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+ Export Events
Washington Center Black Box Theater
Click here for Box Office Information
Click here for Contact Information
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts is located in the heart of Downtown Olympia and is the premier venue for the Arts in the South Puget Sound. The entrance to the Black Box Theater is located through the far right doors as you face the venue.
November 2016
The Gingerbread Social
As the weather grows colder, and we are inspired to connect with friends and family at home and hearth. It’s time to get ready for a stroll through SideWalk’s Gingerbread Village 2016! Get an…
Buy TicketsGingerbread Village
As the weather grows colder, and we are inspired to connect with friends and family at home and hearth. It’s time to get ready for a stroll through SideWalk’s Gingerbread Village 2016! Sunday gets even…
Washington Center Volunteer Training
Before you start as a volunteer at The Center, we ask that you take part in a volunteer training. We anticipate this training will take roughly 45 minutes and will be sharing a training video…
January 2017
January Comedy In The Box
Join us for six nights of uproarious laughter at The Washington Center Black Box! All shows feature a headlining act, two opening performers, and a full bar available throughout the evening. Some performers are…
Buy Tickets
Black Box Jazz: David Deacon Joyner
Fridays just aren't the same without a bit of Northwest Jazz. Music lovers 21 and older are invited to join us for four evenings of cabaret style jazz performances in our intimate Black Box Theater.…
Buy TicketsWashington Center Volunteer Training
Before you start as a volunteer at The Center, we ask that you take part in a volunteer training. We anticipate this training will take roughly 45 minutes and will be sharing a training video…
February 2017
February Comedy In The Box
Join us for six nights of uproarious laughter at The Washington Center Black Box! All shows feature a headlining act, two opening performers, and a full bar available throughout the evening. Some performers are…
Buy TicketsWashington Center Volunteer Training
Before you start as a volunteer at The Center, we ask that you take part in a volunteer training. We anticipate this training will take roughly 45 minutes and will be sharing a training video…
March 2017
March Comedy In The Box
Join us for six nights of uproarious laughter at The Washington Center Black Box! All shows feature a headlining act, two opening performers, and a full bar available throughout the evening. Some performers are…
Buy Tickets
Black Box Jazz: Nathan Breedlove
Fridays just aren't the same without a bit of Northwest Jazz. Music lovers 21 and older are invited to join us for four evenings of cabaret style jazz performances in our intimate Black Box Theater.…
Buy TicketsWashington Center Volunteer Training
Before you start as a volunteer at The Center, we ask that you take part in a volunteer training. We anticipate this training will take roughly 45 minutes and will be sharing a training video…
April 2017
April Comedy In The Box
Join us for six nights of uproarious laughter at The Washington Center Black Box! All shows feature a headlining act, two opening performers, and a full bar available throughout the evening. Some performers are…
Buy Tickets
An Evening of Alternative Facts: Scatterbrains Improv Comedy featuring Lady Town
Scatterbrains Improv returns for one evening of laughs in a time we really need it. This will be a free performance. Donations are encouraged to local charities.
Washington Center Volunteer Training
Before you start as a volunteer at The Center, we ask that you take part in a volunteer training. We anticipate this training will take roughly 45 minutes and will be sharing a training video…
Art Needs Space: A community forum
The Olympia Artspace Alliance (OAA) is hosting this conversation about affordable quality space for artists. The agenda includes highlights from OAA’s recent survey of artist studios in downtown Olympia. We also will hear from Heather…
May 2017
Young Arts Ambassador Youth Showcase
CALLING ALL YOUTH PERFORMERS/VISUAL ARTISTS! The Young Arts Ambassadors are hosting a showcase of youth performance in an inspiring evening of local Olympia YOUTH created/generated ART! We will feature performance and visual based art throughout…
May Comedy In The Box
Join us for six nights of uproarious laughter at The Washington Center Black Box! All shows feature a headlining act, two opening performers, and a full bar available throughout the evening. Some performers are more…
Buy Tickets
Black Box Jazz: Aaron & Ninee Wolff
Fridays just aren't the same without a bit of Northwest Jazz. Music lovers 21 and older are invited to join us for four evenings of cabaret style jazz performances in our intimate Black Box Theater.…
