The first performance at the
Sylvan Theatre on the Washington Monument grounds took place on the evening of June 2, 1917. Artist and philanthropist
Alice Pike Barney Hemmick founded the theater, believing that Washington needed a nationally supported theater and that an outdoor theater would be a good first step. The performance on
opening night consisted of speeches, a rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by the
Marine Band, and a play written by Mrs. Hemmick. Over 6,000 people attended the Sylvan Theater first show.