stars like you would in the NY or LA plays (e.g. Fat Pig in NYC featured the amazing Jeremy Piven, oh how I have NY-envy!), but Studio offers much more intimate and affordable theater. Keep an eye out for the Pay What You Wish matinees (usually the first Saturday of a new show's run). This page will give you a heads up on those: http://dctheatrescene.com/hot-tickets/ Update 1/6/2007: Just saw Labute's dark comedy "This is How it Goes," whose power to disturb really sneaks up on you. It has a most unreliable narrator who withholds crucial details, tells his stories out of order, and uses deception so often that we're never sure if what we see on stage is really "how it went." This character is by turns charmingly sweet and viciously prejudiced -- the actor shockingly bares the racism that can seethe just under the surface of even the most educated, polite, apparently normal people. If I'd seen this play a few months ago, I would have found it dated and unrealistic - surely people these days would never say the stuff Labute's characters say, would they? But now, after the real-life Kramer n-word episode, I have to sadly admit that this play has some relevance.

The Studio Theatre consistently puts on edgy well-done theatre - I've seen theatre in two different theaters within their space and really enjoyed both spaces - they're really intimate. But speaking of, DON'T COME LATE. Since its an intimate space, it takes forever for them to seat you - in my opinion, too long, but I guess can't hate too much since we were the ones who were late. I saw Dirt last month and it took them 20 min to late seat us - in the meantime, we had to stand to the side and wait for the appropriate time for seating. It sucked, come early.

I've seen two plays at The Studio Theatre. Most recently I attended the Golden Dragon. Performed in the smaller of two theatre (Meade Theatre), the Golden Dragon partially narrates and partially acts out several stories focused on the kitchen of an Chinese / Thai / Vietnamese restaurant. The Meade theatre offers cosy and intimate seating in different levels and pricing (A, B, C). I purchased B level tickets and was seated two rows from the front. Given the theatre's setup and my excellent vision I probably would've bought C level tickets. There's garage parking on P st across from whole foods but don't be surprised if it fills up on a Saturday evening. Also do not park in the whole foods garage and risk being towed as it is designated for their customers only.

My boyfriend has been to the Studio Theatre before and decided to take me as part of my Valentine's Day gift. We saw Mutherfucker With The Hat. The play was awesome! All 5 actors were phenomenal, and that's an understatement. I found myself forgetting it was a play! They played their characters so well and it was so believable. The venue was nice because the theatre was small. We were in the back row but were still closer to the stage than any front row seat at any venue I've ever been to. I will definitely be following the actors in this show and will be back to see more!

My friends and I have had season tickets here for 20 years. The productions are always of excellent quality, with superb actors and thought-provoking plays. Well-priced, intimate space, and one of the best deals in town. A shout-out, also, to THE best box office staff EVER. Since the five of us have shifting schedules, we often need to exchange our tickets, and once we even showed up for the wrong performance. The staff is always pleasant and efficient, no matter how we try their patience, and they always get us seated, even on the wrong day. Bravo!!

Very intimate theatre with an eclectic selection of shows. I thought the theatre was intimate enough such that you felt almost on-stage with the performers, but spacious and airy so as not to be claustrophobic. Very hipster/artsy aura.

I've been attending studio here for quite some time. As much as the shows can be hit or miss, the venue delivers so let's focus on that first. It's located in a great area, with fantastic eats nearby that you can take advantage of. There is no better place to be right now in DC then witnessing the changes that are going on at 14th street. The stages, are well put together, with excellent comfortable seating, views are really not horrible for the most part where you sit. The sound is crystal, sets are well constructed, and it's a perfect place for the art to shine. Lately the quality of productions I would say has also improved. Tribes right now is/was fantastic, with a remarkable perfect cast. Speaking of cast, if you are a fan of Law & Order it seems like they all show up on stage here at some point... what's up with that huh? Good crowd, mix of young and old, hip and not so, and people who don't really care. The DC theatre scene has actors/actresses who while sometimes the material doesn't shine, they for the most part do. Great place to see some.

Saw a play there last night.... probably my 15th one in the 20 years I've lived in DC. This year, I bought season tix.... a decent bit cheaper than buying singles, plus I'll see more plays this way. Most of the plays are very good, some are amazing even. This is local theatre at its finest. Buy a ticket and support local arts! (Yes, true, their solicitations are a bit annoying, but what other choice do they have?)

Saw The Invisible Man in the Metheney Theater. It was absolutely INCREDIBLE! Loved the venue. Not a bad seat in the house!

I saw Cock here. Edgy is a word I try not to use because of how often it is spammed. It is a word I will use here to describe Studio Theatre. From the theater space itself to the plays performed, there is a genuine, avant-garde vibe. Forbes recently described Washington, D.C. as the coolest city in the US. That does not seem to apply to most of DC, but IMO there is no shame in applying the cool label to Studio Theatre.

I would like to attend plays but parking is scarce and if I catch the metro the streets aren't friendly.

Studio Theatre is a contemporary theatre with powerful, well-executed productions. Consisting of two stages - the main stage and the 2ndStage, they put on a wide variety of contemporary plays - often producing ones from different countries. For example, the first play I saw here was actually a part of a series of Russian plays, called "Black Milk". Every now and then they'll do this; I think they did it recently. They also had a memorable success a few years back with "Fat Pig", about an overweight girl - that kept getting extended again and again. And they just put on a production of "The Pillowman", the black comedy hit from an Irish playwright. Prices are reasonable and middle of the road in the DC theatre ticket cost spectrum. Nice space, too; the lobby has a great all-glass view.