Just saw "Antony & Cleopatra." Fantastic! No dialog, only music and movement, but the stories are clear (we've also seen "Romeo & Juliet," years ago - also great!). read more

Synetic Theater - Outside poster. - Performing Arts Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Synetic Theater is a small, unassuming theater that packs a big punch! You won't be amazed by the actual theater space itself - it's small, the seats don't have the most cushion, and it's not as ornate as other D.C. theater's - but what Synetic is able to accomplish through their stage design, A/V, and production quality is absolutely mind-blowing! Everything is beautifully done and you feel fully immersed in the performance the minute you walk through the theater doors. There isn't a huge alcoholic beverage selection and snack bar doesn't have a ton of options to choose from, but there's going to be a least something there to hold you over if you aren't too picky. I am looking forward to seeing many more performances at Synetic in the near-future, and maybe even take a late lunch to check out one of their 45min afternoon performances as well. read more

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The theater has moved but they won't they you where until you pay for a non refundable ticket. The address you see on the website / yelp / google or apple maps does not actually exist. That building is under construction with no posted signage and the only hint there used to be a theater there is a sign in the parking deck. They rent spaces for their production without making it clear or giving you the address upright until you have paid for the ticket. No one ever answers the phone or email. A waste of money with a very scammy feel to it. Stay away I'd say. read more

Synetic Theater - Sign in Arlington parking deck - Performing Arts Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Synetic has a new home in the heart of Crystal City! I've been affiliated with Synetic for almost a decade and their work continues to blow me away. It truly is a feast for the senses. With a cinematic soundtrack and astounding images, Synetic is my favorite theater company in town! Synetic is located in Shirlington Village and Crystal City. Synetic Theater has educational programs for children and adults. read more

Synetic Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Great Theater, great location, great Staff and a great show! Unfortunately, this was our first visit and the announcement was made that this would be their last night for shows at this Theater. Our loss! read more

We saw the very wet Tempest here and had great fun! Lots of sploshing around and water park moments. We also saw A Trip to the Moon. Five stars and thumb up for Synetic, what a very creative bunch. DC is lucky to have you! Theatre without words but full of energy. Their performance space in Crystal City, though, leaves something to be desired. It seemed a bit run-down, shabby even. The entrance is inside the mall and in B1. Taking the metro is the best. Don't drive here. The auditorium is really simple, with somewhat uncomfy seats (but their shows aren't that long so it's OK, and the pitch is great, ample room for people to walk past you even as you remain seated). The ladies' room (tucked away in a corner) is not up to handle a theatre crowd. The layout is really awkward, causing the line to snake from the stalls to the sinks (which means people coming out of the stalls are constantly having to cut through the lines to wash their hands). The whole place feels more like a basement rehearsal space. They sell drinks in a corner. No need to arrive too early or you will get bored. But hey their shows are top of the line and not to be missed. I am still giving them five stars. I hope with support from fans they will eventually be able to build or move to a modern venue like Arena Stage! read more

Synetic Theater - The Rest Is Silence - Performing Arts Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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This is a low key theatre that has amazing shows. I had a wonnderful experience seeing Beauty and the Beast there recently. The stage props and lights were marvelous. Seeing this version of physical acting and dancing to tell a story was amazing. The actors and dancers were talented and provided a strong pressence on stage. the lighting and combination of effects and dance keeps you in the story. The theater is located in the Crystal City Undergound, in upscale area in Arlington. All the seats offer a great view and they offer a small selection of beer , wines sodas or water along with some small snacks for sale. The theatre is conveniently located close to the metrorail. Plenty of restaurant choices if you would like to catch dinner before the show. Parking is free after 4. This is an experience not to be missed. read more

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Warning: there is lots of smoke many times during the show so don't sit within the first 5 rows in the center. Music was lovely as usual. The costumes were colorful, sexy, imaginative, creative and funny. (Fav was the Queen of Hearts ) I swayed as the actors danced and moved with gusto and skill. It was another entertaining and enjoyable evening. The performance was 5 stars. I already bought tickets for 'As You Like It' and await another gem of a show. read more

