In the Hippodrome (1950-1955)
The Hippodrome Theatre, a former movie house at Ninth and New York Avenues, NW, was converted into a 247-seat, arena-style theater to become the first home of Arena Stage.

At the end of the 1954/55 season, Arena Stage closed the Hippodrome and began searching for a larger performing space. The 1955/56 season was dark as the search continued for a new home for the theater.

In The Old Vat
The converted “Hospitality Hall” of the Old Heurich Brewery served as a second home for Arena Stage from November 7, 1956 through the 1960/61 season. The 500-seat theater-in-the-round was nicknamed “The Old Vat” in reference to the brewery’s huge kettles and Britain’s Old Vic.