THE THEATER ON
THE SQUARE
Whenever the history of the arts and culture in Washington,
D. C. is told, Mount Vernon Place
Church and the Mount Vernon Players must be included.
In October 1936, live theater in this city consisted of
touring companies stopping at the National Theater. That all changed when
Edward P. Mangum attended a one act Play being presented in the sanctuary of
Mount Vernon Place UMC, and Stayed to become the managing director of the
players. With the aid of Dr John W. Rustin, this theatrical group1 grew and prospered.
By 1947 there were more than 150 Catholic, Protestant, and Jews working
together to present family theater before integrated audiences. They called
themselves the Mount Vernon Players. Nowhere else in the Nation’s Capital at
that time could this have occurred.
When Arena Stage opened on August 16, 1950, across Mount
Vernon Square in the old Hippodrome Theater, every member of the
staff-backstage and front of the house had had years of training and experience
with the Mount Vernon Players. It can be said that, for all practical purposes,
Arena Stage is an outgrowth of the Mount Vernon Players.
The Players have continued to present quality community
theater and to train actors and technicians since its conception. Many alumnae
have gone onto careers in theater and television.
OUR MOTTO
“Professional Standards……Religious Ethics”