Labeled “The Theatre for the People”, The Howard Theatre lives up to its byname. With a rich history spanning over a century, this D.C. venue stands as a symbol of resilience, having overcome obstacles and adapted to modern times. Now, The Howard is one America’s most significant cultural landmarks, hosting a diverse range of live performances and private events.
Background on The Howard Theatre
Opened in 1910, The Howard was the country’s first and largest theater for black audiences. It was imagined as a space where vaudevillians and local artists could show their creative chops. A pivotal moment came in 1931 after the Great Depression when Shep Allen, aka “D.C.’s Dean of Show Biz” reopened the theater as a movie house and live entertainment venue, which attracted established and up-and-coming artists in the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and The Supremes. Despite it closing in 1970 due to a gradual decline (desegregation and the 1968 riots), in 2012 the newly reformed theater was fully reborn.
What can you do at The Howard Theatre?
Inside the venue, you’ll find a two-story theater and basement, and a full-service restaurant and kitchen. There is always an event to look forward to, whether it’s catching your favorite local and international musicians and bands live, attending a lively drag show, seeing your go-to stand-up comedians, or organizing your next corporate event — the list is endless.
As well as a whole host of other performances taking place at The Howard, music lovers can attend captivating Candlelight concerts at the iconic theater. These performances invite audiences to listen to some of their favorite music while sitting surrounded by the warm glow of countless candles.
Curiosities
1. Who has performed at The Howard Theatre
Many legends, particularly Black performers, have set foot on The Howard’s iconic stage because provided a stage throughout decades of segregation. Legendary performers such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, and Duke Ellington form a long list of celebrated artists that have graced The Howard’s stage.
Quincy Jones called the theatre added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, “the setting for some of the greatest performances by the greatest performers of the 20th century.”
2. The theater’s original design
Once home to the Lafayette Players and the Howard University Players, The Howard was originally designed by J. Edward Storck and constructed for the National Amusement Company. Combining Beaux-Arts, Neo Classical, and Italian Renaissance styles, Storck created an extravagant facade boasting a larger-than-life statue of statue of Apollo playing his lyre.
3. More than just an entertainment venue
Beyond live performances, the venue has welcomed a number of speakers and hosted social get-togethers with attendees including President Franklin D. Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Booker T. Washington and Hollywood greats such as acclaimed comedy duo Abbott and Costello, as well as actors Cesar Romero and Danny Kaye.
Who owns The Howard Theater, D.C.?
Currently, Ellis Development is the owner of the theater, which formed the Howard Theatre Development Group LLC to oversee the theater’s renovation and operations.
How big is The Howard Theatre?
The renovated theater encompasses approximately 12,000 square feet of total space and can accommodate up to seated 600 guests.
How to get to The Howard Theatre?
Located in Washington D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood, The Howard is a few blocks from the Shaw metro station on the Green and Yellow Line. What’s more, the 7th Street NW + T Street NW and Florida Avenue NW + 6th Street NW bus stops are only a couple of minutes from the theater. Although the theater does not offer parking, visitors should be able to find paid parking nearby.
Nearby venues
The African American Civil War Museum, 9:30 Club and Howard University are all within walking distance. The theater is a Shaw neighborhood gem so if you’re exploring the area, you should definitely pay a visit and catch one of the many productions and Candlelight concerts offered year round. Invite your friends or family along for a memorable evening out in D.C.