Prince George's Publick Playhouse
5445 Landover Road
Hyattsville, MD 20784
Tel: (301) 277-1710
Email: publickplayhouse@pgparks.com
Hours:
Box Office
Mon-Fri : 8:30am-5pm
Art Gallery
Mon-Fri : 9am-5pm
Shows :
Box Office Opens: 2 Hrs Before Every Performance Doors Open for Seating: 1 Hr Before Every Performance
Admin Offices
Mon-Fri : 8:30am-5pm
Since 1947, the richly historic Playhouse continues to serve as a popular venue for music and modern dance, musical theater, historical drama, educational programs, and events for seniors. With its ornate sky scene, great acoustics, and plush seating for 494, the theatre is one of the two surviving Art Deco theatres in Prince George’s County.
The Publick Playhouse announces their theatre season each year in August, with shows normally running late September through mid-June of the following year. The theatre is used for Summer Camp during the months of July & August so there are usually no performances during those months, except for certain special events.
There is no set schedule for performances; please do not assume there is a show each day our facility is open. Shows often sell out so it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance or call the Box Office to check ticket availability before coming to the theatre. To view all upcoming events at the Playhouse, click the button below or view our Digital Arts Brochure on the Arts Programs Page.
Publick Playhouse presents a variety of interactive workshops and classes, from performing arts to fitness, that will get you up and moving on the Playhouse stage! In addition to the one-day workshops/master classes listed in the Season Arts Brochure, Publick Playhouse also provides comprehensive learning experiences through multiple 6-week intensive classes each Season. These sessions delve deep into various performing arts specialties, catering to a wide array of interests and skill levels. Whether you’re an aspiring actor, a budding technician, or a puppet enthusiast, these classes are designed to hone your craft under the guidance of experienced professionals. Our 24-25 Season class offerings are listed below; all classes will be held in person at the Publick Playhouse. For more information or to register, please call the Box Office at 301-277-1710 or visit Parks Direct.
Costuming & Stage Makeup
Tuesdays, Oct. 1 to Nov. 5, 2024, 7-8 pm
Characters come alive in this 6-week class focused on how we paint the face and adorn the body. From design to construction, learn how to dress and makeup the character artistically and authentically for success on stage, screen, or social media. Participants will design the costume and makeup for their favorite cosplay character.
Ages 13 & up
Cost: $48 R / $63 NR
Resident Registration: 8/14/24 | Nonresident Registration: 8/21/24
Public Speaking
Tuesdays, Nov. 12 to Dec. 17, 2024, 7-8 pm
Do you have to speak at large events, but feel you don’t always convey your message effectively? Do you find yourself uncomfortable once you get in front of an audience? Join us for a class that will focus on the basic skills and techniques of public speaking, with the goal of making you a more confident, effective, and persuasive speaker. Participants will examine content, style, and delivery to present in several modes of public speaking. All skill levels are welcome.
Ages 18 & up
Cost: $48 R / $63 NR
Resident Registration: 8/14/24 | Nonresident Registration: 8/21/24
Puppetry
Tuesdays, Feb. 4 to March 11, 2025, 7-8 pm
Puppet Yes! This 6-week class focuses on the power of making puppets, moving puppets, and voicing puppets. Participants will be working with fabric, paper, glue, scissors, thread and needle, and several accessories to create magical characters that then through breath, focus, locomotion, and voice come alive.
Ages 13 & up
Cost: $48 R / $63 NR
Registration for this class will open in mid-November
Acting Basics
Tuesdays, Mar. 18 to Apr. 22, 2025, 7-8 pm
Play the part to perfection. From warmups to scene work, this 6-week class will teach the basics of acting and how to find the beats and choose the tactics that help actors create truth on stage.
Ages 13 & up
Cost: $48 R / $63 NR
Registration for this class will open in mid-February
Young Technician’s Program for Teens
Tue., Apr. 29-Jun. 3, 2025, 7-8 pm
Mic cables, light cues, and painting props, oh my! Become a competent crew person in backstage basics. In this 6-week class, participants will learn hands-on how to be a beginning stagehand with solid skills. From coiling cables and setting up sound systems, to hanging lights and painting sets, each class will teach the how and why of basic tech theatre practices.
