Kennedy Center shuts down for two years

The Kennedy Center board voted Tuesday to close the national performing arts center, shocking Maryland's theater community despite advance warning.

Trump's board shake-up triggered the crisis

President Trump replaced the Kennedy Center's board with his allies over a year and a half ago, prompting widespread performer and audience boycotts that crippled operations.

Naming dispute added to the chaos

Trump's repeated attempts to add his name to the building's signage were blocked by federal judges, further interfering with the center's ability to operate.

Anja Aniere danced her dream there

The Rockville native attended free Kennedy Center shows as a child, then performed with The Joffrey Ballet in back-to-back Nutcracker productions on its stage.

“I learned that when I think something is impossible, I should never let it get to me.”

Ed Zakreski built his career there

The Round House Theatre executive director started as a Kennedy Center intern and worked his way up through education and development roles before moving on.

“The arts are essential to a thriving community.”

Hundreds of artists and staff lost jobs

Theatre Washington's CEO Amy Austin says the closure is devastating, with hundreds out of work and audiences already shifting to Maryland's local theaters.

“It is much easier to destroy things than it is to build them back up.”

Rebuilding will take much longer

Austin believes the Kennedy Center will eventually recover, but restoration will happen at a much slower pace than the rapid shutdown.

“I think we haven't really fully realized how big the loss is.”

Debbie Ellinghaus fell in love there

The Olney Theatre Center executive director first experienced theater at the Kennedy Center in 1977 watching a pre-Broadway production of Annie with her grandmother.

It's a collective grief for the industry

Ellinghaus describes the closure as shared mourning across Maryland's theater world, but emphasizes the community rises through artists and audiences, not buildings.

“It's a collective grief in our industry.”

Steve Goldklang witnessed its glory days

The Vagabond Players director attended the Kennedy Center's 1971 world premiere of Leonard Bernstein's Mass and returned for decades of productions.

Local theaters are stepping up to fill gap

Montgomery County arts venues have seen audiences and performers flock to them since Kennedy Center boycotts began, showing the region's theater community's strength and resilience.

“In the most difficult of situations, humanity turns to the arts.”