Press and Media
Welcome to the Ford’s Theatre Press Room, designated for working members of the media.
We invite you to learn more about the history, vision, leadership and programming of Ford’s Theatre below. If you would like to cover events or productions at Ford’s Theatre, or film at the historic site, contact us at press@fords.org.
Latest News and Press Releases
Ford’s Theatre Society and the Abraham Lincoln Institute Present the 2023 Speakers for the Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium
WASHINGTON, D.C. – After virtual symposiums from 2020-2022, Ford’s Theatre Society and the Abraham Lincoln Institute proudly present the return of the Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium (ALI) on March 25, 2023 at Ford’s Theatre. In the 2023 symposium, noted authors and historians Terry Alford, Fred L. Hord, David J. Kent, Jon Meacham and Diana Schaub will discuss aspects of our 16th president’s history.
Ford’s Theatre Society Announces Teela Foxworth as Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ford’s Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault today announced the hiring of Teela Foxworth as Director, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. She joined the senior leadership of Ford’s Theatre on February 21. “I am thrilled to have Teela on the Ford’s Theatre leadership team,” said Ford’s Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault. “Her background in EDI consulting and education will usher forth an approach to Ford’s EDI work that is rooted in empathy and understanding. She brings an invaluable perspective to our robust senior leadership and staff that will enhance Ford’s mission, outreach, programming and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.”
Ford’s Theatre Society Announces Creative Team Update for SHOUT SISTER SHOUT!
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ford’s Theatre Society today announced that Sheldon Epps will be joining the creative team of the musical SHOUT SISTER SHOUT! as the Production Supervisor. As Ford’s Theatre’s Senior Artistic Advisor, Sheldon Epps is a highly sought-after and acclaimed director in theatre and television.
Ford’s Theatre Society Presents SHOUT SISTER SHOUT!
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ford’s Theatre Society today announced the full cast and creative team for the spring 2023 East Coast premiere of SHOUT SISTER SHOUT! A collaboration of artists whose work has been honored by the NAACP and the Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards joins us in Washington, D.C. They include playwright Cheryl L. West, director Kenneth L. Roberson, choreographer William Carlos Angulo, music director Sheilah V. Walker, arranger and orchestrator Joseph Joubert and biographer Gayle F. Wald. Carrie Compere stars as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, with Carol Dennis as evangelist Katie Bell Nubin, Tharpe’s mother.
Ford’s Theatre Society Announces Works by Pearl Cleage, Dominic Taylor and Rickerby Hinds for The Ford’s Theatre Legacy Commissions: A First Look Readings
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ford’s Theatre Society is proud to announce its lineup and directors of new works to receive premiere readings in February 2023 as a “First Look” of the Legacy Commissions. Seema Sueko (Silent Sky) will direct Pearl Cleage’s meditation on the life and impact of Maynard Jackson, Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard. Dominic Taylor’s exploration of pioneer Black biologists Dr. Ernest Everett Just and Dr. Roger Arliner Young, Young and Just, will be directed by Donald Douglass. Thomas F. DeFrantz will direct Blackbox, Rickerby Hinds’s magical hip-hop retelling of abolitionist Henry Box Brown’s escape to freedom.
Ford’s Theatre Education Presents 15th Annual Lincoln Oratory Festival
WASHINGTON, D.C. – More than 400 local elementary and middle school students will perform a selection of President Abraham Lincoln’s speeches on the Ford’s Theatre stage on February 7 and 8, 2023. The programs feature local students who have worked with Ford’s Theatre Teaching Artists this academic year to expand their vocabulary, develop confidence and public speaking skills and build an understanding of Abraham Lincoln’s oration and impact, as well as the work of other powerful orators in United States history.
Ford’s Theatre Society Hosts Sensory-Friendly Performance For A Christmas Carol
Washington, D.C. – Ford’s Theatre Society will host a sensory-friendly performance for A Christmas Carol on Sunday, December 11 at 2:00 p.m. This performance is designed for those with sensory sensitivities who might benefit from an adjusted theatrical environment, including individuals with autism or other social, learning or cognitive disabilities. Please note that this performance is limited to those who reach out to our box office regarding sensory-friendly offerings, to keep the experience comfortable for sensory-friendly audiences. It is not a general public performance.
Craig Wallace Plays Ebenezer Scrooge in Ford’s Theatre Production of A Christmas Carol
In-Person Performances are November 18-December 31, 2022
Washington, D.C. – Ford’s Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault announced that acclaimed Washington actor Craig Wallace will return to Ford’s to reprise the role of Ebenezer Scrooge for the company’s holiday production of A Christmas Carol. Performances of the classic Charles Dickens story begin November 18, 2022 and continue for a six-week engagement through December 31, 2022. This “musically high-spirited” and “infectiously jolly” (The Washington Post) production is adapted by Michael Wilson and directed by Michael Baron.