Buy Tickets
The Center Salon
Local art with local artists Much like Parisian salons of old, The Washington Center presents an intimate evening of music, theater, literature, and art. This event will feature Bryan Willis (playwright), Merridawn Duckler (short fiction),…
Buy TicketsWashington Center Volunteer Training
Before you start as a volunteer at The Center, we ask that you take part in a volunteer training. We anticipate this training will take roughly 45 minutes and will be sharing a training video…
Emerald City Music: Back to Bach
The legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach has shaped the course of Western music time and time again. “Back to Bach” examines the baroque master’s profound influence through the lens of what came after his…
Buy TicketsJune 2017
June Comedy In The Box
Join us for six nights of uproarious laughter at The Washington Center Black Box! All shows feature a headlining act, two opening performers, and a full bar available throughout the evening. Some performers are more…
Buy TicketsAugust 2017
Washington Center Volunteer Training
Before you start as a volunteer at The Center, we ask that you take part in a volunteer training. We anticipate this training will take roughly 45 minutes and will be sharing a training video…
September 2017
October 2017
Black Box Jazz: Steve Luceno
For 45 years Steve Luceno has been involved in performing live music. His experience has mostly been in standard jazz, Caribbean music, and rhythm & blues. His original songs are usually based on one…
Buy TicketsNovember 2017
Gingerbread Village Social
It’s time once again for SideWalk’s Gingerbread Village! As part Olympia’s annual Downtown for the Holidays celebration, the Gingerbread Village at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts has become a community favorite. Thousands of…
Buy TicketsGingerbread Village
It’s time once again for SideWalk’s Gingerbread Village! As part Olympia’s annual Downtown for the Holidays celebration, the Gingerbread Village at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts has become a community favorite. Thousands of visitors…
December 2017
The Bridge Holiday Performance Showcase
The Bridge Showcase features youth sharing their original music. This event is the final performance for The Bridge Music Project’s Fall songwriting workshop. For the past eight weeks youth from our community have been working…
January 2018
Comedy in the Box: January
Join us for six nights of laughter with national and regional comedians! Our intimate Black Box shows feature a headlining act, two opening performers, and a full bar. Perfect for a night out with…
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Black Box Jazz: Dmitri Matheny
Voted “Northwest Instrumentalist of the Year” in the recent Seattle Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Awards, flugelhornist/composer Dmitri Matheny has been lauded as “one of the most emotionally expressive improvisers of his generation” (International Review…
Buy TicketsBlonde Poison
Stella Goldschlag was living illegally in war-torn Berlin when she was betrayed and tortured by Nazis. Offered the chance of saving herself and her parents from the death camps, she agreed to work for…
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Blonde Poison
Stella Goldschlag was living illegally in war-torn Berlin when she was betrayed and tortured by Nazis. Offered the chance of saving herself and her parents from the death camps, she agreed to work for…
Buy TicketsFebruary 2018
OlyEcosystems 4th Annual Gala
OlyEcosystems invites you to join a celebratory evening of protecting, preserving, and restoring wilderness in Olympia's urban core with State Representative Beth Doglio and music from Rooster Crow and Love, MC. Enjoy OlyEcosystems Fourth…
Buy TicketsComedy in the Box: February
Join us for six nights of laughter with national and regional comedians! Our intimate Black Box shows feature a headlining act, two opening performers, and a full bar. Perfect for a night out with…
Buy TicketsMarch 2018
Comedy in the Box: March
Join us for six nights of laughter with national and regional comedians! Our intimate Black Box shows feature a headlining act, two opening performers, and a full bar. Perfect for a night out with…
Buy Tickets
Black Box Jazz: Climate Change
Climate Change consists of four stylistically different, cutting edge musicians who come together to blend their creative influences into a statement musical harmony. Synthesizing these numerous influences into one, integrated musical statement, Climate Change’s…
Buy TicketsApril 2018
The Bridge Performance Flowcase
The Bridge is back for another awesome performance "Flowcase". This is one of our strongest groups yet with talent coming from across Oly, Lacey and Tumwater. Youth in this project have been working as teams…
