Arena Stage

Arena Stage joins the broader theater and film community in mourning the passing of the incomparable James Earl Jones. A generational talent, in his early career, Jones starred alongside Jane Alexander in Arena’s 1967 world-premiere production of THE GREAT WHITE HOPE. When it transferred to Broadway—the first regional theater production ever to do so—both he and Alexander won Tony Awards for their roles. The two would later star in the film adaptation, for which they were nominated for Academy Awards.

Arena remains tremendously proud to have played a foundational role in Jones’ legendary career. He will be deeply missed.

📷: James Earl Jones, Jane Alexander and the cast of 1967's THE GREAT WHITE HOPE at Arena Stage.

📣 Attention DC Public Schools and Public Charter School Teachers (Grades 5-12)! We are currently accepting applications for the DC Ticket Partnership, which provides $4 tickets to select matinees and pre-show and post-show workshops.

Apply now! https://arena.theater/tixpartnership

Join us TOMORROW for this free event! Check out the schedule for an unforgettable day of creativity, connection, and community.

🔗: arenastage.org/community

“You’ll see the magic of Black women going from their natural hair to, let’s say, micro braids, corn rows — how the heck does that happen?" Check out what legendary hair and wig designer Nikiya Mathis had to say about JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING, starting performances tonight!

Tony-winning hair and wig designer brings ‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding’ from Broadway to Arena Stage - WTOP News “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” recently competed for Best Play at the Tony Awards in June. Now, the acclaimed Broadway comedy hits Arena Stage in D.C. through Oct. 13.

The shop is almost open! So excited for dress rehearsal of JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING tonight 💈🧡💜❤️

Set design by David Zinn

Join us before JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING on Friday, September 13 for a pre-show discussion about the CROWN Movement, then take in the 8 p.m. performance.

Join us for a lively pre-show happy hour for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, family, and friends. Get $39 tickets to the 7:30 p.m. performance with promo code PRIDE.

The cast of JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING has been busy spreading the word about the show. Awa Sal Secka (Bea) and Tiffany Renee Johnson (Aminata) spoke to WDVM about the joys and struggles of their characters. 🎥:

‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,’ a comedic pursuit of the American dream ‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,’ a comedic pursuit of the American dream

Join us on Saturday, September 7 for an unforgettable day of creativity, connection, and community.

🔗: arenastage.org/community

Join us for auditons for THE BEDWETTER! Sign up for a spot at: arenastage.org/opportunities

Join us Sat., Aug 24 for a FREE community event! Hair demos, kids' activities & K-8 backpack giveaway! No RSVP needed!

More info: https://www.arenastage.org/back2school

Auditions for AGATHA CHRISTIE'S DEATH ON THE NILE will be held Friday, August 23rd at Arena. ☠️🌴⛵

Details at arenastage.org/opportunities

Rehearsals for JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING have officially begun! There were lots of laughs (and a few tears) as we started work on this comedic gem. Take a look at some of our favorite shots from the first day of rehearsal.

Here's the team making the shop come to life:
Melanie Brezill…Michelle/Chrissy/Laniece
Victoire Charles…Jaja
Yao Dogbe…James/Franklin/Olu/Eric
Mia Ellis…Jennifer/ u/s Michelle Chrissy/Laniece
Tiffany Renee Johnson…Aminata
Colby N. Muhammad…Vanessa/Sheila/Radia
Jordan Rice…Marie
Awa Sal Secka…Bea
Aisha Sougou…Ndidi
Bisserat Tseggai…Miriam
Playwright…Jocelyn Bioh
Director…Whitney White
Set Designer…David Zinn
Costume Designer…Dede Ayite
Lighting Designer…Jiyoun Chang
Original Music and Sound Designer…Justin Ellington
Video Designer…Stefania Bulbarella
Hair and Wig Designer…Nikiya Mathis
Associate Director…Manna-Symone Middlebrooks
Casting Director…Caparelliotis Casting, Kelly Gillespie, and Erica Hart
Stage Manager…Mandisa Reed
Assistant Stage Manager…Jamie Berry
Dialect and Vocal Coach…Yetunde Felix-Ukwu
Hair Braiding Consultant…Shereese Cromartie
Associate Set Designer…Teresa Williams
Associate Sound Designer… DJ Potts
Associate Lighting Designer...Carolina Ortiz
Associate Lighting Designer...Jacob Zedek
Associate Hair and Wig Designer...Janera Rose
Assistant Costume Designer...Chris Hynds
Assistant Lighting Designer...Catherine Girardi
Wig Supervisor...Tinika Sadiku
Assistant Wig Supervisor...Lasangra Aaarons
Production Assistant...Sara Gehl
Stage Supervisor...Hannah Martin
Deck Carpenters...Max Marshall, Dayne Sundman
Props Technician...Erica Feidelseit
Audio Technician...Liv Farley
Light Board Operator...Kelsey Swanson
Wardrobe Supervisor...Alice Hawfield
Wigs, Hair, and Makeup Supervisor...Jaime Bagley
Wardrobe...Caitlin O’Brien, Sabrina Simmons

We're thrilled to announce the cast and creative team of JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING! ❤️💜

Join us at the shop this fall: 🎫: arenastage.org/jajas

We know parking around the Wharf can be tough. 🚗🚗🚗 Arena Stage subscribers enjoy on-site parking with a 40% discount and direct access to Arena’s lobby. arenastage.org/subscribe

Time to get your seat at the shop! Act now to secure your tickets for JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING today!

Experience this Tony Award-winning comedic gem set in the pulsating heart of Harlem. 🎫: arenastage.org/jajas

You’re used to our gorgeous sets, but the rest of the Mead Center can be just as eye-popping. 👀 With floor to ceiling windows, breathtaking architecture, and a variety of spaces, Arena is an event venue like no other. We’d love to host you!

More about Arena as a venue: arenastage.org/rentals

📷: Sarah Culver Photography

A fun family event from our friends and neighbors Politics and Prose Bookstore at The Wharf! 📚

Join them on Saturday, July 27 for a read aloud of both books for younger readers at 10:30 a.m. followed by a discussion for older readers about art, design, and architecture from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Details at:https://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/minh-l-and-ann-kim-ha-built-to-last-and-friend-eddy-wharf

We are saddened by the passing of artist and activist Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, founder of the renowned African American women’s a ca****la ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock, an Arena Stage partner.

Dr. Johnson Reagon served as a field secretary for the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and created the SNCC Freedom Singers. She founded Sweet Honey in 1973 and led the group until her retirement in 2003. Her songs of protest and praise provided a background to the civil rights movement for decades.

Her many accomplishments included leadership roles with the Smithsonian Institution and American University. She was honored with the Presidential Medal, the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship “Genius Grant,” and the Peabody Award, among others.

We are grateful for her legacy and know she will continue to be an inspiration to us.

Congratulations to the cast, crew, and creative team of Step Afrika!'s THE MIGRATION: REFLECTIONS ON JACOB LAWRENCE. This amazing sold-out show was the perfect way to close out the 2023/24 season. 💓

📷 : Teresa Castracane Photography

Seats at the final performances of Step Afrika!'s THE MIGRATION are going FAST but don't worry, we're adding standby tix!

Grab your ticket at arenastage.org/migration

📷: Teresa Castracane Photography