Revada Arts Center opens in Southwest with theater, film and opera under one roof

A new performing arts building opens in Southwest Washington this week. Three local groups will share it: a theater company, an opera company and an independent cinema. The Revada Arts Center, at 340 Maple Drive SW, holds a week of launch events from Friday, Oct. 23, through Tuesday, Oct. 27. The schedule is posted on the center’s website.

Who is moving in

Theater Alliance is the lead organization. It holds the lease and takes on most of the financial risk, according to The 51st and The Washington Post. Its partners are IN Series, an opera company that has never had a permanent home, and 4EYE Film Center, a new art house cinema led by founder Emily Lenzner. The Post reports that all three have long-term agreements; The 51st reports that Theater Alliance signed a 15-year lease and that the partners will share governance, programming plans and some expenses.

Theater Alliance already knows the address. The company had been running a temporary residency there before the build-out, and its website still lists 340 Maple Drive SW as its home.

What’s inside

Both outlets put the building at about 9,000 square feet. The main room is a 140-seat black box theater with flexible seating and staging, which Theater Alliance and IN Series will use as their primary stage. The building also has a 58-seat cinema for 4EYE’s screenings, a rehearsal hall, and co-working and community space. The center’s website also lists a micro-proscenium stage, a scene shop, a costume shop and a green room.

The 51st reports that a community access program will let other local groups book the space for their own shows, rehearsals and gatherings.

Launch schedule

According to the center’s published schedule:

• Friday, Oct. 23: An opening ceremony with a ribbon cutting and a discussion about shared arts space. The Post describes this event as invitation-only.
• Saturday, Oct. 24: A community open house with family programs, music classes, acting workshops and tours of the building.
• Monday, Oct. 26: A co-working session for performing artists and community organizations, with free headshots.
• Tuesday, Oct. 27: A screening of the 2025 film Blue Moon, presented by 4EYE Film Center and IN Series. A live concert of Rodgers and Hart songs follows.

Why it matters locally

The project’s backers describe it as a new model for small arts groups, which struggle to pay for permanent space on their own. A shared building lets them split the cost. Shanara Gabrielle, Theater Alliance’s executive artistic director, told The 51st that the partners see their success as linked: “A win for one is a win for all.”

Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, whose ward includes the Southwest Waterfront, issued a statement backing the project, The 51st reported.

What’s next

After launch week, 4EYE plans to hold regular film screenings and Theater Alliance will begin its season in the black box, according to the Post. Theater Alliance’s 2026-27 lineup, listed on its website, includes Cold War Choir Practice, Fool for Love and Business Ideas.