Comedy in the Box: April
Our intimate Black Box shows feature a headlining act, two opening performers, and a full bar. Perfect for a night out with friends, or a much-needed break from the typical Thursday routine; it’s the…
Buy Tickets
The Center Salon
In the tradition of Parisian salons of old, we present an intimate evening of music, theater, literature, and art. Local and regional masters of visual art, the written word, and music come together to…
Buy TicketsMay 2018
Comedy in the Box: May
Our intimate Black Box shows feature a headlining act, two opening performers, and a full bar. Perfect for a night out with friends, or a much-needed break from the typical Thursday routine; it’s the…
Buy Tickets
Black Box Jazz: Joe Mailhot
Joe Mailhot’s original compositions are inspired by jazz masters like John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, Miles Davis, Albert Ayler, and The Art Ensemble of Chicago as well as by modern European composers like Krzystzof Pendercki,…
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Blues in the Black Box with Hurts Like Hell
Having shared stages with The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band, .38 Special and The Little River Band, Hurts Like Hell is dedicated to creating an electrifying, all-original rock and blues sound that draws on the…
Buy TicketsJune 2018
Comedy in the Box: June
Join us for six nights of laughter with national and regional comedians! Our intimate Black Box shows feature a headlining act, two opening performers, and a full bar. Perfect for a night out with…
Buy Tickets
IF Project
This event is a fundraiser for Thurston Thrives and the IF Project in order to bring this program to Thurston County. We will be showing the IF Documentary, which shows the collaboration between Law Enforcement…
September 2018
Washington Center Volunteer Training
Before you start as a volunteer at The Center, we ask that you take part in a volunteer training. We anticipate this training will take roughly 45 minutes and will be sharing a training video…
November 2018
Black Box Jazz: Anjali Silva
Anjali Silva has been recognized globally for her warmly sensuous voice. Her proficiency of world music genres, ranging from Brazilian to American jazz has allowed her to create music that is universal in its appeal.…
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Saint Martin’s University Theatre Department presents Almost, Maine – By Invite Only
This is an “Invited Final Dress” event. Almost, Maine by John Cariani, is a series of nine amiably absurdist vignettes about love, with a touch of good-natured magic realism…witty, romantic, unsentimental. This is a beautifully…
Saint Martin’s University Theatre Department presents Almost, Maine
Almost, Maine by John Cariani, is a series of nine amiably absurdist vignettes about love, with a touch of good-natured magic realism…witty, romantic, unsentimental. This is a beautifully structured play with nifty surprise endings.
Buy TicketsSaint Martin’s University Theatre Department presents Almost, Maine
Almost, Maine by John Cariani, is a series of nine amiably absurdist vignettes about love, with a touch of good-natured magic realism…witty, romantic, unsentimental. This is a beautifully structured play with nifty surprise endings.
Buy TicketsSaint Martin’s University Theatre Department presents Almost, Maine
Almost, Maine by John Cariani, is a series of nine amiably absurdist vignettes about love, with a touch of good-natured magic realism…witty, romantic, unsentimental. This is a beautifully structured play with nifty surprise endings.
Buy TicketsSaint Martin’s University Theatre Department presents Almost, Maine
Almost, Maine by John Cariani, is a series of nine amiably absurdist vignettes about love, with a touch of good-natured magic realism…witty, romantic, unsentimental. This is a beautifully structured play with nifty surprise endings.
Buy TicketsSaint Martin’s University Theatre Department presents Almost, Maine – Pay What You Can
This is a “Pay What You Can” event. Almost, Maine by John Cariani, is a series of nine amiably absurdist vignettes about love, with a touch of good-natured magic realism…witty, romantic, unsentimental. This is a…
Saint Martin’s University Theatre Department presents Almost, Maine
Almost, Maine by John Cariani, is a series of nine amiably absurdist vignettes about love, with a touch of good-natured magic realism…witty, romantic, unsentimental. This is a beautifully structured play with nifty surprise endings.
Buy TicketsSaint Martin’s University Theatre Department presents Almost, Maine
Almost, Maine by John Cariani, is a series of nine amiably absurdist vignettes about love, with a touch of good-natured magic realism…witty, romantic, unsentimental. This is a beautifully structured play with nifty surprise endings.
