Story District

For more than 40 years Washington Performing Arts Society has created profound opportunities by connecting the community to artists, in both education and performance. Through live events in venues that criss-cross the landscape of the D.C. metropolitan area, WPAS invites all to share lifelong opportunities to deepen their cultural knowledge, enrich their lives, and expand their understanding of the world through the universal language of the performing arts. Established in 1965 by impresario Patrick Hayes, the organization flourished under Douglas Wheeler from 1982 to 2002. Now with the inspired leadership of President Neale Perl, Washington Performing Arts Society continues to be widely recognized as one of the leading presenters of the performing arts in the nation. After more than four decades, the organization remains committed to Mr. Hayes' vision of showcasing the complete spectrum of the arts in performances of the highest quality, including classical music, jazz, gospel, contemporary dance, international music and art forms, and works that bend genres in provocative ways. Embracing both the traditions of the past and the vibrant artistry of the future, WPAS is committed to commissioning world premieres on local stages to support artists' creativity. Each year, WPAS presents more than 60 performances. To make these performances accessible to the widest possible audience, WPAS presents artists in venues throughout the Washington, D.C. region, including The Kennedy Center, The Music Center at Strathmore, The Warner Theatre, Dance Place, DAR Constitution Hall, the George Washington University Lisner Auditorium, the GALA Theatre-Tivoli, and many others. Set in the nation's capital and reflecting a population that hails from around the globe, these abundant offerings both ground us in the great heritages of the world and allow our imaginations to fly, evoking fresh perspectives on life. Complementing each season of performances are dynamic education programs in schools and beyond, which are a hallmark of the institution and a mainstay in our nation's capital. Through such dynamic programs as The Capitol Jazz Project, Concerts In Schools, Embassy Adoption, the Feder Memorial String Competition, and the Children of the Gospel Mass Choir, WPAS touches the lives of more than 100, 000 young people each year, more than 4 million students since WPAS' inception.