Shakespeare Theatre Company: Harman Hall — Attraction in Washington

Being a long-time fan/reader of the Bard, I've always wanted to take in a Shakespearean play and have heard good things about this theatre. Last night, I went to see Henry IV, Part I and officially walked into Harman Hall for the first time. From the outside, the theatre looks beautiful. A noticeable, bold red banner that says "Shakespeare Theatre Company" hangs in the front. The front of the building is entirely glass. I am a big fan of glass buildings; it looks so clean, sleek, and modern. The words "Harman Center for the Arts" is etched on the glass too. From the exterior, the theatre looks beautiful and modern.

The Harman seats 775, more than the Langsburgh Theatre, the other theatre located at 450 7th St NW. What I like about Harman Hall is that there is no bad seat. We had tickets for the last row in the orchestra section and even though it was the last row, I saw and heard everything perfectly. Obviously, not as well as folks in the very front but I could still see the actors' expressions. A huge difference to say the Kennedy Center, where if you sit in the way back, you won't be able to see expressions/movements very easily or clearly. The stage is designed to deal with multiple configurations. In fact, we were able to see the staging change, which I thought was really neat. The walls of the theatre would move during scene changes. There was a trapdoor in the center of the stage where people and props would vanish and reappear out of thin air. Acoustics are great and in fact, there are retractable velour curtains behind the panels that make up the walls of the theatre, which can be raised or lowered to change the acoustics.

I had a great time and really enjoyed the performance. Remember to silence your phones and try not to talk during the play. The actors can see/hear you so be respectful of them and their hard work. That doesn't mean you can't react to what's going on in the play though! You can laugh if you think something particularly funny is being said/done. Unless there's an emergency, it's recommended that you stay in your seat for the duration of the play. Tickets typically start at $20.

There are a couple of special events, where you can mingle with the cast, attending Opening Night performances, cast receptions, rehearsals, and galas. If you're looking for something new to do in D.C., definitely check out the Shakespeare...

DC is no NYC but it's still a great place for theatre, and Shakespeare Theatre Company is one reason why. STC is older and more mature and established than other DC theatres - not necessarily better, but maybe less of a gamble. Like the name says, it's a lot of Shakespeare, but it's not just Shakespeare. There are some modern plays as well as modern productions of old plays.

The DC Bard Association - that's a real thing - also holds mock trials based on Shakespeare plays, and those are usually timely and hilarious, with actual judges from the area including SCOTUS and solicitors who normally argue cases in DC courts. Most of the mock trials are available on YouTube.

They have two theatres close to each other, south of Chinatown. The old one is smaller and less shiny than the new one but they're both pretty nice.

Recently, I saw King Lear and The Jungle. Both were great productions. The Jungle really made great use of the stage by building a restaurant set in a Calais refugee camp and placing the audience throughout the set. King Lear was much more traditionally set, but the play itself was tightened up and the cast was fantastic, especially...

One of the best Shakesphere theatres/companies I've been to across the U.S..

First, the theatre and building are modern and very well designed. The building is covered in glass facing the street and fits well with the Verizon center across the street.

Second, the theatre is amazing. It's an intimate theatre that has great views from any seat. The acoustics were good and the seats comfortable.

Third, this Shakesphere Company takes risks with its interpretation of Shakesphere's work and it pays off. Just read about their past performances and see how they put some subtle and some not so subtle spins on the classic tales. In addition to their creative risk taking, they also have had A-List talent anchor many of their productions.

Lastly, not only do they put on great productions, they're also very creative in the educational programs they put on for their patrons. From before the show discussions, to having guest judges and speakers analyze the material, they come up with unique ways to discuss classic materials.

If you're into art, theatre, or Shakespeare you'll enjoy this theatre and...