Washington, D.C. – Ford’s Theatre announced that seven high school classrooms in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and Montana are developing a series of student podcasts for release on www.fords.org as part of their work with the Ford’s Theatre Oratory program. The initial projects for “Stand Up, Be Heard: The Podcast" include a three-episode series from each classroom. The first podcast episodes addressing social issues such as the impact of the pandemic on student mental health, the inequity of the death penalty and LGBTQIA issues are now available for free streaming at https://www.fords.org/for-teachers/programs/oratory/stand-up-be-heard-the-podcast.

Washington, D.C. – Ford’s Theatre Society announced release of its free, on-demand video version of the popular stage play One Destiny by Richard Hellesen, directed by Mark Ramont. One Destiny On Demand is now available for streaming Feb. 8-June 13, 2021, with event registration on https://www.fords.org/visit/one-destiny. The 40-minute video production revisits the events of April 14, 1865, with a cast of historical characters who were present, including Ford’s Theatre co-owner Harry Ford and stage actor Harry Hawk. As they reconstruct the sequence of events, they grapple with the question: Could John Wilkes Booth have been stopped from assassinating President Abraham Lincoln?

Washington, D.C. – Ford’s Theatre announced the launch of its monthly “Our Words, Our Power” workshop series, exploring how ordinary citizens and public figures use their words to inspire change and shape our world. The hour-long workshops are livestreamed over Zoom at 7:00 p.m. ET on select Mondays, February 22 - June 21, 2021. Each includes a performance of a notable speech or poem on a particular theme, a facilitated discussion on the speech’s impact, the emotions evoked and the relevancy of the words today, and applicable tips that anyone can use to improve public speaking.

Washington, D.C. – Due to rising regional and national cases related to the coronavirus pandemic, Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site will temporarily close to the public starting Monday, Nov. 23. Virtual programming such as the scheduled monthly Cabinet Conversations (Dec. 17), Virtual Play Readings (Dec. 10) and distance-learning events will continue. “Ford’s Theatre Society and the National Park Service reopened Ford’s Theatre and its museum on a limited basis on October 14, after a seven-month closure,” explained Paul R. Tetreault, director of Ford’s Theatre Society. “We have implemented a series of new health and safety measures to safely welcome back visitors. However, we cannot ignore the rising cases in our city and region. Based on the data and in partnership with the National Park Service, we are reclosing the site to further protect our staff and visitors.”

Washington – Ford’s Theatre Society and the National Park Service announce a phased reopening schedule for Ford’s Theatre and the Ford’s Theatre Museum beginning Wednesday, October 14, 2020, with advance tickets required. Tickets for October 14-18 will be available online beginning October 13, 2020, at 10 a.m. Following the initial opening, Ford’s Theatre and its museum will operate with a modified schedule for daytime visitation on Wednesdays through Sundays with required advance tickets. Timed entry to Ford’s Theatre and museum will be available on the hour from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The site will be closed during the 1 p.m. hour for cleaning. Adhering to capacity policies set forth by DC Health, a maximum number of 25 visitors per hour are permitted in the building during this stage of reopening.

Washington, D.C.— Ford’s Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault today announced that Sheldon Epps will join the theatre’s leadership team as Senior Artistic Advisor. Epps steps into the new role as the theatre reevaluates its 2020-2021 season amid the national reckoning for racial justice and the impacts of COVID-19 on live performances. “I am thrilled to welcome Sheldon Epps to the Ford’s Theatre family,” said Tetreault. “D.C. audiences will know Sheldon from his 2019 production of “Twelve Angry Men,” when he gave new relevance to this iconic drama and its themes of racism in America. I have known Sheldon for more than 20 years and been an admirer of his work as a director and producer. Over the last several years, I have relied on his counsel not only for the works he has (and will) direct but also on his programming ideas and direction of the company. Sheldon’s insight, leadership, talent and deep capacity for empathy will be vital to our path forward. As we revisit our 2020-2021 season, we commit to using our power to tell stories that speak to the present moment with courage, hope, inspiration, joy and healing. We rededicate ourselves to the great work that consumed Lincoln’s life, building a more just and peaceful world, through the power of our creative voices.”