Ages 13-17
Cost: $48 R / $63 NR
Registration for this class will open in mid-February
Publick Playhouse supports local visual artists by providing opportunities to exhibit their artwork throughout the season. Enjoy art works in a variety of media and subject matter, including still life photography, printmaking, and much more! Then, join us for a series of public receptions where you can meet the artists and learn more about their artwork. For inquires on how to submit work for consideration, please visit the Arts Programs page and select “Call for Entries.”
Exhibits at Publick Playhouse can normally be viewed Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm. Receptions with the artists are free, open to the public, and no reservations are required. Please be advised that exhibits cannot be viewed when a performance or event is in progress (this includes Summer Camp). You may call the Box Office at 301-277-1710 to check our schedule before coming in to view an exhibit. If you are planning to visit with a group, please give us a call in advance to let us know you are coming and so we can confirm the gallery space will be open.
24-25 Schedule for Art Exhibits & Receptions
Silvia Martínez and Pepe Piedra: “Icons, Idioms and Myth”
Exhibit Dates: Mon., Sep. 2-Sun., Oct. 27, 2024
Public Reception: Sun., Oct. 13, 2-5 pm
Pepe Piedra (Perú), Silvia Martinez (Puerto Rico). Each artist creates surreal paintings, blending iconography, idioms and myth. Piedra explores the pureness, joy and solemnity of a life unstained by mankind’s selfishness. Through satire, he seeks to capture the essence of his Andean roots and the spirit of his Latin culture. Martinez is an artist and a Professor Emeritus at Howard University, with degrees from the University of Puerto Rico, Harvard and Boston University. She is a former DC Democrat National Committee Woman and former president of the DC Latino Caucus.
Joseph Shepperd Rogers (aka AIVEN): “Retrospective”
Exhibit Dates: Mon., Nov. 11, 2024-Sun., Jan. 19, 2025
Public Reception: Thu., Nov. 21, 6-8 pm
Neo-Expressionism meets Naif, in this collection of iconic Madonna’s, “still lives” and fantastical creatures. Joseph Shepperd Rogers, also known as Aiven, earned an M.F.A. Degree from the University of North Carolina, and a B.F. Degree from Greensboro College in N.C. He continued his training locally at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C.
Sharon Robinson: “Myth and Mystery”
Exhibit Dates: Mon., Feb. 3-Sun., Apr. 13, 2025
Public Reception: Thu., Feb. 20, 6-8 pm
Trained as a city planner and working in the transit and urban design field for over 20 years, Sharon Robinson has been a full-time artist, muralist and teacher since 2000. Her artworks are intricate and richly textured collages and mixed media pieces that explore identity and nourish the humanistic spirit.
Becky McFall: “Illuminated”
Exhibit Dates: Mon., Apr. 28-Sun., Jul. 6, 2025
Public Reception: Thu., May 15, 6-8 pm
A former art teacher, Becky McFall delves into the unseen wonders within the natural world and creates thought-provoking portraits of people and animals. Her mixed media works incorporate oil, recycled materials, ceramics and more. She loves the outdoors and explores the beauty of nature and the remarkable, simultaneous, singularity and interconnectivity of each organism.
Publick Playhouse Ticketing Policies
Tickets for most performances are now assigned seating (except for films, family fun series, and our educational shows for school field trips). If you are planning to attend a show with other people, please make sure you purchase tickets in one transaction to ensure your seats are together. We recommend purchasing tickets directly from Publick Playhouse (either by phone or in person) or online, via Parks Direct so you can select your seats and receive important information regarding your performance.
- All ticket sales are final; tickets may not be refunded or exchanged.
- Tickets may be ordered over the phone by calling the Box Office at 301-277-1710, in person at Publick Playhouse (M-F, 9 AM to 5 PM), or online at Parks Direct. You do not need a Parks Direct account to purchase tickets online; you may continue as a guest when prompted to login at checkout.