Ford’s Theatre Performances of The Trip to Bountiful begin September 23, 2022
By Horton Foote; Directed by Michael Wilson. Featuring Nancy Robinette as Mrs. Carrie Watts; Joe Mallon as Ludie Watts and Kimberly Gilbert as Jessie Mae Watts
Washington, D.C. – Ford’s Theatre Society announced full casting and the design team for Horton Foote’s The Trip to Bountiful, September 23 – October 16, 2022. Directed by Michael Wilson, this classic American drama is a compelling portrait of family, what we hold onto and what we leave behind. The production features Nancy Robinette (The Carpetbagger’s Children, Driving Miss Daisy) as Mrs. Carrie Watts and Joe Mallon (A Christmas Carol) as Ludie Watts, with Kimberly Gilbert as Jessie Mae Watts (Jefferson’s Garden, The Laramie Project, Born Yesterday).
2022 – 2023 Season
Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala Honors President Lincoln’s Legacy, June 5, 2022
The Honorable James E. Clyburn and Clive Davis Receive the Lincoln Medal; Performances by Host Sam Palladio, Jared Alexander, Amanda Castro, Deborah Cox, Naomi Funaki, Nova Y. Payton, Phylicia Rashad, Allison Russell and the Ford’s Ensemble
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ford’s Theatre Society celebrated the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln at its Annual Gala on Sunday evening, June 5, 2022, at Ford’s Theatre (511 10th Street NW). For more than 40 years, the Society has hosted this bipartisan event, which provides crucial support to the non-profit’s theatrical and educational programs. “What helps ensure the continued success of Ford’s Theatre Society is that Abraham Lincoln’s wide-reaching appeal is at its heart,” said Ford’s Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault. “The gala is a chance to highlight the importance of Lincoln’s legacy and, thanks to our gala supporters, we are able to explore that legacy with more than 700,000 visitors in a typical year through performance, history and education programming. This support also enhances our work with the National Park Service, under the leadership of the Department of the Interior, and we are proud that Ford’s Theatre is one of the most successful public/private partnerships between NPS and a non-profit in American life today.”
Ford’s Theatre Society Announces 2022-2023 Season
The Trip to Bountiful; A Christmas Carol; Spring Musical: SHOUT SISTER SHOUT!; BIPOC Commissions Festival for The Ford’s Theatre Legacy Commissions
Washington, D.C.—Ford’s Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault today announced the Ford’s Theatre 2022-2023 season will include Horton Foote’s The Trip to Bountiful, directed by Michael Wilson and featuring Nancy Robinette, Tom Story and Kimberly Gilbert; the return of the music-filled full stage production of A Christmas Carol with Craig Wallace reprising the role of Ebenezer Scrooge; and Cheryl L. West’s new musical SHOUT SISTER SHOUT! about rock ‘n’ roll trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe. In January and February 2023, the company will present a free public festival offering a first look at the new plays in development by Pearl Cleage, Dominic Taylor and Rickerby Hinds—members of the first cohort of BIPOC playwrights in The Ford’s Theatre Legacy Commissions initiative.
Ford’s Theatre Announces Congressman James E. Clyburn and Clive Davis as 2022 Lincoln Medalists
Awards Presented June 5, 2022, at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala Performance
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ford’s Theatre Society celebrates the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln at its annual gala performance on Sunday, June 5, 2022, at Ford’s Theatre (511 10th Street NW). For more than 45 years, the Society has hosted this bipartisan event, which provides crucial support to the non-profit’s theatrical and educational programs. As part of the evening, Ford’s will recognize The Honorable James E. Clyburn and music industry legend Clive Davis with the Lincoln Medal—an award given by the Ford’s Theatre Society to a person or persons who, through their body of work, accomplishments or personal attributes, exemplify the lasting legacy and mettle of character embodied by the most beloved president in our nation’s history, President Abraham Lincoln.
Ford’s Theatre Offers Sensory-Friendly Performance for Grace Saturday, May 7, at 2:00 p.m.
Washington, D.C. – Ford’s Theatre Society will host a sensory-friendly performance for the world-premiere musical Grace, on May 7, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. This performance is designed for those with sensory sensitivities who might benefit from an adjusted theatrical environment, including those with autism. The production is recommended for ages eight and older. Theatrical adjustments for this performance of Grace may include: lessening of lighting focused on the audience; lower stage sound levels, especially for sudden or loud sounds; designated take-a-break spaces; allowances for audience talking, movement and use of tablets and smartphones for communication; as well as designated quiet areas. Printed materials to prepare attendees for their visit to Ford’s Theatre and the performance itself will be made available to patrons.
