Stages around the Nation’s Capital are lighting up in a vibrant celebration of LGBTQIA+ voices and stories during WorldPride. Through June 7, Theatre Washington presents the Gay for #DCTheatre Festival, an eclectic lineup of shows that include bold new works, dazzling musicals, and powerful plays. The WorldPride partner event promises to be a captivating blend of innovation and tradition that highlights the transformative power of theater, and the unique experiences within the queer community. For more information on the festival and tickets, please visit gayfordctheatre.org.
The lineup of participating theatres and shows include Arena Stage: We Are Gathered by Tarell Alvin McCraney (May 16 – June 15); Alliance for New Music-Theatre: Freedom in Full Color (June 6 – 7); Constellation Theatre Company: Head over Heels (May 1 – June 1); Folger Theatre: Twelfth Night (May 13 – June 22); Mosaic Theater Company: Andy Warhol in Iran by Brent Askari (May 29 – June 29); Olney Theatre Company: Senior Class ( May 16 – June 22); Shakespeare Theatre Company: Frankenstein by Emily Burns ( May 27 – June 22); Signature Theatre: Hedwig and the Angry Inch (April 15 – June 22); Studio Theatre: Paradise Blue (May 1 – June 8); Spooky Action Theater: Circus of the Self: A Show About Queer Joy, Juggling, and Identity (May 19 – June 6); Theater Alliance: WorldPride Arts Hub (May 27 – June 6); Theater J: The Berlin Diaries (June 4 – June 22); The Keegan Theatre: FALSETTOS (May 10 – June 15); Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company: Pride Plays (June 3 – 6). The full list of participating theatres and productions is here.
Amy Austin, President of Theatre Washington, announced the Festival during the recent Helen Hayes Awards, says: “We are thrilled to bring Gay for #DCTheatre to audiences as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pride in our city. This festival will offer people the opportunity to see and hear queer stories and voices through live theater as the community celebrates the longstanding history of LGBTQIA+ activism and cultural contributions in our region. I hope people will join us in celebrating the richness and diversity of LGBTQIA+ culture through the magic of theater.”
About Gay for #DC Theatre host committee: Tarell Alvin McCraney, Honorary Chair; Marvin Bowser; Brandon Clay & Wayne Fortune; Reginald Douglas; Chris Geidner; Deb Gottesman; Farar Elliott; Tara Hoot; Jason Loewith; Molly Smith & Suzanne Blue Star Boy; Alan Savada & Will Stevenson; Tom Story; Holly Twyford; Jose Alberto Ucles & Tom Noll; Anderson Wells.
Gay for #DCTheatre is a WorldPride partner and generously supported by Destination DC and Events DC.
About Theatre Washington
Through collaborative partnerships and programs, Theatre Washington supports the Washington, DC area’s professional theater community to celebrate artistic achievement, strengthen the theatrical workforce, support institutional growth and advancement, and cultivate collective action. Theatre Washington’s core programs include: the Helen Hayes Awards, Theatre Week, Theatre Work, and the Taking Care Fund.
SEE ALSO:
Your guide to what’s on stage during WorldPride (May 17 to June 8) (news story, May 16, 2025)