- Everyone must have a ticket to enter, regardless of age, for all performances. Children under age one who sit on an adult’s lap can request a special ticket at no charge at the Box Office upon arrival.
- The Box Office accepts cash, checks, and all major credit cards for payment. A $25 fee will be assessed for returned checks.
- For tickets purchased online, you will receive an email receipt from Parks Direct, which will include your tickets (second attachment to the email). You can show these electronic tickets at the door and do not need to pick up physical tickets at Will Call. If you purchase tickets over the phone, you can pick up your tickets at Will Call before the show (you will be asked to show a photo ID).
- You must show a ticket at the door for entry. We cannot accept a receipt for entry; please show the ticket with the barcode, which is the second attachment of your email confirmation.
- For performances with Assigned Seating, patrons must sit in the seat that is indicated on their ticket; we cannot reassign seats at the performance.
- To view the seat map at the Publick Playhouse, please click the button below.
Accessibility
The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability modification. The Publick Playhouse is wheelchair accessible and has an infrared listening system for the hearing impaired.
Groups of 20 or more can contact our Box Office at 301-277-1710 to inquire about group rates and payment policies. Groups must pay in full before their performance (most payments are due 2 weeks after booking, regardless of when the show is). To view our Group Sales Policy, please Click Here.
For Platinum Series (Senior Groups) & Weekend Shows (All Groups)
- Your group must be 20 people or more.
- At this time, reservations are only accepted via phone.
- These performances are assigned seating; let the Box Office know of any seating preferences or special needs (wheelchair, aisle, etc.) when you call to reserve your tickets.
- Payment is due 2 weeks after you book, regardless of when the show is; if payment is not received by that time, the tickets will be released.
- Publick Playhouse reserves the right to adjust payment due dates if a performance is close to selling out; we cannot hold unpaid group reservations for a show if ticket inventory is low.
- You can adjust your numbers, pending availability, up until your payment is due; however, your reservation cannot drop below 20 tickets.
- Payment can be made in person at our Box Office or over the phone by credit card.
- Tickets must be picked up by a Group Leader and distributed to the group members; everyone must have a ticket in hand to enter the theatre on the day of the show. Please make sure your group members know that seats are assigned, and that they must sit in the seat designated on their ticket.
- All sales are final once payment is received; no refunds or credits will be given for unused tickets and tickets cannot be resold on M-NCPPC property.
For Education on Stage & Tiny Tots Series (School/Daycare/Homeschool Groups)
- Your group must be 20 people or more.
- You may reserve tickets via phone or by submitting our online Groups Sales Request Form for Schools
- Payment is due 2 weeks before your performance; if payment is not received, the tickets will be released.
- You can adjust your numbers, pending availability, up until your payment is due; however, your reservation cannot drop below 20 tickets
- If you need to cancel your reservation, you must do so in writing at least 4 weeks prior to your performance.
- Payments can be made in person at our Box Office, by mailing a school check, or over the phone by credit card.
- Groups do not need to pick up physical tickets; you will be checked in via a roster at the door on the day of your performance and a Lead Teacher will need to provide a total head count of everyone in attendance that day (including all teachers & chaperones).
- All sales are final once payment is received; no refunds or credits will be given for unused tickets and tickets cannot be resold on M-NCPPC property.
Additional Information for School Groups
- Tickets for the 24-25 Season are $6/person for all Education on Stage & Tiny Tots shows. Tickets for our Middle/High School performance of Dallas Black Dance Theatre are $15/person.
- There are no discounts or free tickets available for Title 1 Schools for our 24-25 Season.
- To ensure parent chaperones have tickets, please include them in your group reservation. If you ask chaperones to purchase their own tickets via our Box Office or online, be aware that they will not be able to purchase tickets if the show is sold out.
- School groups need to arrive at least 20-30 minutes prior to showtime. Note, we are no longer able to accept requests for our 10 am performances from schools with a 9:30 am start time. Please book the 11:15 am performance to ensure you can arrive here at least 20 minutes before showtime.
- After making a reservation, please ensure you have approval from your school/county and secure transportation. We may request proof of transportation and/or approval 1-2 months prior to your field trip.
