Ford's Theatre's Page

Ford’s Theatre
511 10th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 347-4833

Year founded: In 1861 John T. Ford leased the deserted First Baptist Church building and turned it into a theatrical venue. Following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the government took over the property. In 1968, Ford’s Theatre reopened as a National Historic Site and working theatre.

Number of annual productions and events:
Four mainstage productions (season runs September-May), with additional daytime one-act performances, walking tours and special events.

Seats in your largest performance space:
655

Web site: http://www.fords.org/
Ford’s Theatre on Facebook
Ford’s Theatre on YouTube: Watch production trailers, footage from special events and more.
Ford’s Theatre on Twitter
Ford’s Theatre on Flickr: View behind the scenes photos on the Ford’s Theatre Flickr page.

The legacy at Ford’s Theatre will always be associated to tragic happenings on April 14, 1865. You have embraced that pivotal moment in American history as a point of education, inspiration and artistic expression through performance. If history could be changed, and the Lincoln assassination averted, how would theatre scholars reflect upon Ford’s Theatre as a historical venue?
Ford’s Theatre is one of the oldest performances spaces in Washington, D.C. If John Wilkes Booth’s plot had been unsuccessful the Ford brothers would likely have continued to produce theatre for the masses. One can hope the building would have survived the post-war reconstruction, as did the National Theatre which still stands in Washington.
What most surprises visitors about Ford’s Theatre? Visitors are often surprised to learn that Abraham Lincoln visited Ford’s Theatre many times-- not just on the fateful night of April 14, 1865. We have a record showing Lincoln attended performances at least 12 times during his presidency. He respected the arts and often found solace from the stresses of his presidency in theatre, stories and humor.

What unexpected feelings do you think visitors take away from the experience?
A million visitors come to Ford’s Theatre each year to explore Civil War history, see performances and satisfy their curiosity about the assassination events. Our hope is that visitors take away a sense of Lincoln’s contribution to our nation’s history and the legacy he left us.

Where does artistic inspiration and direction for performance material and programs come from?
The theatrical seasons at Ford’s Theatre are chosen by Ford’s Theatre Society Director Paul Tetreault and the artistic staff. Our mission is to celebrate the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and to explore the American experience through theatre productions and education.

What or who is your Theatre’s largest asset?
Our history is our biggest asset – people from around the world come to our theatre to understand more about Lincoln, his life, his legacy and his love of the performing arts.

Ford’s Theatre has an extensive social media, multimedia and Web strategy. What social networking sites do you use to promote your theatre and events? Have they worked, and what best practices can you share with other arts organizations?
Ford’s Theatre currently has a presence on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr and delicious. Our social media efforts are recent, but we think we are beginning to develop a community. Our best advice is to listen and constantly look for ways to increase interaction (quizzes, contests). Don’t be a monologue. Also, be vigilant about creating new content, especially the type that gives behind-the-scenes access. You are your own media outlet, and people will keep coming back only if there is something new.

What is your most memorable personal theatre moment at Ford’s Theatre?
Ford’s Theatre reopened to the public following 18-months of renovations in February. We hosted a celebratory performance rededicating the theatre and paying tribute to Lincoln’s love of the arts with stars including James Earl Jones, Katie Couric, Sidney Poitier, Kelsey Grammer, Audra McDonald, Joshua Bell, George Lucas, Ben Vereen and invited guests including President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Tell us one little-known fact about your theatre that you think we should know:
In the 1860s, the auditorium seated nearly 1,700 people including 421 in the dress circle (first balcony) and hundreds in a now unused third tier level where seats were sold for 25 cents a piece.

If you had 5 words to describe your “Theatre Story”, what would they be?
"Where history and theatre merge."

Other links and coming events:
2009-2010 season
Daytime visits to Ford’s Theatre Historic Site and Museum
History on Foot walking tours