Twenty-four-hundred seats. A hush falls. The lights dim. This is the Aaron & Cecile Goldman Theater. Welcome.
The Aaron & Cecile Goldman Theater isn’t just a building. It’s a story. A story of Jewish culture vibrant and alive in Washington DC. It’s the heart of Theater J a nationally renowned professional theater company. This theater opened in 1997. It’s part of the Morris Cafritz Center for the Arts. The center sits in the Dupont Circle neighborhood.
Theater J began in 1990. It started small in a 50-seat space. It grew rapidly under Ari Roth. Roth was the artistic director for eighteen years. He grew the theater’s budget from less than $100000 to over $1500000. The theater earned an international reputation. The New York Times even called Theater J the premier theater for premieres.
Imagine the whispers of history in these walls. Think of the countless actors. Think of their emotions. Think of their performances. They brought life to stories on this very stage. They explored the Jewish experience. They grappled with universal human themes. From world premieres to classic revivals the Aaron & Cecile Goldman Theater has seen it all.
The plays performed here tell countless stories. They touch on ethical questions. They explore intercultural experiences. They reflect changing Jewish identities. They reflect the diverse community of Washington DC. Theater J offers many outreach programs. They include readings panel discussions and youth initiatives. They serve many communities some historically underserved by arts organizations. The theater is committed to inclusivity. It works to build bridges and create understanding.
The Aaron & Cecile Goldman Theater is more than bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to the power of theater. It’s a place where stories unfold. It’s a place where lives are touched. It’s a place where communities connect. The Aaron & Cecile Goldman Theater. A stage for life itself.