Washington, D.C. – Ford’s Theatre Society will host a sensory-friendly performance for A Christmas Carol, Sunday, December 12, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. This performance is designed for those with sensory sensitivities who might benefit from an adjusted theatrical environment, including those with autism. Theatrical adjustments for this performance of A Christmas Carol may include: lessening of lighting focused on the audience; lower stage sound levels, especially for sudden or loud sounds; allowances for audience talking, movement and use of tablets and smartphones for communication; as well as designated areas outside the auditorium for anyone needing a break. Printed materials to prepare attendees for their visit to Ford’s Theatre and the performance itself will be made available to patrons.

Ford’s Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault today announced the hiring of Erica Lauren Ortiz as Director, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Leah Yoon Frelinghuysen as Director, External Communications and Marketing. Both joined the senior leadership of Ford’s Theatre on September 8. “I am thrilled to have Erica and Leah on the Ford’s Theatre leadership team,” said Ford’s Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault. “The acumen and talent that each possesses will strengthen the already dynamic leadership we have. And in adding to our senior leadership, they bring invaluable perspectives that will enhance Ford's mission, outreach, programming, and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion."

Ford’s Theatre Society announced full casting and the design team for Deborah Brevoort’s "My Lord, What a Night," October 1-24, 2021. Directed by Ford’s Theatre Senior Artistic Advisor Sheldon Epps, the remarkable new drama is based on true events and the friendship between contralto Marian Anderson and physicist Albert Einstein. Facemasks and proof of full vaccination (or Negative COVID-19 test) are required for all patrons. An on-demand streaming version of the play will be available the week of October 11 through November 4, 2021.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Ford’s Theatre, both examples of public/private partnerships in the nation’s capital, will be joining performing arts venues in the Washington, D.C. region and around the country, to provide a safer return to full-capacity, indoor performances this fall by requiring that all audience members be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The new policy also includes a vaccine mandate for all artists, staff, ushers, and volunteers. Specific guidance and protocols can be found on the organizations’ respective websites.

Ford’s Theatre Society and the National Park Service announce Ford’s Theatre and the Ford’s Theatre Museum will reopen to the public for visitation on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, with advance tickets required. Tickets for May 12-16 will be available online beginning May 7, 2021, at 10 a.m. Visits to Ford’s Theatre are self-guided. Ford’s Theatre and Museum will operate with a modified schedule for daytime visitation on Wednesdays through Sundays with required advance tickets. Tickets will be available each Friday for the following Wednesday-Sunday. Timed entry to Ford’s Theatre and Museum will be available on the hour from 10 a.m. to noon, and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The site will be closed during the 1 p.m. hour for cleaning. 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.”