Welcome to the Lincoln Theatre - The Jewel on U

In 2008-09, as the national spotlight shone on the District, U Street sparkled as its cultural capital. The Lincoln Theatre has been the Jewel on U since 1922, vibrant, diverse and buzzing with life. Valerie Harper of Looped! said, "Laughter is a conduit for people to have a deeper experience." The past year was filled with many opportunities to laugh, reflect and connect at the Lincoln.

Radio One's Inaugural Celebration and salute to Tom Joyner, Jamie Foxx, Chuck Brown, Raheem DeVaughn and more, paid tribute at a party that lasted well into the night. Laughter shook the rafters when Martin Lawrence filmed the First Amendment Stand Up comedy series for Starz! with Doug Williams and 40 top comics.

The Lincoln Theatre Mission
To entertain, educate and inspire by offering and preserving an historical community treasure, the Lincoln Theatre, for multi-cultural experiences and programming.

As a Cultural Crossroad, we offer the best in drama, dance, music and film, from Arena Stage's six-title run to shows with R&B songstress Maysa, among others. At the Lincoln, you can find a rich, diverse and vibrant array of performing artists that represent the varied tapestry of our nation's capital.

As a stage for all voices, we founded the Emerging Voices Playwriting Competition. Creative sparks flew when aspiring young writers showed one-act plays on our storied stage. For DC youth, we partnered with area wellness groups and produced Cartoon Afternoons educational entertainment, hosted by Miss Teen USA, among others. As DC's National Theatre, we are an inclusive space to share the power of the performing arts.