Atlas Performing Arts Center | Northeast Washington

Here is a detailed narrative about the Atlas Performing Arts Center, covering its history, facilities, role in the community, and broader significance in the cultural and urban fabric of Washington, D.C.'s H Street Corridor:

1. Historical Background

The Atlas Performing Arts Center is located at 1333 H Street NE in Washington, D.C. Originally built in 1938, the building started its life as a movie theater-the Atlas Theater-during a golden era for cinema. It was designed by renowned architect John Jacob Zink, who was responsible for more than 200 theaters across the Mid-Atlantic region. The Atlas, in its original form, was emblematic of the Art Deco movement, boasting ornamental detailing, geometric motifs, and a streamlined design.

For decades, it served as a beloved neighborhood cinema. However, after the 1968 riots following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the entire H Street Corridor suffered devastating damage. Businesses were looted and buildings, including the Atlas, were left neglected. By the 1970s, the theater had closed its doors, and the building sat vacant for over 30 years.

It wasn't until the early 2000s that efforts began to reimagine the space-not just as a theater, but as a multidisciplinary performing arts center. Spearheaded by philanthropist Jane Lang, the Atlas underwent a $22 million renovation, which preserved the original façade while modernizing and expanding the interior. In 2005, it reopened as the Atlas Performing Arts Center-a symbol of neighborhood rebirth and cultural reinvestment.

2. Architectural Design and Facilities

The center today is a 59,000-square-foot complex, blending restored historical features with contemporary spaces. It contains multiple, purpose-built performance and rehearsal venues:

Lang Theater: This is the main proscenium stage, seating around 260 patrons, suitable for theatrical productions, orchestras, and dance.

Sprenger Theater: A flexible black-box space that can hold up to 200 people, used for experimental theater, rehearsals, and immersive performances.

Lab I and Lab II: Two intimate studio spaces, each accommodating 60–80 seats, tailored for smaller-scale works, workshops, and dance classes.

Rehearsal Rooms and Dance Studios: Fully mirrored with hardwood flooring, used by resident dance companies and for classes.

Lobby and Public Areas: Designed to act as an informal gathering place, the lobby also hosts free concerts, open mics, and exhibits. There’s a bar and café counter, restrooms, and box office, all accessible to the public.

Accessibility is a cornerstone of the facility’s philosophy. It offers assistive listening devices, wheelchair access, Braille signage, and ADA-compliant restrooms, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy performances without barriers.

3. Resident Companies and Artistic Programming

The Atlas serves as a home base for numerous local arts organizations and collectives that reflect D.C.'s cultural diversity:

Capital City Symphony – A semi-professional orchestra focused on making classical music more accessible to the community.

Joy of Motion Dance Center – A movement arts organization offering dance education and performances across genres.

Step Afrika! – A globally recognized dance company dedicated to the tradition of stepping and African-American dance forms.

Mosaic Theater Company – Known for socially conscious plays and narratives that give voice to marginalized communities.

Visionaries of the Creative Arts (VOCA) – A disability-centered theater company that prioritizes inclusivity and representation in storytelling.

Beyond its resident companies, the Atlas hosts an ever-rotating roster of guest performers, touring ensembles, jazz groups, literary events, and youth showcases. Regular programming includes:

The Intersections Festival: A multi-week celebration of art that crosses boundaries of race, gender, identity, and discipline.

Café Concerts: Free casual performances held in the lobby, featuring jazz trios, spoken word, and local talent.

Sing Out series: Open-mic nights co-hosted by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, combining music with social gathering.

4. Community Engagement and Education

The Atlas is more than a performance venue-it is a community arts incubator. It offers:

Affordable venue rental rates for emerging and BIPOC artists.

Youth programs focused on arts education, especially for students from underserved areas of Northeast D.C.

Community workshops, panel talks, and masterclasses by visiting professionals.

Volunteer and internship opportunities, fostering direct community participation in the arts.

In this way, the Atlas functions as a catalyst for social and cultural cohesion, leveraging the arts to address equity, representation, and civic pride.

5. Urban Revitalization Impact

The reopening of the Atlas was pivotal in kickstarting the revitalization of the H Street Corridor-a neighborhood once ravaged by disinvestment. When it opened in 2005, much of H Street still bore the scars of economic decline. The Atlas became an anchor that attracted new foot traffic, inspired confidence in investors, and helped stimulate a local boom in:

Independent restaurants

Bars and nightlife

Art galleries

Mixed-use developments

It was central to what is now branded the Atlas District-a sub-neighborhood within the Corridor, known for its nightlife, creativity, and independent spirit. The arts center’s influence helped set the tone for an inclusive and culturally rich revival.

6. Transportation and Accessibility

Located between 13th and 14th Streets NE, the Atlas is reachable by multiple transit options:

DC Streetcar: Free and stops just a block away at 13th & H.

Metrobus: X2, X9, and X8 routes provide direct service.

Metro (Red Line): About a 20-minute walk from Union Station.

Bike & Walk: The neighborhood is bike- and pedestrian-friendly, with Capital Bikeshare stations nearby.

Parking: Limited metered street parking; garages available at Union Station or residential areas further north.

7. Overall Significance

The Atlas Performing Arts Center is a living monument to cultural resilience. Its identity is rooted in historic preservation, yet its mission is future-facing: creating a space where creativity, accessibility, and diversity intersect. Its importance lies not only in the shows it stages but in how it has transformed H Street into a cultural axis of Washington, D.C.

In summary, the Atlas represents a rare achievement: the seamless fusion of historic architecture, grassroots energy, community investment, and high-caliber artistry, all woven into the life of a neighborhood once left behind.