There’s always a musical or play to see in D.C., though rarely without shelling out some cash. But late summer, right before the new season begins, is the time for frugal theatergoers to strike. For the next two weekends, three D.C. theaters are teasing their upcoming performance slates with open houses for the community. These family-friendly afternoons offer activities for kids, food and drinks, behind-the-scenes peeks, and plenty of shows.

If you want to see performances—a lot of them—for free …

Perhaps anticipating short attention spans, Signature Theatre has scheduled performances every 15 minutes on various stages for its open house this weekend. Its company members are starring in the shows, which include a cabaret performance, a showcase of Sondheim songs, a sing-along, and highlights from previous seasons. Some of the performances require free tickets, which can be picked up an hour prior to each show’s start time. There are more interactive events scattered throughout the day, too, including acting and dance workshops, bingo games at Samuel Beckett’s pub around the corner, and lawn games and free popcorn and snow cones outside. You can also score tickets to next season’s shows at a discount of up to 50 percent.
Signature Theatre, August 18, 12 p.m.-7 p.m.

If you want to go thrift shopping … 

Tony-winning Arena Stage uses its annual Community Day to offload set pieces, props, and other items from previous productions. If you admired the 1920s deck chairs of Anything Goes, the 80s furnishings in Junk, the Crate and Barrel-esque accents in Smart People, the 90s-era outerwear of Kleptocracy, or the shabby-chic digs of Carousel, you might be able to take them home with you. Prices range from $1-$900. There are also cocktails and lawn games on the terrace, and performances and activities all day in the lobby: Catch live jazz, try Cuban dancing, get your face painted, or look up to see some acrobats. That evening, there’s a preview of shows from the upcoming season: Tickets are free, but you’ve got to register in advance.
Arena Stage, August 24, 1 p.m.-6 p.m.

If you want to be the first to see a (sort of) new theater …

After half a year of renovations (and borrowing space from other D.C. theaters to stage its productions), Round House Theatre is opening up its Bethesda doors to show off its newly redone digs at its open house this month. There’s food and drink, plus a ticket raffle, in the lobby, music and performances onstage, and activities in the new events room, including stage combat workshops and improv games. Afterwards, there’s a free preview of the theater’s next production School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play.
Round House Theatre, August 24, 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Previously: 

8 Shows To Catch On D.C. Stages In August