History of the National Theatre

The National Theatre opened in 1835.  Every person who has served as President of the United States has attended performances here, earning the playhouse the revered title: "Theatre of Presidents." The historic playhouse has seen Pennsylvania Avenue grow from the muddy main street of a fledgling capital to the ceremonial avenue of a great world power.

The National has presented first-class touring productions continuously longer than any other theatre in America.

A number of pages on this site relate to various aspects of the history of the National Theatre in various forms:

•   A One-page Narrative History of the National
•   Complete Timeline of Productions - 300+ page. PDF file
•   Complete Timeline of Productions - 300+ pages. HTM file

•   History of  The National Theatre Building
•   The National Today
•   "Seeing Stars" - Selected Celebrities who have appeared at the National
•   Memory Page - Audience Members Reminisce
•   The National Theatre Ghost
•   Technical Specifications & Measurements
•   In Memoriam - Remembrances of National Theatre Personnel
•   Stage for a Nation: The National Theatre:150 Years - Reference: A Book About the National Theatre
•   The National Theatre Archive