I love this theater. Parking may be a little confusing but once you find it you'll be happy because it's free and covered. If you're facing the Theater it's to your left. Go around the building and you will see a garage entrance. It has a small sign for Synetic. It seems like an entrance for maintenance but it's both. You can also take the metro - it's all underground and you can avoid rain, heat, etc. Their plays are silent - don't be surprised. The theater is small but very clean. They sell wine, beer and water that can be taken into the theater. They have a few candy's too but no breath mints. It really is amazing how creative they are. They have magnificent performers and the costumes are amazing. I recently went to watch Titus Andronicus and I loved it. All of the actors were on point and the costumes - wow! read more

Synetic Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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I've been to two of Synetic's performances this season: Sleeping Beauty and Taming of the Shrew. We loved Sleeping Beauty so much that we bought season tickets for the rest of the season (at a reasonable price too!). We're deaf, so it was a beautiful visual storytelling experience for us. I never saw a full crowd at this theater, but I think there should be. In addition to well done choreography and actors' facial expressions, Synetic uses special effects, lighting, and projectors to help with the storytelling. Even if the stories are familiar, Synetic offers a modern interpretation of the stories, usually printing the plot in their programs. It's very helpful to read the program right before the show, so you know where the story's going. Sleeping Beauty used more special effects and was a bit dark, while Taming of the Shrew was a comedy, and the audience cracked up at parts. My favorite scenes were the dinner table scene where the choreography was done beautifully like a well oiled machine and the bedroom scene (where the bed was set upright). I also love how comical the actors were. I'm looking forward to the next play already! read more

One of the most creative and innovative theatre groups out there. It's a very small, not-at-all-fancy theatre, more of an auditorium, but boy do they bring the talent! I've been going for a few years, and last night just saw Sleepy Hollow, which was incredibly imaginative, macabre, beautiful and creepy all wrapped up in a wordless wonder of a production! Yep, wordless, as most of their productions are, which makes them perfect for deaf audiences as well as those for whom English is a challenge. One has zero trouble following the very physical production, which uses sound, lighting, body language and thoughtfully designed props to transport the audience. This is a theatre well worth visiting, and super accessible by metro or car. They even offer free parking at the Marriott right above them. read more

Synetic has created a very unique combination of dance and mime to put on plays with no speaking parts. The focus is on the fluid motion of the performers. The theater is small enough that all seats give excellent views. I've enjoyed all the performances and I am not a fan of Shakespeare. It will help if you check out a plot summary before attending so you can focus on the costumes and the dance. It is located in Crystal Underground and if you haven't scouted the area ahead of time for a restaurant, you could easily find yourself wandering through the halls and being hungry at performance time. read more

The synetic theater is fantastic! My favorite is the Silent Shakespeare series told with dance and expression and pure physical energy. It's an experience unlike any other. And yes, Shakespeare without words is still Shakespeare . The theater is easily accessed by metro, and there are dinner choices nearby. The theater itself isn't too big, but the best seats will sell out. I've seen them perform many plays, and I'm never disappointed but often I'm surprised. For example, in the play "the fall of the house of Usher" actors portrayed not only the characters, but the house itself! Very effective at giving the sense of doom ! Take my advice - see a play! read more

Fantastic theater. We saw "A Portrait of Dorian Gray" and really enjoyed it. You can buy beer and wine in the lobby and take it with you to the show. Only exception is dark beer or red wine (probably due to staining). There is not really a bad seat in the house because the theater is so small. The actors are all fantastic and the dancing great. The deal they offer for dinner at Jaleo is pretty good, it's basically like $10 off per person for the Jaleo pre-theater menu. Only downside is parking is tricky..there is free parking for he theater but it can be very confusing to find, especially because there are two Marriots directly across the street from each other. If you metro in then it is very easy to find however. read more

How can I top the sentiment put forth when you roll over five stars on a Yelp review? Woohoo! As good as it gets! Indeed, this theater company deserves all the praise it can get. Founded a decade ago, Paata and Irina have done a fantastic job of bringing fresh, topical and visually stunning material to local theater-goers at reasonable prices. Of the four plays I have seen (all worthy of at least four stars each and, in most instances, five) the ones which are done in the unique "silent" style preferred by this company are the most enrapturing. If given the opportunity to watch Hamlet: The Rest is Silence, drop all plans (revenge-based or otherwise) and get thee to a theater! This is a stunning and original take on the well known play. The sets produced by Synetic tend to be minimal, but effective, and all of their productions are enhanced by a strict adherence to the beautiful and beatific movements and dance (based - somewhat - on the equally stunning dance techniques of the founders' native Georgia) which define all Synetic performances. This is an amazing experience unique to DC and I would highly recommend seeing any show performed by this troop! read more

