Studio Theatre

By Michael O'Sullivan
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, Sept. 11, 2009

Studio, which began as an acting conservatory, features four smallish theaters, none of which puts the audience very far from the actors. "We want audiences to see them cry and laugh," says artistic director Joy Zinoman. That intimacy, she explains, can be intense, even uncomfortable, but it's part of what makes Studio special. "The audience is there to confront the actor. The actor is like the priest."

Where to eat? When the theater fare is heavy -- as it often is at Studio -- keep your dining light with small plates at Cork Wine Bar (202-265-2675; http://www.corkdc.com).

Concession-stand fare: Standard: sweet and savory snacks; beer, wine and nonalcoholic drinks. Plus, thematic items selected to complement each show.

Tickets: $34 to $69 for productions in the Mead, Methany and Milton theaters; $25 to $38 for 2ndStage shows.

Getting there: Studio is a five-block walk from the Dupont Circle Metro station. On-street parking is limited. If you drive, use the Colonial Parking garage on P Street NW between 16th and 17th streets ($5 after 5 p.m.).

Season spotlight: Studio casts its eye on the zeitgeist, with three plays -- in three styles, from three periods -- about money: "Adding Machine: A Musical" (opening Oct. 14); "The Solid Gold Cadillac" (opening Dec. 2); and "American Buffalo" (opening May 5).