Program areas at Washington Performing Arts
Production:founded in 1965 by Arts impresario patrick hayes, Washington Performing Arts is one of the nation's leading producers and presenters of Performing Arts, Arts education and community engagement initiatives. True to its founder's ethos of "everybody in, nobody out," Washington Performing Arts nimbly presents performances in venues throughout dc and Maryland, ranging from intimate spaces for 200, to prominent venues of 2,400, as well as an array of outdoor locations. Committed to sustaining its role as the premier presenter for classical music in the region, Washington Performing Arts is also known for its distinctive and enduring commitment to gospel music, jazz, culturally-specific programming, and dance, as well as commissioning of works across all genres. Special projects, developed by and unique to Washington Performing Arts are distinguished by a mix of collaborations and partnerships, and a tandem focus on american narratives - spotlighting artists and art forms that mark important moments in american history and culture. A pioneer in Arts development and Arts education in the dc area, it annually serves more than 57,000 residents of all ages across the district and metro Virginia and Maryland with live Arts experiences of the highest caliber, as well as instrumental and vocal instruction and performance opportunities. Washington Performing Arts consistently demonstrates excellence in the Performing Arts through multi-disciplinary efforts that build community throughout the district and beyond with a focus on performances, Arts education programs, and community engagement initiatives.
Education:washington Performing Arts is a national leader in collaborative Arts education programs, annually serving nearly 50,000 participants in greater d.c. over the course of 800+ education and community engagement events. The organization is embedded in both public schools and public charter schools, and creates opportunities for advanced music students to develop professional skills via competitions, performance opportunities, and creates lifelong Arts education opportunities that are rooted in a belief that the Arts are uniquely positioned to cultivate community and cross-cultural understanding locally and nationally.