OK. I'm going to be honest...I have a love hate relationship with experimental theater. Mostly because experimental theater tends to be deliberately rough and weird and uncomfortable (oooh, it's *shocking* so it MUST be edgy and experimental and underground)... but while Synetic is rough and weird and uncomfortable, it's done in such a charming way, that you appreciate its unpolished simplicity. I got tickets to the Tempest as a gift for my husband for Vday. Both of us are theater nuts, and my coworker raved about the "wordless Sheakespeare" and the water stage so much that I decided to give it a shot. The theater itself is in the Crystal City underground mall, which is a weird and eerie, but once inside the theater, the seats are comfortable and the space between your legs and the next row of seats are wide enough that you don't need to step on a million toes to get to your seat. The space is small (my high school auditorium was larger than this), but it's well designed so that you have a sense of roominess that some of the older theaters do not. As I mentioned, the performance was unpolished yet charming. There is indeed a water stage (and a spash zone...if you decide to attend the Tempest, note that you WILL get wet in the first three rows) and the "wordless Shakespeare" is both frustrating and illuminating. Without words, the actors have to spend more effort in conveying the nuances in the relationships and the play between characters. Sometimes, they did it masterfully, other times, it fell flat. But because it's wordless, I found myself spending more effort to follow the story and the actors' actions. I find myself more engaged and as a result, more immersed in the story, which in turn can make it more frustrating when a nuanced relationship or scene isn't conveyed powerfully enough. While Synetic didn't put on my favorite production of Tempest, it did to a lot better than some other major theaters with larger budgets and larger casts. I may be interested in coming back to see their production of Taming of the Shrew, since every theater company must have produced some variation of this play at some point, so I'm curious to see Synetic's treatment of it. read more

A low-key , casual theater, reminiscent of a high school auditorium. Located underneath the Marriott, keep your eye out for the Synetic Theater sign that's on the building. With great restaurants around the area, I would recommend parking in the neighborhood and getting dinner and drinks before hand. There's a cash bar but for wine and beer only. No liquor. Note there are two locations. Be sure you're at the right theater. Bathrooms - features stalled bathrooms for men and woman and a family bathroom. BEWARE - THE FAMILY BATHROOM did NOT lock when I was there. Although the lock turned, made it seem like it's locked, it was still openable from the outside. read more

I came here for a recent performance of a Beauty and the Beast interpretation. It was really easy to get to--so convenient that you can get to it from the metro without even going outside! There was a fairly long line when we got there, but it moved quickly and we were able to get to our seats with a good amount of time before the show started. The theater isn't very big, but the group did a really great job decorating the stage and surrounding walls. It looks like it could use a bit of work, but that didn't seem to hinder the performance. Overall I enjoyed it, and would come back for another show! read more

How these folks knock one creative effort out of the park time after time is beyond me. Anything Shakespeare practically guarantes you a brilliant time. Energy, choreography and inventiveness beyond normal imagination. read more

Most innovative work around DC; a local treasure. Their performances range from inspired to brilliant.

What an awesome theater!!!!! We went there for the opening of Much Ado about Nothing. It's so conveniently located right as you get off the metro. The drinks are reasonably priced; it is a smaller theater but it gives off intimacy vibes which is alway awesome. The seats are a bit uncomfortable but nothing too bad. The show was awesome!!! It was hilarious! We didn't stay the entire time because my wife was getting tired from a long work day. We'll definitely be back. read more

Synetic Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

My fave place to see shows. I love the location and the theatre. We have sat in the first row for three shows and as far back as Row H for others. Never had a bad seat and enjoye the smaller venue, It's a wonderful experience and highly recommend for others not to be scared, worried, or intimidated that they offer wordless Shakespeare. We always laugh and follow the show without losing interest. In fact, we like that they don't always offer intermission so we can plow through the play without delay. They offer a variety of shows so check out the line up. The ushers are always polite and many of the actors mingle after the shows. The Founding director is often spotted and very friendly. They have workshops for kids. Many cool functions and opportunities for the community. They are in the heart of crystal city underground and easily accessible. Just park in Marriot hotel parking which has signs for the theatre and it's free. Tons of dining options all around. The actors are fabulous and I love the costumes! The sets are incredible as well. read more