Buy Tickets
SideWalk’s Gingerbread Village Reception
It’s time once again for SideWalk’s Gingerbread Village! As part of Olympia’s annual Downtown for the Holidays celebration, the Gingerbread Village at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts has become a community favorite.…
Sidewalk’s Gingerbread Village – Public Viewing
It’s time once again for SideWalk’s Gingerbread Village! As part of Olympia’s annual Downtown for the Holidays celebration, the Gingerbread Village at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts has become a community favorite. Thousands…
December 2018
Emerald City Music presents “The Daedalus Quartet”
An up-close encounter with the Daedalus Quartet, winners of the 2001 Banff International String Quartet Competition and Lincoln Center’s Martin E. Segal Award. This unique storytelling performance incorporates Tolstoy’s Kreutzer Sonata and other texts, woven…
Buy TicketsEmerald City Music presents “The Daedalus Quartet”
An up-close encounter with the Daedalus Quartet, winners of the 2001 Banff International String Quartet Competition and Lincoln Center’s Martin E. Segal Award. This unique storytelling performance incorporates Tolstoy’s Kreutzer Sonata and other texts,…
Buy TicketsJanuary 2019
Comedy in the Box: Early January
Set aside the cares of the week and enjoy the best evening of comedy Olympia has to offer. Washington Center’s Comedy in the Box brings regional and national comedians to our Black Box theater—a unique,…
Buy Tickets
Black Box Jazz: Dan Balmer
Dan Balmer has long been considered one of the finest guitarists, composers, and educators in the Northwest. In 2009, Dan became one of only five musicians (and the youngest) to be honored with membership…
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Workshop with Richard Louv
Before his keynote address that evening, Richard Louv will lead an intimate and interactive workshop at 3:30 pm. The workshop will focus on adults interested in engaging children in community-based outdoor learning, using ideas and activities…
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Comedy in the Box: Late January
Set aside the cares of the week and enjoy the best evening of comedy Olympia has to offer. Washington Center’s Comedy in the Box brings regional and national comedians to our Black Box theater¬—a…
Buy TicketsFebruary 2019
Many Maps, One Voice
Who knew a housewife and mother of five could make such a difference? Certainly not Mary Ellen McCaffree, when she took on the problem of her kids’ ill-funded schools. In this one-woman show, you’ll…
Buy TicketsMany Maps, One Voice
Who knew a housewife and mother of five could make such a difference? Certainly not Mary Ellen McCaffree, when she took on the problem of her kids’ ill-funded schools. In this one-woman show, you’ll…
Buy TicketsMany Maps, One Voice
Who knew a housewife and mother of five could make such a difference? Certainly not Mary Ellen McCaffree, when she took on the problem of her kids’ ill-funded schools. In this one-woman show, you’ll…
Buy TicketsMany Maps, One Voice
Politics of the Possible in Action is excited to offer 3 showings of Many Maps, One Voice in Olympia. Timely and timeless, Many Maps is a call to civic engagement, citizen action and civility in the ongoing voting rights…
March 2019
Comedy in the Box: March
Headlining the show will be Eliot Chang! Eliot Chang has recorded two 30-minute Comedy Central Half Hour specials, and is known for his comedy videos where he destroys audience hecklers. No stranger to TV,…
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Black Box Jazz: Samantha Boshnack
Whether creating sonic explorations with her 14-piece B’shnorkestra or fronting her own quintet, this composer and trumpeter walks a unique path. Contemporary innovators whose sense of rhythm and penchant for “letting loose” have been…
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Pinkalicious Tea Party
** The Tea Party is sold out. ** Join us after the show at 3:00 pm for more pink perfection! This special tea party will feature pink cupcakes and pink lemonade! Chaperoning adults are…
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April 2019
The Center Salon
Featuring poetry, short stories, theater, and music, this event is like nothing else in Olympia. Invest your heart and mind in a new experience as local and regional artists share a first look into…
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Comedy in the Box: April
Headliner - Drew Dunn started comedy at the age of 21 and has not looked back since. He quickly established himself as one of the best new comedians in New England with his quick wit and…
Buy TicketsWashington Center Volunteer Training
Before you start as a volunteer at The Center, we ask that you take part in a volunteer training. We anticipate this training will take roughly 45 minutes and will be sharing a training video…
May 2019
Comedy in the Box: May
Headliner – Matt McClowry Opener – Robert Pidde Emcee – Casey McLain Set aside the cares of the week and enjoy the best evening of comedy Olympia has to offer. Washington Center’s Comedy in the Box…
Buy Tickets
Black Box Jazz: Bill Anschell
Bill Anschell has studied, composed, and performed jazz piano across the country and around the world. In 2016 he was inducted into the Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame. A three-time recipient of the Earshot’s…
Buy TicketsWashington Center Volunteer Training
Before you start as a volunteer at The Center, we ask that you take part in a volunteer training. We anticipate this training will take roughly 45 minutes and will be sharing a training video…
June 2019
Comedy in the Box: June
Announcing our headliner: Mike Baldwin simply goes out night after night and delivers top notch comedy. His style is instantly likable, entirely personal and it highlights his attention to detail. His material is crisp and…
Buy TicketsWashington Center Volunteer Training
