èßäAV

Shear Madness

Theater Lab

Set today in the Shear Madness hairstyling salon, this record-breaking comedy is Washington’s hilarious whodunit. After more than 17,800 performances, the show has stayed in great shape. Performances are ongoing.

All ages welcomed, recommended for 13+

Oct. 1, 2024 - Oct. 5, 2025

The six member cast of Shear Madness looks at the camera with funny expressions on their faces in character. Four are surprised, one is smirking, and one is eagerly smiling.

Description

Shear Madness is interactive, immersive, and irresistible!

Set in present-day Georgetown, Shear Madness engages locals and visitors alike as armchair detectives to help solve the scissor-stabbing murder of a famed concert pianist who lives above the Shear Madness unisex hairstyling salon. The show combines up-to-the-minute improvisational humor and a mixture of audience sleuthing to deliver a unique performance each night.

With more than 17,800 performances at the Kennedy Center, Shear Madness is the longest-running play in the history of American Theater.

Performance Timing: 2 hours, with one intermission.

SINGLE TICKET NOTE: Shear Madness performances are ongoing except when the production is on hiatus from the Theater Lab. Please see the current ticket on-sale in the “View All Times” button.

GROUP TICKETS NOTE: Discounted group tickets (for 15 or more people) are on sale now for all performances through October 5, 2025. Please contact the Group Sales office for further information or to make reservations.

DC Metro Theatre's Review of Shear Madness

It’s laugh-out-loud funny!

DC Metro Theater Arts

Video

Shear Madness at the Kennedy Center

Your Vote Counts!

Set today in the Shear Madness hairstyling salon, this record-breaking comedy is Washington's hilarious whodunit. After more than 13,200 performances, the show has stayed in great shape. Performances are ongoing.

Variety's review of Shear Madness

A legitimate phenomenon

Variety

Support the Arts in America

èßäAVis a non-profit institution, and your tax-deductible gift helps expand our arts and education offerings throughout the country.

Donate Today

Terms and Conditions

All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.

All ticket prices are subject to change based on demand. Purchase early to lock in prices and the best seats!

Music at the Kennedy Center

The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

Event Filmed Mar. 23, 2025 to Premiere Later on NETFLIX

èßäAVpresents the 26th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to Conan O’Brien. Meet the new recipient and watch performances, interviews, and other highlights from past events.

National Symphony Orchestra

Carlos Miguel Prieto conducts Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances | Jorge Federico Osorio plays Beethoven

Jan. 16 - 18, 2025

Jorge Federico Osorio, hailed as “an imaginative interpreter with a powerful technique” (New York Times), takes on Beethoven’s intensely energetic Piano Concerto No. 3. Rachmaninoff’s lush and lively Symphonic Dances comes alive under the baton of Carlos Miguel Prieto—who returns following his “high-octane” 2018 NSO debut (Washington Classical Review).

  • MyTix
  • Student Rush

National Symphony Orchestra

NSO Music for Young Audiences: 
Old MacDonald’s Symphony

Jan. 18 - 19, 2025

The whole farmyard is getting ready for a hoedown—but it needs your help! Presented in collaboration with Teller Productions and developed specifically for toddlers, this immersive show features puppets, a storyteller, and a string quartet from the National Symphony Orchestra.