Reopen the Anacostia Playhouse — A Cultural Beacon for SE DC

After 18 months of silence, the stage is being set once again—but we need your help.

The Anacostia Playhouse, once a cornerstone of community, creativity, and connection in Southeast DC, is on its way back—led by Anacostia Playhouse DC, a newly incorporated nonprofit formed specifically to revive this beloved institution. The effort is being guided in part by Adele Robey, the founding Executive Director of the original Playhouse, who helped open its doors in 2013 and shaped its early vision. While Adele was not part of the leadership team when the Playhouse closed in 2024, she has returned with renewed energy and commitment to help bring it back to life.

This revival is also backed by ARCH Development, a Ward 8 nonprofit that has been a driving force in Anacostia for over 30 years, with a proven track record of attracting, opening, and supporting arts and culture institutions and programming in the Anacostia neighborhood. ARCH was instrumental in launching the original Anacostia Playhouse and developed key cultural landmarks including Honfleur Gallery, Vivid Solutions Gallery, The Anacostia Arts Center, and The HIVE. Though the Anacostia Arts Center and The HIVE were later sold to WACIF, which now owns and manages them, ARCH’s leadership helped establish these spaces as essential cultural hubs East of the River. ARCH has also made a major financial pledge to support the Playhouse’s reopening—demonstrating a deep and ongoing commitment to the neighborhood’s arts scene.

Momentum is growing—thanks to a broad base of support from artists, creatives, theater companies, educators, DC government agencies, elected officials, the Anacostia Arts & Culture District, and Anacostia residents. Community members are making it clear: the Playhouse is not just wanted—it’s needed. They understand the value of having a space that reflects their stories, supports local talent, and brings neighbors together.

For over a decade, the Playhouse hosted world premiere plays, youth theater programs, MOTH Story Hours, and community celebrations honoring the neighborhood’s rich history and talent. It was more than a stage—it was a second home, a launchpad for local voices, and a vital space for connection. Its closure in 2024 was a major cultural and economic loss.

Adding urgency to our efforts: the Anacostia Arts Center is scheduled for a temporary closure in Fall 2025 for major renovations, which will leave no small or mid-sized theaters east of the Anacostia River during that time. Without a space like the Playhouse, Ward 7 and Ward 8 residents, artists, and arts organizations face the risk of being displaced or disconnected from essential cultural resources.

This is about more than reopening a building. It’s about reopening opportunity, joy, and community.

Join Us to Learn More! We invite you to attend a Community Meeting to support the reopening of the Anacostia Playhouse:

Saturday, July 26, 2025

2:00 PM

Anacostia Arts Center – 1231 Good Hope Rd SE, Washington, DC 20020

️ RSVP here

Admission is free, but space is limited—please RSVP to reserve your spot.

Your donation—no matter the size—will go directly toward restoring the Playhouse, replacing lost equipment, and rebuilding a space where voices from East of the River and across the District can shine.

Let’s raise the curtain again—together.

Donate today, share this campaign, and help us bring the Anacostia Playhouse back to life.