- If available, Teacher Guides will be provided via email before the performance.
- Tiny Tot Series performances run approximately 40-45 minutes long; Education on Stage Series performances run approximately 45-55 minutes long.
- Seating is general admission, first-come, first-served. If you have any special seating requests or students who may require sitting near an exit, please let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
- We cannot hold seats/rows for groups or partial groups who are late. If your group does not arrive at the same time, you may not be seated together. Latecomers may also be asked to wait until an appropriate break in the show to be seated in order to minimize disruption.
- We do not have a space for groups to eat lunch or a snack before/after the show; please plan accordingly.
- Before your trip, please look over the two documents below to help plan your visit:
Rental Spaces
Bring your performance or event to the Publick Playhouse! Our 494-seat theatre has a generous stage that is 30 feet deep with a 42-foot-wide proscenium opening. Both the acoustics and site lines are exceptional from every seat in the house. The Playhouse is also equipped with a 20-foot electric movie screen for films or multimedia presentations.
Organizations
We offer pricing priority to non-profit performing arts groups based in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties.
Non-Profit Groups
Non-profit groups must provide proof of their non-profit status, and all rental groups MUST provide a certificate of $1,000,000 liability insurance, naming the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.
Rentals Pre-Assessment
- A rental contract is required to use the facility.
- Based on production needs, rentals will include our professional staff who provide lighting, sound, media, and front-of-house services as determined by the Technical Director.
- To receive a link to fill out the pre-assessment form, please email us at publickplayhouse@pgparks.com.
- For any questions, please contact us at (301) 277-6145
Fees and Charges
Basic Rental Rates
Organization: 501 3 Performing Arts Organizations
Price for Residents Per Hour: $95
Price for Non-Residents Per Hour: $124
Hour Minimum: 4
Organization: Other Non-profit Organizations (Includes public schools and churches)
Price for Residents Per Hour: $135
Price for Non-Residents Per Hour: $124
Hour Minimum: 4
Organization: For-profit Organizations (Includes private schools and business)
Price for Residents Per Hour: $225
Price for Non-Residents Per Hour: $293
Hour Minimum: 4
Additional Required Fees
Fee: Guarantee Fee (Non-Refundable)
Residents: $200
Non-Residents: $250
Fee: Damage Deposit (Refundable)
Residents: $200
Non-Residents: $250
Fee: Required Ticket Printing (Non-Refundable)
Residents ($40 (per show)
Non-Residents ($40 (per show)
Fee: Playhouse Technicians (Minimum 3 technicians per event, may increase for large events);
4 hour minimum
Residents: $16 (per hour)
Non-Residents $16 (per hour)
Fee: Security (1 required may increase for larger events); 4 hour minimum
Residents: $25 (per hour)
Non-Residents: $25 (per hour)
Optional Equipment or Service
Optional Equipment or Service: Marley Dance Floor (for non-tap dance only)
Residents: $200
Non-Residents: $200
Optional Equipment or Service: LCD Projections services
Residents: $400 per day
Non-Residents: $400 per day
Optional Equipment or Service: Premium Audio Services (adding monitor mix to normal house setup of live bands)
Residents: $200
Non-Residents: $200
Optional Equipment or Service: Piano Tuning
Residents: $130
Non-Residents: $130
Optional Equipment or Service: Lighting Design Services
Residents: $400
Non-Residents: $400
Optional Equipment or Service: Lobby Reception Fee (renter provides reception; alcohol not permitted)
Residents: $400
Non-Residents: $400
Optional Equipment or Service: Backstage Reception Fee (for event participants only renter provides reception
Residents: $50
Non-Residents: $50
Publick Playhouse supports opportunities for aspiring dancers and actors to participate in the performing arts. All auditions listed below will be held at the Publick Playhouse, however, application procedures and deadlines differ, so please check the individual listings carefully.