Before you start as a volunteer at The Center, we ask that you take part in a volunteer training. We anticipate this training will take roughly 45 minutes and will be sharing a training video…
September 2019
Washington Center Volunteer Training
Before you start as a volunteer at The Center, we ask that you take part in a volunteer training. We anticipate this training will take roughly 45 minutes and will be sharing a training video…
October 2019
Washington Center Volunteer Training
Before you start as a volunteer at The Center, we ask that you take part in a volunteer training. We anticipate this training will take roughly 45 minutes and will be sharing a training video…
November 2019
Black Box Jazz: LaVon Hardison
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT. Please call the Box Office at 360-753-8586 to be placed on the wait list. LaVon Hardison sings jazz standards, originals, and her own eclectic and compelling arrangements of popular songs.…
In the Dark
On Halloween weekend, listen to the terrifying music of George Frederick Haas in total pitch-black darkness. This daring evening offers a rarely-performed work in an immersive sensory experience. THE TUNES Haas "in iij Noct." (In…
Buy TicketsWashington Center Volunteer Training
Before you start as a volunteer at The Center, we ask that you take part in a volunteer training. We anticipate this training will take roughly 45 minutes and will be sharing a training video…
Washington Center Volunteer Training
Before you start as a volunteer at The Center, we ask that you take part in a volunteer training. We anticipate this training will take roughly 45 minutes and will be sharing a training video…
The Center Artisan Market
CRAFT / COMMUNITY / INNOVATION SHOP SMALL AND SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISANS! Join the Washington Center in celebrating local vendors and Small Business Saturday! We’re launching our first artisan market based on craft, community, and…
December 2019
Choose Happiness: A Public Talk with Buddhist Monk Gen Kelsang Rigpa
Each and every one of us has the capacity to experience an endless supply of mental peace and happiness. Unfortunately, we have long-standing bad habits of thinking that result in feeling unhappy and stressed much…
Buy TicketsWashington Center Volunteer Training
Before you start as a volunteer at The Center, we ask that you take part in a volunteer training. We anticipate this training will take roughly 45 minutes and will be sharing a training video…
January 2020
Washington Center Volunteer Training
Before you start as a volunteer at The Center, we ask that you take part in a volunteer training. We anticipate this training will take roughly 45 minutes and will be sharing a training video…
Comedy in the Box: January
January 9 features comedians Tyler Boeh, Franke Marcos, and Shain Brenden. Set aside the cares of the week and enjoy the best evening of comedy Olympia has to offer. Washington Center’s Comedy in the Box…
Buy Tickets
Black Box Jazz: Greg Williamson
Greg Williamson is a jazz drummer, percussionist, composer, musical instigator, and keeper of the jazz flame. Become a season subscriber today to receive up to 20% off this show! Click here to choose your discount.
Buy TicketsFebruary 2020
Washington Center Volunteer Training
Before you start as a volunteer at The Center, we ask that you take part in a volunteer training. We anticipate this training will take roughly 45 minutes and will be sharing a training video…
Comedy in the Box: February
Headlining February's Comedy in the Box is Keith Lowell Jensen! Hosted by Jesse Warren and featuring David Roth. Jensen has become known for his subtle, smart approach, and his meandering storytelling. He has appeared on…
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WINEHOUSE “Hanover Drive” EP Release Party
WINEHOUSE is set to release their debut 4-track EP titled "Hanover Drive" on February 21st. Following their release is the Hanover Drive EP Release Party on February 22nd. The show will feature performances by musical…
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Welcome to Clown Town: A Drag Workshop
Portland’s premier drag clown Carla Rossi (with intellectual support from her human avatar Anthony Hudson) attempts to chart the vast abyss of drag and its potential, addressing how drag’s many varieties, flavors, and houses correspond…
Buy TicketsMarch 2020
Comedy in the Box: March
Set aside the cares of the week and enjoy the best evening of comedy Olympia has to offer. Washington Center’s Comedy in the Box brings regional and national comedians to our Black Box theater—a unique,…
Buy Tickets
Black Box Jazz: Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis is a well-traveled alto saxophonist and flutist who has created a vast and intensely stimulating body of music over the past four decades, and enlivened jazz scenes from Seattle and San Francisco to…
Buy TicketsUncorked & Unplugged with Souled out
We have postponed this event. The health and safety of our patrons is always a top priority. We are closely monitoring the recent outbreak of COVID-19, and are committed to keeping the community informed about…
The Center Salon
The Center Salon is being rescheduled to FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020. Tickets will be automatically transferred to the future reschedule date. What if I can’t make it? We are asking for your support! Consider donating your…
May 2020
Comedy in the Box: May
Comedy in the Box on May 14 has been canceled. Please consider donating your ticket purchase to help sustain our beloved arts organization. To request a refund, we invite you to contact our Box Office…
June 2020
Comedy in the Box: June
Comedy in the Box on June 11 has been canceled. Please consider donating your ticket purchase to help sustain our beloved arts organization. To request a refund, we invite you to contact our Box Office…