50 for 50
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50 for 50
To celebrate our 50th anniversary, Round House will share 50 free theatrical experiences to honor the community we call home—a season of free ways to gather, learn, celebrate, and experience theatre.
Since our first production of Godspell in 1977, Round House Theatre has nurtured artists, launched careers, and brought bold theatre to Montgomery County. As we mark our 50th Anniversary during the 2026–2027 Season, we are commemorating and celebrating this milestone with 50 for 50, a season-long series of free theatrical experiences created to honor the community that has shaped Round House over the past five decades.
50 for 50 is our way of opening the doors wider in our anniversary year. It is both a celebration of where we have been and an expression of what we believe: theatre belongs to everyone. This milestone offers a once-in-a-generation chance to celebrate our legacy, expand access, and invest in the next 50 years of Round House.
Throughout the season, audiences, students, artists, and neighbors will have opportunities to connect with Round House in a range of ways, from staged readings and open classes to backstage access and free tickets to selected performances. Some experiences will take place at the theatre, some will be connected to productions throughout the season, and some will extend beyond the stage. Together, they celebrate the artists, supporters, and community members who have shaped Round House over the past 50 years and help make this milestone year possible.
How to attend: Tickets and/or free registration for most 50 for 50 events will open on a rolling basis throughout the 2026-2027 Season, generally three to four weeks before each event. Join our mailing list to receive event updates as they are announced, and stay tuned to this page!
Upcoming 50 for 50 events
Friday, July 17 at 4:30: Improv Camp performance
Friday, July 24 at 4:30: Musical Theatre Camp performance
At the conclusion of each Round House summer camp, participants present an informal performance sharing their learnings from the week. If you're curious to learn more about our education program and opportunities for teens at Round House, come check out the talented 6th-12th graders in our Improv and Musical Theatre camps!
To sign up, CLICK HERE.
Free Anniversary Experiences
Round House Rewind
Sep 17, 2026: The Wedding Band by Alice Childress
Dec 7, 2026: Escape from Happiness by George Walker
Feb 8, 2027: Nixon’s Nixon by Russell Lees
May 3, 2027: Ironbound by Martyna Majok
Revisit Round House favorites from the last 50 years through staged readings that bring acclaimed works back to life in intimate settings throughout the season, while celebrating the artists and productions that helped define Round House’s history.
Homebound Revisited
Jun 21, 2027
Return to one of the most memorable chapters in Round House history with a free screening of the complete 10-episode Homebound, along with a new episode set seven years later, followed by a live onstage conversation with original writers and cast members.
Mainstage Tickets
In addition to our usual Pay-What-You-Can and Two-for-One Tuesday discounts, Round House will offer 50 free tickets to the first Thursday performance of each mainstage show, selected by random drawing. Entry registration will open three weeks prior to a show’s opening, and winners will be drawn one week prior to the performance.
Tech Rehearsal Look-Ins
Sep 4, 2026: August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Jan 21, 2027: Chinese Republicans
Apr 8, 2027: Baby Shower Katie
Get a rare glimpse of the production process as a show comes together, from staging and design to the final technical elements.
Backstage Tours
Nov 29, 2026 and Jun 13, 2027
Go behind the scenes and see the spaces, tools, and teamwork that turn bold ideas into live theatre.
Inside Looks
Aug 18, 2026: August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Oct 27, 2026: Cult of Love
Jan 5, 2027: Chinese Republicans
Feb 6, 2027: The Camp Silver Lake Jamboree Massacre presented by the Teen Performance Company
Mar 30, 2027: Baby Shower Katie
May 18, 2027: The White Chip
Get a behind-the-scenes, advance look at our upcoming shows at our Inside Look events, featuring a discussion with the director, cast, and designers. These intimate events—normally an exclusive perk for Round House donors—will be opened to 50 members of the public, offering a sneak peek at the creative choices and design elements of each show.
Lobby Events
Oct 26, 2026: Drag Bingo & Halloween Costume Contest
Feb 22, 2027: Karaoke Night
Join us for casual, community-centered gatherings that bring audiences and artists together in the theatre’s shared spaces.
Homecoming Celebrations
Times and dates will be announced soon
Celebrate the artists, staff, students, supporters, subscribers, and community members who have been part of Round House’s story over the past 50 years.
Bonnie Hammerschlag National Capital New Play Festival Readings
Times and dates will be announced in early 2027
Experience fresh voices and exciting new stories through special readings connected to Round House’s new play development work.
Open Classes
Times and dates will be announced soon
Learn from directors, actors, designers, and other theatre-makers in special sessions that open up the craft behind the work.
Teen Nights
Sep 11, 2026: August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Nov 20, 2026: Cult of Love
Jan 29, 2027: Chinese Republicans
Apr 16, 2027: Baby Shower Katie
Jun 4, 2027: The White Chip
Create space for young people to experience theatre together, connect with artists, and make Round House their own. Learn more and reserve tickets here.
Student Matinees
Welcome students into the theatre for free performances that spark curiosity, conversation, and connection. Interested schools may learn more and apply here.
Additional Anniversary Celebrations
The events below are not part of 50 for 50 and require paid admission.
Happenstance Returns
Led by Street 70 founding member Mark Jaster, Happenstance Theatre returns to Round House in summer 2026. Tickets on sale HERE!
Sarah Metzger Memorial Play 25th Anniversary
Round House and its signature education program, the Teen Performance Company, will commemorate the 25th Sarah Metzger Memorial Play with the world premiere of The Camp Silver Lake Jamboree Massacre by our former Associate Artistic Director, Naysan Mojgani.
50th Anniversary Gala
Join us for a gala celebrating Round House’s golden anniversary and the artists past and present, supporters, and community who have shaped our first 50 years.
Thank You to our Sponsors
Golden Anniversary Sponsors: Mitch and Heidi Dupler; Gil and Rona* Eisner; Jay and Robin Hammer; and Manfred M Hein* and Florence H Hein*.
*in memoriam
