1. Art and Nature Celebrated
Performing Arts
“Music, dance, theater and the visual arts cannot magically reverse the
environmental degradation or enact policy change. But what the arts
can do is inspire... our collective creativity serves as a gateway to
understanding the essence of the natural world, and in turn our
understanding of one another.”
- Wolf Trap President and CEO Terrence Jones
Wolf Trap’s Filene Center is the second largest stage in the United States The Iguanas - live in concert, at The Banes at Wolf Trap
S tanding proud as America’s only national park for the performing
arts, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts plays a valuable
leadership role in both the local and national performing arts communi-
ties. Through a wide variety of artistic endeavors, performances, and
initiatives, Wolf Trap offers year round entertainment for patrons of all
ages ranging from pop, country, folk, and blues to orchestra, dance, the-
ater, and opera, as well as children’s programs and innovative multimedia
presentations.
Easily accessible off the Dulles Toll Road, the Filene Center at Wolf
Trap is set amidst 117 acres of parkland, donated to the U.S. Govern-
ment by Wolf Trap’s founder Catherine Filene Shouse in the early 1960s
with specific intent to construct an indoor/outdoor theater. The gift was
accepted by an Act of Congress in 1966, and the Filene Center opened in
Wolf Trap’s Filene Center is the second largest stage in the United States
1971. The amphitheater, featuring 7,028 total seats, 3,868 in-house and
3,160 lawn, operates from the end of May to the beginning of September,
averaging more than 90 performances each year. Wolf Trap offers free
parking, a low-cost shuttle from the West Falls Church Metro stop for
nearly all Filene Center performances, and a newly renovated, full-service
box office and main gate. Additionally, Wolf Trap encourages patrons
to bring their own food and drink for enjoyment during their experience
under the stars.
The Barns at Wolf Trap begins its season come each October, offering
a wide variety of performances, including its chamber music “Discovery
Series.” During summer months, The Barns stage features full scale
opera productions presented by the nationally renowned Wolf Trap Opera
Company. Made up of two adjacent 18th century barns, The Barns struc-
ture is also a gift from Wolf Trap’s founder, Catherine Filene Shouse, given
in 1981. The larger of the two barns serves as the acoustically perfect
theater, seating 284 on the threshing floor and another 98 in the hayloft
for a total capacity of 382. Prior to show time and during intermission,
patrons are invited to visit the adjacent barn to enjoy the concession area.
Wolf Trap’s Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, just a short walk from
the Filene Center, presents approximately 70 performances from June
through August, all designed to introduce children to the thrill of live per-
formance. Shows are recommended for children in kindergarten through
sixth grade, and include lively adventures in music, dance, storytelling,
puppetry, and theater.
Through a wide range of artistic and education programs, Wolf Trap
enhances our nation’s cultural life and ensures that the arts remain ac-
cessible and affordable to the broadest possible audience.
www.WolfTrap.org
Tel +1.703.255.1900
327 Best of DC Best of DC 328
Image Courtesy - Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts