The Venue

A Historic Entertainment Venue: The August Wilson Theatre

The August Wilson Theatre's Special Connection to the White House

The August Wilson Theatre has been uniquely celebrated by U.S. Presidents. Its history of presidential recognition began in 1925, when President Calvin Coolidge, from the White House, flipped a switch to turn on the theatre’s lights during its grand opening.

An Ever-Evolving Beloved Space 

In the 1980s and 1990s, the August Wilson Theatre underwent two significant renovations and was renamed The Virginia Theatre. In 2005, it was again renamed in honor of August Wilson, making it the first Broadway theatre named after a Black playwright. 

Today, the August Wilson Theatre remains a prominent home to Broadway’s most celebrated productions, including Jersey Boys, Mean Girls, Pass Over, the 2021 revival of Funny Girl, and the current production of CABARET at the Kit Kat Club.