National Sylvan Theater facts for kids
MIT Concert Band performs at the National Sylvan Theater in 2011
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 National Sylvan Theater
Location in Central Washington, D.C.
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| Address | Washington Monument, National Mall Washington, D.C. United States |
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| Coordinates | 38°53′18″N 77°02′04″W / 38.888333°N 77.034444°W |
| Opened | April 4, 1917 |
The National Sylvan Theater is an outdoor stage located near the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., USA. It's often called the Sylvan Theater. This special theater is found in the northwest corner of 15th Street and Independence Avenue. It's about 450 feet (137 meters) southeast of the Washington Monument. The stage is built into a small dip in the ground. It is surrounded by trees, making it look like a natural outdoor amphitheater. Up to 10,000 people can gather here, stretching all the way back to the monument. The Sylvan Theater was the first theater in the United States to be paid for by the federal government.
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History of the Sylvan Theater
The idea for the Sylvan Theater came from Alice Pike Barney (1857–1931). She was a strong supporter of making Washington, D.C., a major cultural center in the early 1900s. Alice Pike Barney was famous for her amazing ballets, mimes, and plays.
Building the First Federal Theater
During World War I, Alice Pike Barney convinced the 64th United States Congress to approve and pay for the theater. This happened in 1916. The theater was built at its current spot near the Washington Monument. Alice Pike Barney even wrote the scripts for the first few shows.
The theater was designed to hold more than 8,000 people. The War Department built and took care of it. This department managed the park system in Washington, D.C. Any performances had to be approved by the Office of Public Buildings and Grounds. The government paid for the stage, lighting, and security. However, the groups putting on the shows had to pay for other costs. Colonel W. H. Harts, the Superintendent of Parks, was the theater's first director.
Opening Day and Special Events
The Sylvan Theater officially opened on April 4, 1917. President Woodrow Wilson and his Cabinet were there. It became the nation's first outdoor theater supported by the government. About 2,800 people attended the first show. The seats were set up so everyone had a clear view. The first performance was a play called The Drama Triumphant, written by Mrs. Christian Hemmick.
Later, on July 4, 1993, about 150,000 people came to two concerts at the Sylvan Theater. This event was called American Roots Fourth of July 1993. People listened to traditional American music.
Future Plans for the Theater
According to a 2010 plan for the National Mall, a new, modern building is being planned. This new facility will replace the Sylvan Theater. It will offer food, restrooms, shops, and space for staff. The performance area will be better for hillside seating. It will be located in a wooded area below street level and will still have views of the Washington Monument.
How the Sylvan Theater Was Built
The National Sylvan Theater was built in early 1917. It is located southeast of the Washington Monument, at the bottom of a hill. The stage is about 5 feet (1.5 meters) above the ground. It is 80 feet (24 meters) wide and 30 feet (9 meters) deep. There are also two side sections, each 30 square feet (2.8 square meters).
Stage and Lighting Features
The dirt used to build the stage was brought to the site for free. The stage has three sets of stone steps. These steps allow performers to reach the stage from the back. A special electric cable was installed for large projector lamps. These lamps were placed on platforms to light up the performances. Instead of a regular curtain, jets of steam could be used at the front of the stage. This steam would hide the performers and add a magical effect.
Landscaping and Construction Details
The sides of the stage were covered with many plants, like forsythia bushes. These plants were moved from the shores of the Tidal Basin to beds around the stage. The entire stage area was covered with soil and grass seeds. This made sure there was a nice green lawn for the opening performance on June 2, 1917.
The construction involved moving a lot of clay and creating many plant beds. They also laid sewer pipes and built stone steps. Many trees and shrubs were moved to the theater area.
Events and Performances at the Sylvan Theater
Today, the Sylvan Theater is a popular place for many free events. These include military concerts, musicals, Shakespeare plays, puppet shows, and ballet performances. These events happen in the spring, summer, and fall.
Regular Concerts and Shows
Since at least 2010, the Military Band Summer Concert Series has been held here. It runs from June to August, on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday nights at 8 PM. Bands from the four branches of the military perform free outdoor concerts. They usually play military marches, patriotic songs, and some classical music.
Every August, Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture is performed at the Sylvan Theater. This performance is special because it includes real cannons! The cannons are fired by the Presidential Salute Battery of the 3rd U.S. Infantry. This is one of the most popular shows by the United States Army Band.
Gatherings and Protests
The Sylvan Theater is also used for government ceremonies and special events. It's a common meeting point for rallies and protests. For example, in 2002, a group of protesters met here to "Stop the War at Home and Abroad."
In 1944, for the second anniversary of the WAVES (Women's Reservists), 10,000 women marched and gathered at the Sylvan Theater. They sat on the grass in their gray uniforms. In 1959, Martin Luther King Jr. spoke to 26,000 people at the theater for the Youth March for Integrated Schools. During the 1963 Great March on Washington, the march started near the Sylvan Theater. As the march moved, singers like Joan Baez and Judy Collins sang We Shall Overcome.
The theater has also hosted religious services. In the 1950s, an outdoor Mass was held with a sermon by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. Kirpal Singh also gave a public talk here during his 1963 visit to Washington D.C.