Sun., Sep. 8, 2024 | 10 am to 6 pm
Choreographers’ Showcase Auditions
Attention all local choreographers, whether you’re a seasoned pro or an emerging talent! Here’s your chance to shine at the 41st Annual Choreographer’s Showcase. During auditions, a distinguished panel of judges review your pieces, providing invaluable feedback to hone your craft and prepare you for the spotlight. Join the esteemed company of past participants who have enriched our showcase, leaving an indelible mark on the local and global dance scene. Selected talent will perform at the Publick Playhouse on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 7 pm. Auditions are by appointment only, so secure your spot today! For more information and to register, contact Megan Merchant at megan.merchant@pgparks.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your talent. Registration closes on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 5 pm.
Sat., Sep. 14, 2024 | 10 am to 6 pm
Uplift: Inspirational Dance Festival Auditions
Studios, liturgical dance companies, community dance groups, ministries, and individual dancers are invited to audition for the annual Uplift: Inspirational Dance Festival. The Festival will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 4 pm. Bring a CD of the music and audition one complete work in costume; the piece presented in the audition should be one you wish to perform at the Festival. Auditions are by appointment only. For an application, call 301-277-1710 or email publickplayhouse@pgparks.com. Registration closes on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 5 pm.
Sun., Jan. 19, 2025 | 10 am to 6 pm
Shakespeare in the Parks Auditions
Join the cast! Prince George’s Shakespeare in the Parks brings free, entertaining, and easily accessible productions of Shakespeare’s works to communities across Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. All acting roles are compensated, and performances are scheduled June 22-July 13, 2025, at various outdoor locations. Actors ages 18 and above from the D.C. Metropolitan Area are invited to audition and should prepare a monologue from one of Shakespeare’s plays. Auditions are by appointment only and can be scheduled by contacting Megan Merchant, Arts Specialist, at megan.merchant@pgparks.com. The registration deadline is Friday, January 17, 2025 at 5 pm.
Directions & Parking
- We are located at 5445 Landover Road (Route 202), Cheverly, MD 20784 at the intersection of Route 450.
- Free parking is available in three lighted parking lots adjacent to the theatre. For a map of our parking lots, please click here. Allow extra time for parking as these lots tend to fill up. Street parking is available if all our lots are full. Please do not block residents’ driveways.
- Driving from Maryland: Take I-495 to the Baltimore/Washington Parkway South, exit at ‘Cheverly, Route 202’ and turn right on Route 202. The theatre is 1/2 mile on the left.
- Driving from Washington, D.C. or Virginia: Take New York Avenue or I-295 to the Baltimore/Washington Parkway and exit on Route 202. Turn left on Route 202. The theatre is 1/2 mile on the left.
- Public transportation: Take Metro Bus F1, F8, F2, or T18 or Prince George’s County TheBus 18 to the theatre. You can connect to F2 Metro Bus from Cheverly Metro Station, or ride T18 Metro Bus from the New Carrollton Metro Station.
Show Day Information
- The Box Office opens 2 hours prior to showtime (phone & in person) and we typically begin seating 1 hour prior to showtime.
- You must show a ticket at the door for entry. We cannot accept a receipt for entry; please show the ticket with the barcode. If you purchased online, this is the second attachment of your email confirmation.
- A modest Concessions booth is available in our lobby before most performances and during intermission (when applicable), but all food/drink must be consumed before going into the seating area.
- Due to the nature of live events, we cannot always give an exact run time for performances and therefore the end times listed online are approximate. Please contact our Box Office closer to the performance date if you have a question about the run time for a specific show.
- Unless otherwise stated, there is no photography or videography permitted during performances.
- Our Late Seating Policy varies by performance. If you arrive late, and to minimize disruption to the performers and other audience members, you may be asked to wait until there is an appropriate break in the show to be seated.
Inclement Weather & Cancelled Performances
- In the rare event that Publick Playhouse cancels a performance, ticketholders will be entitled to a full refund.
- In the case of inclement weather, please check Facebook and/or Instagram (@ArtsPGparks) for the most up-to-date information. We will also do our best to email all ticketholders with a status update.
- Residents may also sign up for email alerts via Nixle from the M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation, which will include up-to-date information on closings and cancellations.
Accessibility
M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation. The Publick Playhouse is wheelchair accessible and has an infrared listening system for the hearing impaired.
