Our New Home
Encore @ Ballston
In 2027, Encore Stage & Studio will celebrate 60 years of “theatre by kids, for kids” and open the doors to an exciting new chapter. Our own home!
Encore is a longstanding and vibrant anchor of our region’s arts and cultural landscape. Even without dedicated rehearsal, classroom and gathering spaces of our own, thousands of children and youth have experienced a sense of belonging and growth with us.
Now is the time to create a space especially for Encore and the young people we serve.
We will transform 4,000 square feet into a vibrant community space, bringing together a dedicated rehearsal room, dance classroom, box office, and administrative offices. A special feature–the rehearsal room will convert into a “Little Theatre” to showcase student creativity through performances and design classes.
We are excited to be in the heart of Arlington in the Ballston neighborhood; on transit and near major arteries and our primary performance space, Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre. There is ample parking and space for safe pickup and dropoff of students.
Encore @ Ballston is where theatre dreams will come true for more children, youth and families.
Renovations will begin soon. We anticipate welcoming students and families to our new home in 2027.
When the doors open, you’re invited! We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with an Open House for the entire community, including tours, activities, and a first look at the spaces where Encore’s next chapter will unfold.
Follow us @encorearlington for construction updates, behind-the-scenes photos, opening dates, and details about our community celebration.
Encore has always reached children and families in multiple locations. The center will host many of Encore’s popular theatre classes and mini camps, as well as rehearsals and small performances. It will serve as the center of our “hub-and-spoke” model, allowing Encore to continue bringing theatre to schools and partner locations throughout Arlington and Northern Virginia. We will continue our mainstage performances at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre and Gunston Arts Center. Our new home is an extension of our footprint and expands our ability to serve more students.
Encore’s new home is co-located with First Presbyterian Church of Arlington. The partnership brings together two longtime Arlington institutions and creates new possibilities for connection, outreach, and service to our community.
Encore @ Ballston
- Our location is a 10 minute walk from the Ballston-MU Metro Station and only a block removed from Glebe Rd. (Rt. 120) with easy Metro Bus access.
- It also has ample surface parking and off-street space for safe pick-up and drop-off of students. This unique combination of parking and transit made this location particularly desirable for Encore.
- It is a short drive of 1.5 miles directly down Glebe Rd. to our primary performance space, Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre.