The “Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company” is considered Washington's most daring theater company according to the New York Times. The Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company hasn't gotten to where they are right now overnight. This interesting idea was sparked by Howard Shalwitz and Roger Brady, two actors right out of New York City which is the North American capital of stage drama as Los Angeles is mainly focused on film. This would take about two years for this idea to come into fruition as the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company went into full gear at a church hall near Metro Center. It seemed to be no different from this local improvisational comedy group I used to train with in town. The group would rehearse in a vacant church hall every Tuesday nights and on Friday nights perform in a foyer in this small shopping area.
After a year, they managed to rent a small area in that area where they would give performances every first Friday of the month. In the case of the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, it is not any different but they have been doing this much longer and it is more focused towards structured productions than your one hour improvisational comedy show. Its goal was to seek and promote innovative scripts from fearless playwrights willing to take the risk. The one important thing that they stressed was to take risks; which is pretty important in the world of the performing arts. It was something I had learned when I did drama back in high school.
As the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company attracted a bigger audience, they would need a bigger space required to seat many people. This is the same case is with many theatrical companies that have just started out. Initially, you're going to have a small attendance as you only need a small amount of space. When you get more people attending your shows, you have to get a bigger space. Because of that, the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company moved to a warehouse they had rented out as they have grown bigger and more popular. This would be where either plays are made or broken as they would be produced across the country as a result.
For all playwrights wanting a way to get their names across, the Woolly Mammoth Theatre would be the place to go. To help restore the 14th Street neighborhood, an outreach program was launched that would win numerous awards. At the same time, they offered acting classes for a very low cost. The classes are affordable letting anybody that wanted to act to attend. Overall, it was a good outreach program that still exists even today.
Over the years, productions out from the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company have won numerous Helen Hayes and Charles MacArthur Awards. The “Outside Woolly” which is the outreach program received awards from the Washington Post and from the Mayor's Office. Recently after over two decades, they have opened their permanent home in the center of the downtown area of Washington DC which seats up to two-hundred and sixty-five guests. It has established its foundation as a potential stage theatre in North American let alone Washington DC.
The building was designed by the American Institute of Architechs (Maryland, Washington, and Potomac Chapters) and the United States Institute for Theatre Technology.
On a humorous note, the idea for the name was the result of a long night of drinking. It shows what interesting effects alcohol can have in a brainstorming process. In additional, they had a napkin to use when writing down ideas. They're always looking to promote new works from their own theatre or other freelance playwrights.
For freelance playwrights, they must send an inquiry letter along with the story synopsis and a ten-page sample. Make sure you make a few copies as the materials will not be returned.
It's not that far from the Verizon Center by only two blocks. Luckily, there's a metro stop right underneath the Verizon Center. This theatre is not far from “The Shakespeare Theatre”. Luckily, there are plenty of restaurants nearby such as: 701 Restaurant, Austin Grill, Café Atlantico where they serve a pre-theater menu, The Capital Grille, Jaleo, Le Paradou, Oyamel, Poste Moderne Brasserie, Rasika, and Rosa Mexicano.
Luckily, the theatre itself caters to those with disabilities such as seating and audio devices.
Currently in production on stage is “The Unmentionables”. From October to November, the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company will present “Current Nobody”. From January to February of 2008, they will present “No Child”.