In 1956, Samuel J. Seymour appeared on the hit T.V. show “I’ve Got A Secret,” claiming to be the last living witness to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in 1865. But, how true is his story? 

In an effort to foster a connection with the Millennial demographic, Ford’s and other theatre companies are developing programming that caters to their interests, offering social incentives and ticket discounts to young theatregoers.

Ford’s Theatre offers a variety of accessibility services for persons with low vision or blindness, including braille programs and audio description for theatrical performances. We recently spoke with Janet Carsetti and Bob Coley, two longtime Ford’s describers from Metropolitan Washington Ear, about the assistance Audio Description provides and what patrons can expect at those performances.

In January 2019, Ford’s presents a new production of the American drama Twelve Angry Men. Directed by Sheldon Epps, the play gives audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the jury deliberation room. Epps recently spoke with us about his concept for the play here in Washington, D.C.

Each year, the Ford’s A Christmas Carol company, our staff, and audiences make an impact in our D.C. community through a special donation drive to a local non-profit that serves the homeless, hungry and impoverished. This tradition brings to life the themes of goodwill, generosity and benevolence found in Dickens’s 175-year-old play.

As part of our commitment to accessibility, Ford’s Theatre recently partnered with the Smithsonian Institution to host a sensory-friendly Morning at the Museum. We built on the lessons learned through our sensory-friendly performance of The Wiz to make our museum easily accessible to those with sensory sensitivities.

Learn how the Ford’s Theatre education department has adapted its oratory programs to work with English-language learners. 

When our education and communications teams started collecting, sharing and discussing analytics, we improved our impact, both in terms of numbers served and depth of engagement.

The first person you likely associate with Ford’s Theatre is Abraham Lincoln or John Wilkes Booth. Depending on your level of history nerdiness, you might also know Major Rathbone, Clara Harris, Ned Spangler or John T. Ford. But, one name you probably do not associate with our hallowed theatre is Basil Lockwood. I know I didn’t, until I did some research.

Actress Rayanne Gonzales reprises her role as the Ghost of Christmas Present in the 2018 production of A Christmas Carol. Hear from her about why this 175 year old holiday tale resonates freshly even today.