50 For 50

50 for 50 is Round House Theatre’s season-long celebration of its 50th anniversary during the 2026–2027 season. The program offers 50 free theatrical experiences honoring the community that has shaped the theatre over five decades, with opportunities to gather, learn, celebrate, see performances, explore the creative process, and connect with Round House artists.

The experiences include staged readings, screenings, free tickets to mainstage productions, rehearsal and backstage access, discussions, youth programs, classes, and community gatherings. Dates and registration opportunities are released on a rolling basis, generally three to four weeks before each event.

When: The 50 for 50 program takes place throughout the 2026–2027 season. Some dates are scheduled, while dates for Homecoming Celebrations, Open Classes, and other activities will be announced later.

Tickets: Free. Tickets or free registration are required for most events and become available on a rolling basis. The page recommends joining Round House Theatre’s mailing list for announcements and updates.

Venue: Round House Theatre, 4545 East-West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.

Round House Rewind: This series revisits notable Round House productions through staged readings in intimate settings. The scheduled readings are *The Wedding Band* by Alice Childress on September 17, 2026; *Escape from Happiness* by George Walker on December 7, 2026; *Nixon’s Nixon* by Russell Lees on February 8, 2027; and *Ironbound* by Martyna Majok on May 3, 2027.

September 17 Reading: The September 17, 2026 reading of *The Wedding Band* is directed by KenYatta Rogers and features Kim Bey, Aaron Bliden, Joe Carlson, Emma Claye, Felicia Curry, Jelia Q. DeBrew, Laura C. Harris, Joy Jones, Solomon Park III, Nancy Robinette, and Mecca Rogers. The page states that this performance is sold out, with a waitlist available, and that reservations for the Round House Rewind series are first-come, first-served. The reading is sponsored by an anonymous donor in honor of Ryan Rilette.

Homebound Revisited: On June 21, 2027, audiences can watch all 10 episodes of *Homebound*, along with a new episode set seven years later. The screening will be followed by a live onstage conversation with original writers and cast members.

Mainstage Free Tickets: For every mainstage production, Round House will provide 50 free tickets to the first Thursday performance through a random drawing, in addition to its regular Pay-What-You-Can and Two-for-One Tuesday discounts. Registration opens three weeks before a production’s opening, and winners are selected one week before the performance. These Thursday tickets are sponsored by The Share Fund.

Tech Rehearsal Look-Ins: These events offer a behind-the-scenes view of a production taking shape, including staging, design, and final technical elements. Scheduled look-ins are *August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom* on September 4, 2026; *Chinese Republicans* on January 21, 2027; and *Baby Shower Katie* on April 8, 2027. The series is sponsored by Nan Beckley.

Backstage Tours: Tours on November 29, 2026, and June 13, 2027, provide an opportunity to see the theatre’s spaces, tools, and the teamwork involved in creating live productions.

Inside Looks: These advance events offer discussions with directors, cast members, and designers, along with a closer look at creative decisions and design elements for upcoming productions. The scheduled programs are *August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom* on August 18, 2026; *Cult of Love* on October 27, 2026; *Chinese Republicans* on January 5, 2027; *The Camp Silver Lake Jamboree Massacre*, presented by the Teen Performance Company, on February 6, 2027; *Baby Shower Katie* on March 30, 2027; and *The White Chip* on May 18, 2027. Each event will be opened to 50 members of the public, although these events are normally reserved for Round House donors. The *Cult of Love* Inside Look is sponsored by Ann Gilbert.

Lobby Events: The lobby program includes a Drag Bingo and Halloween Costume Contest on October 26, 2026, followed by Karaoke Night on February 22, 2027. These are casual, community-focused gatherings intended to bring audiences and artists together in the theatre’s shared spaces.

Homecoming Celebrations: Dates and times will be announced. These celebrations will recognize the artists, staff, students, supporters, subscribers, and community members who have contributed to Round House’s history during its first 50 years.

Bonnie Hammerschlag National Capital New Play Festival Readings: Dates and times will be announced in early 2027. These readings will highlight new voices and stories connected to Round House’s new-play-development work.

Open Classes: Dates and times will be announced. The classes will offer opportunities to learn from directors, actors, designers, and other theatre-makers while exploring the craft and process behind theatrical productions.

Teen Nights: Teen-focused theatre gatherings are scheduled around the following productions: *August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom* on September 11, 2026; *Cult of Love* on November 20, 2026; *Chinese Republicans* on January 29, 2027; *Baby Shower Katie* on April 16, 2027; and *The White Chip* on June 4, 2027. The program is designed to give young people space to experience theatre together, meet artists, and make Round House their own. Reservations are available through the program’s designated ticketing page.

Student Matinees: Round House will welcome students to free performances intended to encourage curiosity, conversation, and connection. Interested schools can apply through Round House’s student-matinee program.

Schedule: The page does not provide specific showtimes or run times for the listed events. Additional dates and times will be announced for several portions of the program.

Accessibility: The page does not specify accessibility services or accommodations.

Note: The page separately lists Happenstance Returns, the Sarah Metzger Memorial Play 25th Anniversary, and the 50th Anniversary Gala as additional anniversary celebrations, but states that they are not part of 50 for 50 and require paid admission.