One of the most charming theatrical spaces in Washington, and the home of the Keegan Theatre, the present-day Church Street Theater is housed in a mid-19th-century brick building that originally served as the gymnasium for the Holton Arms School. The exposed brick walls and lofty ceiling of the interior make for a warm, intimate performing space, which contains a few more than 115 seats.

Since the premiere of its first production at the National Theatre in late 1997, the Stanislavsky Theater Studio has established itself as a force in Washington's theater community. In 1999, the studio rented the Church Street Theater to present "The Little Tragedies"; a year later, it became the resident company there. Memorable productions of "The Idiot" and "Faust" brought a string of raves and honors, including two back-to-back Helen Hayes Awards for outstanding choreography.

Drawing on a core of company members, including Andrei Malaev-Babel and Paata and Irina Tsikurisvhili, STS operates an apprenticeship program that allows for the involvement of younger people in its projects. The mainstage season features four productions targeted at adult audiences; three family-oriented pantomimes augment the schedule.

-- Lloyd Rose and Brad Hathaway