THE VISION STATEMENT: 

Founded in 1996, The Keegan Theatre rests on a foundation of three core artistic beliefs: that the theatre, as an art form, succeeds only in so far as it presents an honest, pure exploration of the human condition; that American audiences can be profoundly enhanced by the richness and depth of Ireland’s theatrical tradition, and vice versa; and that all people deserve the opportunity to safely explore and freely develop their creative potential. 

”Today there’s abundant life for Irish words around Washington, due in large part to Mark A. Rhea’s Keegan Theatre, this year celebrating its 10th anniversary. ... Rhea and several others formed the company with a two-pronged mission: to produce great American works in a spare, unpretentious style that focused on the strength of the actors and to present new and classic Irish plays with the same raw intimacy. ... Its first year out, Keegan staged three productions. This year the fast-growing company will put on eight shows in Washington and spend two months touring in Ireland, a summer stint that has become a treasured tradition at Keegan.” –The Washington Post, 2008

SELECT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• More than 12 years of producing theater in the Washington DC metropolitan area, with a season that has grown from 3 shows in a church basement, to 8 shows in 2 theaters on both sides of the Potomac, to a permanent home in Dupont Circle where we now produce 10-12 shows a year along with an annual Ireland tour.
• A robust outreach program that includes youth development and mentorship and annual productions with local churches – raising more than $25,000 annually for Habitat for Humanity.
• A rich history of cultural development and exchange with Irish artists and audiences, including producing new Irish works through our new island project and introducing American audiences to Irish artists; hosting Irish actors as performers on the Keegan stage; and bringing an American classic to Ireland every year since 1999.
• Numerous awards and recognitions, including 13 Helen Hayes nominations, the Mary Goldwater Award (the Theatre Lobby), and the Star Award for Managerial Excellence (Arlington Commission for the Arts).