MetroStage passes two-thirds fundraising mark, targets late 2026 opening
Theater company working with architects on design for new Old Town North arts anchor
MetroStage is targeting an opening by the end of 2026 for its new permanent home at 915 N. Fairfax St., across from Montgomery Park, Producing Artistic Director Carolyn Griffin shared with The Alexandria Brief on Thursday.
The theater company has raised more than two-thirds of its $3 million fundraising goal for the project, Griffin said. The company is accepting donations by mail at P.O. Box 1152, Alexandria, VA 22313, or through its website.
MetroStage is working with Winstanley Architects along with engineers and theater consultants to convert an existing building into a performance space. Architects Michael Winstanley and Leejung Hong are completing a design originally developed by Lessard Design and Skip Maginniss.
Griffin said the design work has been challenging because of the need to incorporate existing support columns and steel beams while maintaining unobstructed sight lines for audiences.
The new theater, part of the Venue condominium complex at North Fairfax and Montgomery streets, will serve as the arts anchor for the Old Town North Arts District. The space will feature 120 seats and film projection technology. The Alexandria Film Festival announced in March that it will become MetroStage’s first “in residence” arts organization, with plans to host its 20th anniversary event at the new space in November 2026.
While construction planning proceeds, MetroStage continues to stage performances at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St.
The company has two upcoming shows scheduled. On Feb. 23, MetroStage will present “Roots & Reverence: The Spirituals That Shaped America” at 7 p.m. in celebration of Black History Month. The show, featuring Robert E. Person with backup singers and a band, traces the history and influence of the Negro spiritual on jazz and gospel music.
On March 30, the company will present “Still Unforgettable: A Birthday Salute to Nat King Cole” at 7 p.m., featuring Greg Watkins performing songs from Cole’s catalog during the late singer’s birthday month.
Tickets and more information are available at metrostage.org.