Malik Work leads a hip-hop Shakespeare workshop. Photo: Lloyd Wolf.
Every week, there’s something new happening at The Playhouse. This week, take an in-depth look at the Folger’s renovation with its designers, make your own miniature comic book, and jam out to tunes by Justin Trawick and the Common Good.
Visit The Playhouse at the National Building Museum Thursday – Monday, 11 am – 4 pm.
See Folger Theatre’s magical A Midsummer Night’s Dream Tuesday – Sunday. Doors open for evening performances at 6:30 pm.
Visit our Pop-Up Shop for Folger and Midsummer merchandise before and after performances.
Monday, August 8
KieranTimberlake / OLIN
Spotlight on Design: Renovating the Folger Shakespeare Library | 6:30 pm
Folger Director Michael Witmore, KieranTimberlake partner Stephen Kieran, and OLIN landscape architect Anneliza Kaufer explore how the Folger’s historically-listed 1930s building is becoming a fully-accessible 21st-century cultural hub.
Tuesday, August 9
A Midsummer Night’s Dream | 8 pm
Shake up your summer with Shakespeare’s most magical comedy live on The Playhouse’s custom-built Festival stage!
A Four-Pack of tickets is a great way to see the show. Family Four-Packs include two regular tickets and two tickets for attendees under the age of 18 for only $120. Regular Four-Packs include four regular tickets and four drinks for just $160. Valid Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday evenings. Contact our box office to book at (202) 544-7077.
Wednesday, August 10
A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Relaxed Performance | 4 pm
This performance relaxes the ambience in the auditorium and theater “rules.” These matinees are ideal for people with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other social, learning, or cognitive disabilities and neurodivergences, and others who would benefit from a relaxed theater experience.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream | 8 pm
Thursday, August 11
Justin Trawick. Cerissa Photography.
Evan Keeling’s Story-Making Workshop | 12:30 pm
Turn your favorite story and a single sheet of paper into a mini eight-page book with comic book maker and DC-native Evan Keeling.
Music on the Lawn: Justin Trawick and the Common Good | 6:30
The DC-based bluegrass and roots band hits the Museum’s West Lawn. Woman-owned food truck Kam & 46 will be on hand offering delicious Hawaiian and Filipino fare.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream | 8 pm
Friday, August 12
Brews and Banter | 6:30 pm
Have a question for Midsummer’s most dysfunctional couple? Actors Renea S. Brown and Bryan Barbarin tell us about playing Helena and Demetrius in Folger Theatre’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in this exclusive behind-the-scenes conversation.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream | 8 pm
Saturday, August 13
Face painting | 1 – 4 pm
A Midsummer Night’s Dream | 4:30 and 8 pm
Sunday, August 14
Face painting | 1 – 4 pm
A Midsummer Night’s Dream | 7 pm
Daily Programs and Activities
National Building Museum / Elman Studio
Explore the Midsummer Forest
Wander through a giant pop-up book based on William Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Storytime and Activity | 11:30 am
The Insider’s Tour: The Building, The Forest, The Playhouse | 1 and 2 pm
Join Folger docents and staff for a 45-min interactive experience that will give you and inside view of The Playhouse. See what happens behind the scenes as we create theater, then jump onstage and have fun with some of Shakespeare’s juiciest lines.
Scavenger Hunt
Search the Midsummer Forest and the Museum’s other exhibitions to discover 9 mischievous characters and the delightful plot of Shakespeare’s play.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Crafts
Build Your Own Globe Theater
Theater design plays a role in how audiences experience the show. Build your own paper model of London’s Globe Theatre and see how plays in this venue differ from today.
Shakespeare Mad Libs, Costumes, and Crowns
Elizabethan City by Design
Design your own version of 1600s London, the one Shakespeare knew. Learn how cities of that time differed from cities today and examine the role theatre plays in our urban world.
Questions? Call the Folger Box Office at 202-544-7077.
The Playhouse at the National Building Museum
401 F Street, NW
Metro: Judiciary Square
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