The Fabian Barnes Black Box Theater at DIW lit in blue
Engage with us

Your vision, our space

A creative hub in the heart of Washington, D.C. for artists, organizations, and communities. Ask us about discounted rates.

  • Spaces4Versatile spaces available
  • Theater85Theater seating capacity
  • Subsidized5,000+Hours of subsidized space provided in 2025
  • Where3400 14th St NWWashington, DC 20010
Our spaces

Explore what we offer

From our professional Black Box Theater to bright, flexible dance studios, each space is designed to adapt to your vision.

The Fabian Barnes Black Box Theater lit in blue and amber
Signature venue

Fabian Barnes Black Box Theater / Studio B

A stunning performance space with high ceilings, polished floors, and professional lighting, a blank canvas for your creativity. Ideal for galas, performances, film screenings, corporate events, and celebrations.

Capacity
85 guests
Includes
6-hour rental
Starting at
$2,000

Includes green room access, restrooms, kitchen, and Studio D. Dress rehearsal and additional performances available.

Studio A at DIW with sprung floors and wall-length mirrors
Dance studio

Studio A

Bright and spacious with sprung floors, wall-length mirrors, and a professional sound system. Perfect for rehearsals, auditions, and small workshops.

Rate
$60/hr
Minimum
2 hours
Studio C at DIW, a mid-size studio with mirrors
Dance studio

Studio C

A versatile mid-size studio that doubles as the Theater green room during performances. Sound system, mirrors, and changing room access included.

Rate
$70/hr
Minimum
2 hours
Studio D at DIW, the largest studio with full-length mirrors
Dance studio

Studio D

Our largest studio with premium flooring, full-length mirrors, and professional-grade sound. Built for larger groups, workshops, and photoshoots.

Rate
$80/hr
Minimum
2 hours
How you can use our space

A venue for every occasion

Whether you’re staging a performance, hosting a corporate offsite, or need a space to create, DIW adapts to your needs.

Theatre Performances

Stage your production in our Fabian Barnes Black Box Theater with full lighting, green room, and front-of-house support. Seats 85 with flexible configurations.

Ideal for: dance companies, theatre groups, showcases, film screenings

Photoshoot & Production Rentals

Unique backdrops for photography, film, and creative production. Natural light, polished floors, and flexible setups for visually striking shoots.

Ideal for: photographers, filmmakers, brand campaigns, content creators

Corporate Events & Meetings

Host your next offsite, workshop, or private reception in a creative environment. Tables, chairs, and AV equipment available.

Ideal for: corporate offsites, workshops, receptions, galas, weddings

Rehearsal & Audition Space

Professional studios with sprung floors, mirrors, and sound systems. Book by the hour for auditions, choreography development, workshopping new pieces, or company rehearsals.

Ideal for: dance companies, choreographers, casting directors, teaching artists

Workshops & Masterclasses

Run intensive workshops, masterclasses, or training sessions in our fully equipped studios and theater. Flexible setups for groups of any size.

Ideal for: visiting artists, educators, community programs, conferences

Private Events & Celebrations

From intimate gatherings to milestone celebrations, our spaces transform to match the occasion.

Ideal for: birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, private showcases

Pricing

Transparent rates for every need

All rates include access to sound systems and changing rooms. Special pricing available for qualifying bookings.

Workshop packageDance Workshops

For teaching, training, and skill-building sessions led by visiting artists, educators, or community programs.

Choose your space
Theater$450Up to 85 people
Studio$300Up to 35 people
What’s included
  • 3 hours of space usage
  • Sound system and lobby access
  • Tables and chairs

Need more time? Additional hours billed at studio rate (Studio A: $60/hr, Studio C: $70/hr, Studio D: $80/hr).

Private event packagePrivate Meetings & Celebrations

For receptions, milestone celebrations, private gatherings, and corporate offsites.

Choose your space
Theater$450Up to 85 people
Studio$300Up to 35 people
What’s included
  • 4-hour rental minimum
  • Use of tables and chairs
  • Sound system access

Capacity depends on space layout and intended activity. Walkthroughs available before booking.

Companies in residence

Bring your vision to life

Subsidized residency programs for dance companies, small businesses, and creative entrepreneurs aligned with our mission. More than space: community, mentorship, and the infrastructure to grow. We connect resident artists with companies and directors who open doors to paying gigs and advanced training.

Subsidized Studio Access

Discounted and subsidized rehearsal space on a recurring basis for mission-aligned companies and artists.

Performance Opportunities

Access to the Fabian Barnes Black Box Theater for showcases, works-in-progress, and public performances.

Mentorship & Network

Direct connection to DIW’s network of professionals, choreographers, and industry leaders.

Small Business & Creative Entrepreneurs

Flexible arrangements for arts-adjacent businesses looking for a creative home base in D.C.

Our facility

See the spaces

The black box theater stage lit in blue
Black Box Theater
Studio A with tall windows
Studio A
Studio C with mirrors and barres
Studio C
Studio D with full-length mirrors
Studio D
The black box theater with its windows open
Black Box Theater
Studio D from the far wall
Studio D
How it works

Book your space in 4 steps

From inquiry to event day, our team makes the process seamless.

1Submit a Request

Fill out our rental inquiry form with your event details, preferred dates, and space needs.

2Consultation

Our team will review your request and schedule a call or walkthrough to discuss your vision and logistics.

3Confirm & Pay

Once we finalize the details, you’ll receive a rental agreement and invoice to secure your booking.

