Greenberg Theatre

Opened in March 2003, the Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre stands as a testament to the power of community vision. The Greenberg Theatre isn’t just a building. It’s a vibrant hub for the performing arts, nestled in the heart of Tenleytown. This 300-seat theatre, a gift from Harold and Sylvia Greenberg, pulsates with energy, hosting everything from plays and musicals to film screenings and university events. The Greenberg Theatre rose from the ashes of the old Tenley Circle Theatre. Remember that old cinema? It opened in 1978 with “Coming Home” and “A Little Night Music”. The Tenley Circle, originally a twin, then triple, cinema, entertained audiences for years. It even hosted film festivals after its official closure in 1999. Imagine the ghosts of those old movies flickering in the wings of the Greenberg. But the story goes deeper. Before the Tenley Circle, before the Greenberg, American University’s performing arts department struggled. They performed in makeshift venues, even a rat-infested gym. Can you picture that? The Greenberg Theatre transformed everything. It provided a state-of-the-art space. It spurred innovation and allowed for larger-scale productions. The first show? “Cabaret”, Sylvia Greenberg’s favorite musical. A decade later, the theatre celebrated its anniversary by reprising that very show. It truly came full circle. Today, the Greenberg Theatre continues to enrich the lives of students and the DC community. From Shakespeare adaptations like “Hip Hop Much Ado About Nothing” to musicals like “The Who’s Tommy”, the theatre embraces a diverse range of performances. It’s more than just a venue. It’s a legacy.