April 13, 2022, Reopening of Petersen House and Aftermath Exhibits
Historic Site Visits Now Available Wednesdays-Mondays through May 22; Live and Virtual Events Commemorating the 157th Anniversary of the Lincoln Assassination April 14 and 15, and throughout the Month of April
Washington, D.C. – Ford’s Theatre Society and the National Park Service announce the Petersen House (the house where Abraham Lincoln died) and the Aftermath Exhibits at the Center for Education and Leadership will reopen to the public for visitation on Wednesday, April 13, 2022. Tickets for entries to the full Ford’s Theatre campus through May 22 are now available for advance reservation at www.fordstheatrstg.wpengine.com. A limited number on in-person tickets are available on a first-come basis from the Ford’s Theatre box office. Visits to Ford’s Theatre, Ford’s Theatre Museum, Petersen House and Aftermath Exhibits are self-guided. Entries are available Wednesdays through Mondays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The campus is closed on Tuesdays. Visit www.fordstheatrstg.wpengine.com for details on entry schedules and availability. The following procedures and policies are in place for daytime visitation to mitigate risk of COVID-19: Face coverings are required on site. Advance tickets are recommended. Minimal contact check-in is in place. We have implemented increased cleaning. A full list of policies is available at www.fordstheatrstg.wpengine.com/visit/covid-health-and-safety.
Ford’s Theatre Society Announces Abraham Lincoln Institute Online Lincoln Symposium
Livestreamed April 12 and 13, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. EDT
On April 12 and 13 at 4 p.m. EDT, Ford’s Theatre and the Abraham Lincoln Institute host an Online Lincoln Symposium featuring authors Christopher Bonner, Michael Burlingame, Thavolia Glymph and Jonathan W. White who will discuss their latest scholarship. Presentations and discussion topics will highlight the influence of free and enslaved African-Americans on Abraham Lincoln’s presidency and his evolving views of racial equality; and explore the lived experiences of Black, white, free and enslaved women during the American Civil War. These live events will be simulcast on the Ford’s Theatre website, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter accounts, and include viewer Q&A.
Ford’s Theatre Society Announces Casting for World-Premiere Musical Grace, March 19 to May 14, 2022
A musical celebration of African-American food, family and tradition
Washington, D.C. – Ford’s Theatre Society today announced full casting and the design team for the world-premiere musical Grace, with Music and Lyrics by Nolan Williams, Jr.; Book by Nolan Williams, Jr., and Nikkole Salter; and Directed and Choreographed by Robert Barry Fleming. The production features David Hughey, Arica Jackson, Raquel Jennings, Rayshun Lamarr, Jarran Muse, Solomon Parker, Nova Y. Payton, Virginia Woodruff, with understudies LaDonna Burns, Jay Frisby, Duawne Starling and Kai Brittani White. Packed with an eclectic mix of styles including jazz, R&B, rousing up-tempos and raise-the-roof ballads, Grace is a new musical examining the little-told history of African-American culinary tradition and the challenges faced by Black-owned businesses.
In Response to COVID-19 Surge, Ford’s Theatre Cancels Full Performance Run of The Mountaintop January 21-February 13, 2022
Ford’s Theatre and Museum Open for Daytime Visitation Wednesdays-Mondays; Petersen House and Aftermath Exhibits Remain Closed
Washington, D.C. – Due to the ongoing surge of COVID-19 cases in the D.C. region, all performances of The Mountaintop are canceled, January 21 through February 13, 2022. Directed by Nicole A. Watson, the production was to feature KenYatta Rogers as Martin Luther King, Jr., and Shannon Dorsey as Camae. The next scheduled Ford’s Theatre production is the world-premiere musical Grace, celebrating African-American food, family and tradition, March 18 through May 14, 2022.
Ford’s Theatre Society Announces Dec. 12 Sensory-Friendly Performance of A Christmas Carol
Designed for those with sensory sensitivities who might benefit from an adjusted theatrical environment, including those with autism
Washington, D.C. – Ford’s Theatre Society will host a sensory-friendly performance for A Christmas Carol, Sunday, December 12, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. This performance is designed for those with sensory sensitivities who might benefit from an adjusted theatrical environment, including those with autism. Theatrical adjustments for this performance of A Christmas Carol may include: lessening of lighting focused on the audience; lower stage sound levels, especially for sudden or loud sounds; allowances for audience talking, movement and use of tablets and smartphones for communication; as well as designated areas outside the auditorium for anyone needing a break. Printed materials to prepare attendees for their visit to Ford’s Theatre and the performance itself will be made available to patrons.
Ford’s Theatre Hires Erica Lauren Ortiz as Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion & Leah Yoon Frelinghuysen as Director of External Communications and Marketing
Ford’s Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault today announced the hiring of Erica Lauren Ortiz as Director, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Leah Yoon Frelinghuysen as Director, External Communications and Marketing. Both joined the senior leadership of Ford’s Theatre on September 8. “I am thrilled to have Erica and Leah on the Ford’s Theatre leadership team,” said Ford’s Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault. “The acumen and talent that each possesses will strengthen the already dynamic leadership we have. And in adding to our senior leadership, they bring invaluable perspectives that will enhance Ford’s mission, outreach, programming, and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.”