< Back to Directory

National Players

Drama, Literary, Performance, Performance Art, Theatre

National Players produces and tours theatrical performance for diverse populations across the United States, and educates, learns from, supports and inspires communities through engagement with the arts.

About the Artist

National Players is America’s longest-running touring theatre company and the signature outreach program of Olney Theatre Center, a Helen Hayes Award-winner and one of two state-designated theatres in Maryland. This distinctive ensemble stimulates imagination and critical thinking by producing classic plays and literary adaptations in invigorating ways for audiences of all ages. National Players serves all corners of Maryland and the country, and the ensemble performs for a diversity of audiences from students to the general public, the elderly, and the incarcerated. 

National Players website National Players website

Artist's Statement

Along with performances, National Players offers post-show conversations and interactive workshops for all ages and education levels. Through integrated educational programs, National Players unleashes the creativity of youth and adults and empowers them to build stronger communities through artistic collaboration. Each year, the ensemble performs multiple reimagined classics in repertory. Bookings may range from a single performance to a multi-day residency. Over just two days, National Players can perform multiple titles, host workshops, and initiate dialogues with students, teachers, and the greater community. National Players is celebrating over 73 years on tour. The touring company has performed in 41 states; in the White House; and for the American military in Europe, Asia, and the Arctic Circle. Throughout the summer and most of the fall, National Players maintains a residency at Olney Theatre Center before going on tour to the rest of the country for the remainder of the year.

Featured Work

Photos

Tour 71's production of William Shakespeare's As You Like It Directed by Jason King Jones C. Stanley Photography
Tour 71's production of The Diary of Anne Frank Directed by Raymond O. Caldwell C. Stanley Photography
Tour 71's production of Walk Two Moons Directed by Jenna Duncan C. Stanley Photography
Tour 70's production of Around the World in 80 Days Directed by Jared Mezzocchi C. Stanley Photography
Tour 69's production of The Great Gatsby Directed by Amber Paige McGinniss C. Stanley Photography
Tour 69's production of Othello Directed by Jason King Jones C. Stanley Photography

Videos

Booking

Booking prices depend on length and types of engagement. For performances and multi-day residencies, booking prices typically range from $1,500-$8,000. For workshops only, prices range from $150-$500.

No technology and materials are required for workshops. Performances require working light and sound systems on site. A Technical Rider will be sent prior to any performance with further details on what National Players need.

National Players are in residence at Olney Theatre Center and available for performances in the fall and at the end of May when they return from tour. National Players is able to travel to any and all counties in Maryland.

National Players has worked with Mario A. Loiederman Middle School, Wheaton High School, Havre de Grace Arts Council, Garrett Lakes Arts Festival, Carroll County Arts Center, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, Harford County Community College, and many more schools, colleges, organizations, and performing arts centers in Maryland.