SOUTHWEST/WATERFRONT. This well-regarded theater presents a variety of productions that focus new and classic American plays. Performances take place on one of two stages ­ the 800-seat Fichandler or the 500-seat Kreeger. Each venue's particular ambience is conducive to the type of productions presented. The theater's reputation and work are stellar, and public readings of new plays are eagerly attended by local theater-goers. METRO: Waterfront-SEU

DOWNTOWN. This performance space was designed by John Russell Pope, the same man who designed the Jefferson Memorial. It's operated today by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and seats about 3700. Many popular artists have performed here in the past, including the Maria Callas, U2, the National Symphony Orchestra and Ella Fitzgerald. The building itself is comprised of three distinct sections ­ the concert hall, a museum, and the DAR national headquarters and library. DAR National Headquarters and METRO: Farragut North

ADAMS-MORGAN. This not-for-profit institution provides performance and exhibition space to emerging, innovative, and experimental groups and artists. The complex consists of a small gallery and a compact black box theater. Several different companies benefit from use of the spaces during the season. Dedicated and unpretentious, the center hosts concerts, plays, performance art pieces, poetry readings and art exhibits representing all sorts of media. The works may not be your standard offerings, but you'll definitely be challenged by them and amazed at the art that's possible on meager budgets. METRO: Woodley Park-Adams-Morgan

CAPITOL HILL. Collections of rare paintings, books, manuscripts, and Shakespearean works are housed in this structure. Although research facilities are not open to the public, visitors may peruse the museum's constantly changing exhibits. The Grand Hall and Elizabethan Theatre host literary performances and concerts for all to enjoy. Guided tours of the building and the surrounding gardens are available. METRO: Capitol Hill or Union Station

DOWNTOWN. [Closed for renovations until Feb 2009]. The tragic, nation-shaking assassination that occurred here on April 14, 1865, cemented this theater's historical status. Interested visitors can take a self-guided tour and follow the course John Wilkes Booth took to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln. Downstairs in the museum are the Derringer pistol that Booth used and the clothes that President Lincoln was wearing during the performance of "Our American Cousin." Self guided tours may be taken daily from 9am-5pm.