Aug 12, 2024
5 Reasons Why the Filene Center is for Everyone
As America’s only National Park dedicated to the performing arts, Wolf Trap’s Filene Center continues to be one of the most unique and welcoming venues in the country, with an ongoing commitment to diversity, accessibility, and year-round entertainment. For over five decades, Wolf Trap has been a cherished community gem, seamlessly blending the arts with nature. Recent enhancements at the Filene Center reflect Wolf Trap’s...
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Jul 23, 2024
You Can Go Home Again
Twenty years ago, Wolf Trap Opera premiered my first libretto for a full-length opera at The Barns at Wolf Trap. The composer was John Musto, the commissioner/producer was Kim Pensinger Witman, the director was Leon Major, and the opera was Volpone. Some 40+ operatic works later, I look back on that nurturing, fun, and wonderfully collaborative experience with great fondness; I had been working in musical theater and, somehow in a barn in Northern Virginia, I found a home in this strange, new (at least to me) world called opera. ...
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Jul 23, 2024
The Ties of War & Art – “Silent Night” Director Note
Silent Night begins with an opera interrupted by war, and at its climax, war is interrupted by art when enemies begin to make music together, defying their superior officers with a truce on Christmas Eve....
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Jul 19, 2024
Movie Magic: Behind the Scores
Every summer, Wolf Trap audiences are awestruck by the popular film scores performed by the National Symphony Orchestra. Ever wonder what it takes to conduct a live orchestra in time to a movie? Wolf Trap caught up with esteemed conductor Emil de Cou for a behind-the-scenes scoop on bringing these movies to life!...
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Jul 05, 2024
Behind the Counter: Concessions 2024
Summer performances at Wolf Trap are truly feasts for the senses with the soaring chords of world-class musicians, stunning colors of vivid sunsets, and warm summer breezes. Wolf Trap’s Food & Beverage team has leveled up the treats for your night out with a new Concessions menu at the Filene Center. A Symphony of Culinary Delights This summer, Wolf Trap’s culinary offerings are set to...
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Jul 03, 2024
Making Magic with The Amazing Max
The Amazing Max Makes His Return to Wolf Trap─This Time as a Performer At Wolf Trap’s Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, it’s not unusual to see multiple generations of families return year after year for performances, but it’s not often that one of Wolf Trap’s audience members makes his grand return to Theatre-in-the-Woods as a performer on stage. This summer, Washington, DC native, Max Darwin, AKA “The Amazing...
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Jun 28, 2024
Travel Around the World at Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
Diverse Dance Performances Provide a Window Into Other Cultures This season, Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods will transport audiences around the world with an exciting lineup of dance performances that feature European, Asian, and Native American cultures. Whether it’s delighting in the colorful, playful Chinese lions of “Choy Wun” or marveling at the beautiful costumes and intricate hand movements showcased in “Mayur Dance,” families won’t have to travel...
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Jun 28, 2024
Tiny Desk, Big Voices
Wolf Trap’s 2024 lineup has it all, from up-and-coming country singers and psychedelic soul artists to rock icons and famous R&B stars. Many of this summer’s artists graced the stage of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts before making their way over to the Filene Center. Check out just a few of the virtual concerts from these talented stars before seeing them live at Wolf Trap!...
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Jun 27, 2024
Joanie Leeds Champions Children’s Literature in “FREADOM”
Grammy-Winning Children’s Artist Returns to Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods Sun. July 7 Beloved children’s music artist Joanie Leeds loves using music as a platform to address contemporary issues in a way that is accessible for children. Her last album, “All the Ladies,” celebrating female changemakers, won a Grammy for its positive, life-affirming messages for children. Her new album, “FREADOM,” creatively addresses the issue of banned children’s picture...
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Jun 20, 2024
Noteworthy Reads by Summer 2024 Artists
Wolf Trap is proud to welcome dozens of talented artists to the Filene Center this summer, and their accomplishments span far beyond the stage. Many of these impressive stars have even become storytellers of the page. Check out a few of the new and upcoming book releases from some of your favorite performers in this season’s lineup. Grab one now and get reading! John StamosIf...
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Jun 14, 2024
Know Before You Go: Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
For many families in the greater Washington, DC area, Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts has become a summer tradition. But even the most seasoned Children’s Theatre-goers can use a few reminders to make their Children’s Theatre experience the best it can be. Here are some tips to know before you go: Pack the essentials Although the Children’s Theatre stage...
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Jun 11, 2024
Wolf Trap Teaching Artists Salute the Teachers Who Inspired Them
Wolf Trap asked its teaching artists to reflect upon educators who made a difference in their lives, inspired their love of the arts, and helped shape the direction of their careers. Here’s what they shared: Wolf Trap Teaching Artist Ambo Tazanu shares how her high school drama teacher encouraged her to pursue theater, and consider a professional career in the performing arts. Teachers build connections...
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