- the first regional theater to transfer a production to Broadway;
- the first regional theater invited by the U.S. State Department to tour behind the Iron Curtain; and ,
- the first regional theater to receive a Tony Award.
Arena Stage
Arena Stage in Crystal City on South Bell Street was founded in 1950 as one of the nation’s original resident regional theaters. Arena Stage has a focus on American playwrights, featuring the classics of American theater, but productions also include new American plays. Arena Stage has a distinguished record of leadership and innovation in the field, including several important firsts: