About the BLT

The Bethesda Little Theatre was founded in 1980 as The NIH R&W Theatre Group to promote the advancement and improvement of education in the stage arts by producing plays and musical entertainments.  Membership is open to NIH employees and to other members of the community.

The purpose of the organization is to assist the NIH Patient Emergency Fund by donating profits to the fund.  The donated funds are derived from the revenue generated by performances of the group.   All members of the group are volunteers, and contribute their time and energies to help this worthy cause.  The Patient Emergency Fund helps NIH patient families meet any unexpected expenses incurred while a family member is at NIH for treatment. Additionally, the group has starting making donations to Camp Funshine, a camp for children with AIDS.

Our most recent shows have been original musical revues featuring a particular composer.  Featured composers in the past years have included Jerry Herman, George Gershwin, Johnny Mercer, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and others.  In the past, our productions took place on the NIH campus. However, since the events of Sept. 11, 2001 NIH has increased their security around the campus, making productions on campus difficult.  Currently, the BLT is in search for a new home for its productions.  As a result, our production schedule is being shifted to a little later in the year (look for new productions to occur late summer, with auditions held sometime in late spring or early summer). 

In addition to our "Annual Musical," we produce a Holiday Show in December.  This show is performed during the lunch hour for NIH employees and is free to all.

During the rest of the year the Bethesda Little Theatre goes "on the road" with our Roadshows.

The Bethesda Little Theatre also co-produces the "Messiah Sing-a-long" with the NIH Community Orchestra.

Our performances are open to the public.  Patients at the NIH Clinical Center are always invited to attend free of charge.

The Bethesda Little Theatre is always looking for people to help with productions.  In addition to cast members, we also need a production staff, a stage crew, a lighting crew, ushers, sewers, dancers and general help for constructing and painting sets.  We also have clerical needs during a show. If you're interested in learning about musical theatre just fill out an information form! Dues are $17 for the calendar year.

The Bethesda Little Theatre's mailing address is:

Bethesda Little Theatre
P.O. Box 30206
Bethesda, MD 20814-9998