4Bring Your Vision to Life

Show up, set up, and let DIW be the backdrop for your next great event, rehearsal, or production.

Ready to book your space?

Whether it’s a one-time event or an ongoing residency, our team is here to help you bring your vision to life.

Engage With Us

Your Vision,
Our Space

A creative hub in the heart of Washington, D.C. for artists, organizations, and communities. Ask us about discounted rates.

4

Versatile spaces available

85

Theater seating capacity

5,000+

Hours of subsidized space provided in 2025

Our Spaces

Explore What We Offer

From our professional Black Box Theater to bright, flexible dance studios — each space is designed to adapt to your vision.

Signature Venue

Fabian Barnes Black Box Theater / Studio B

A stunning performance space with high ceilings, polished floors, and professional lighting — a blank canvas for your creativity. Ideal for galas, performances, film screenings, corporate events, and celebrations.

Capacity

85 guests

Includes

6-hour rental

Starting at

$2,000

Includes green room access, restrooms, kitchen, and Studio D. Dress rehearsal and additional performances available.

Dance Studio

Studio A

Bright and spacious with sprung floors, wall-length mirrors, and a professional sound system. Perfect for rehearsals, auditions, and small workshops.

 

Rate

$60/hr

Minimum

2 hours

Dance Studio

Studio C

A versatile mid-size studio that doubles as the Theater green room during performances. Sound system, mirrors, and changing room access included.

Rate

$70/hr

Minimum

2 hours

Dance Studio

Studio D

Our largest studio with premium flooring, full-length mirrors, and professional-grade sound. Built for larger groups, workshops, and photoshoots.

Rate

$80/hr

Minimum

2 hours

How You Can Use Our Space

A Venue for Every Occasion

Whether you’re staging a performance, hosting a corporate offsite, or need a space to create — DIW adapts to your needs.

Theatre Performances

Stage your production in our Fabian Barnes Black Box Theater with full lighting, green room, and front-of-house support. Seats 85 with flexible configurations.

Ideal for: dance companies, theatre groups, showcases, film screenings

Photoshoot & Production Rentals

Unique backdrops for photography, film, and creative production. Natural light, polished floors, and flexible setups for visually striking shoots.

Ideal for: photographers, filmmakers, brand campaigns, content creators

Corporate Events & Meetings

Host your next offsite, workshop, or private reception in a creative environment. Tables, chairs, and AV equipment available.

Ideal for: corporate offsites, workshops, receptions, galas, weddings

Rehearsal & Audition Space

Professional studios with sprung floors, mirrors, and sound systems. Book by the hour for auditions, choreography development, workshopping new pieces, or company rehearsals.

Ideal for: dance companies, choreographers, casting directors, teaching artists

Workshops & Masterclasses

Run intensive workshops, masterclasses, or training sessions in our fully equipped studios and theater. Flexible setups for groups of any size.

Ideal for: visiting artists, educators, community programs, conferences

Private Events & Celebrations

From intimate gatherings to milestone celebrations — our spaces transform to match the occasion.

Ideal for: birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, private showcases

Pricing

Transparent Rates for Every Need

All rates include access to sound systems and changing rooms. Special pricing available for qualifying bookings.

Workshop Package

Dance Workshops

For teaching, training, and skill-building sessions led by visiting artists, educators, or community programs.

Choose your space

Theater

$450

Up to 85 people

Studio

$300

Up to 35 people

What’s Included

  • 3 hours of space usage
  • Sound system and lobby access
  • Tables and chairs

Need more time? Additional hours billed at studio rate (Studio A: $60/hr, Studio C: $70/hr, Studio D: $80/hr).

Private Event Package

Private Meetings & Celebrations

For receptions, milestone celebrations, private gatherings, and corporate offsites.

Choose your space

Theater

$450

Up to 85 people

Studio

$300

Up to 35 people

What’s Included

  • 4-hour rental minimum
  • Use of tables and chairs
  • Sound system access

Capacity depends on space layout and intended activity. Walkthroughs available before booking.

Companies in Residence

Bring Your Vision to Life

Subsidized residency programs for dance companies, small businesses, and creative entrepreneurs aligned with our mission. More than space — community, mentorship, and the infrastructure to grow. We connect resident artists with companies and directors who open doors to paying gigs and advanced training.

Subsidized Studio Access

Discounted and subsidized rehearsal space on a recurring basis for mission-aligned companies and artists.

Performance Opportunities

Access to the Fabian Barnes Black Box Theater for showcases, works-in-progress, and public performances.

Mentorship & Network

Direct connection to DIW’s network of professionals, choreographers, and industry leaders.

Small Business & Creative Entrepreneurs

Flexible arrangements for arts-adjacent businesses looking for a creative home base in D.C.

Our Facility

See the Spaces

How It Works

Book Your Space in 4 Steps

From inquiry to event day — our team makes the process seamless.

1

Submit a Request

Fill out our rental inquiry form with your event details, preferred dates, and space needs.

2

Consultation

Our team will review your request and schedule a call or walkthrough to discuss your vision and logistics.

3

Confirm & Pay

Once we finalize the details, you’ll receive a rental agreement and invoice to secure your booking.

4

Bring Your Vision to Life

Show up, set up, and let DIW be the backdrop for your next great event, rehearsal, or production.

Ready to Book Your Space?

Whether it’s a one-time event or an ongoing residency — our team is here to help you bring your vision to life.