Synetic Theater - Set at intermission - Performing Arts Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I saw Synetic's performance of "Taming of the Shrew" in April 2011. It was not until minutes before the play started that I understood that it was a wordless play. I enjoy theater and was heavily involved in my community playhouse in Indiana, and I honestly had no idea that such a thing existed. The play was very interesting, the music was fun, and the performances captivating, but I felt feeling a bit bummed. Shakespeare is known for his WORDS and there were none. Simply, this was not to my taste, but for others it is different. I am glad I had the experience and I certainly would not try to turn people away, but do understand this is a different kind of theater. Overall, a new, neat experience, but also one I do not care to repeat. read more

Three words: Synetic is amazing. Crystal City is a boring set of shops, you could walk the entire mall and not have anything catch your eye (I have, often), but buried inside of the mall, right next to the metro, is some of the best theater I have ever seen. They are quite literally spectacular. Mixing feats of strength and flexibility with gorgeous movement, no one can see a synetic show and not be impressed. Paata and Irina are geniuses and the actors are pure magic. read more

My husband and I visited the Synetic Theater for a showing of Dante's Inferno in October 2016 and loved the experience! I love theater shows, especially the ones in smaller theaters. I had heard about the Synetic Theater for years, and even lived within a 10-minute walk from it for years, but I somehow only visited for the first time in Oct 2016. The actors were excellent and the scenery and costumes were wonderful, especially for such a small theater. The music and the entire production were excellently done. I had read Dante's Inferno years ago and loved Synetic Theater's rendition of it. There was no spoken dialogue, so that took a little bit of time to adjust to, but I soon realized that spoken dialogue would have detracted from the intensity of the show. The actors and actresses conveyed so much emotion through movement. It felt like the audience journeyed into each layer of hell, along with Dante and Virgil. It was deep, dark, and hauntingly beautiful. The show was reasonably priced (I believe just $30 per ticket) and it was very convenient for us, since we lived in the Pentagon City neighborhood at that time. The Synetic Theater is located in the Crystal City Underground, full of shops and restaurants. It's closer to the Crystal Drive side and it is easily accessible from outside (you don't have to be in the Underground for long to get to it). If you're coming from the metro, you don't even have to go outside or leave the Underground to access the Synetic Theater. I would LOVE to see another production at Synetic Theater and my husband truly enjoyed this experience as well. It was unlike any other theater experience we'd had. read more

A powerful and timely play! Though this piece speaks to any violent warfare, it is good to see this generation examining their war. The cast is amazingly athletic and energetic, but that suits the circumstances, as we see them becoming more fit -- and hardened -- during basic training. There is a minimum of dialogue, which helps keep the focus on the physical and dance elements as the primary source of narrative. The main character, played by Vato Tsikurshvilli (the son) I found very believable, conveying the intense emotion, confusion, and recklessness I would expect in a young man thrown into intense violence -- and intense camaraderie. He wore the only color, at the start, which I found effective. I also found Joseph Carlson compelling to watch, both as drill sergeant (a scene that of course works well w/ a minimum of dialogue!), and as the action progressed, an experienced and caring platoon leader. The female soldiers all seemed young, and tough and believable. The dancing was first rate. There is one dance scene/number when the soldiers were relaxing, and dancing w/ each other, which was perhaps my favorite -- fun, almost out of control, ominously tinged with latent violence. I would have preferred to see the plot advanced by a few more scenes like that, and fewer battle scenes. And though there was a narrative arc, foreshadowed early in the play, the amount of action that ensued seemed to make the resolution a little to distant. When the cast took their bows, I felt I was seeing a fairly young, athletic, dedicated troupe of actors successfully come together, trust and respect one another, in their effort to portray a similar company of soldiers going through the same process. I saw the show Sat night, 6/9, but didn't have a chance to finish this review. I was chatting w/ friends afterwards, and we were among the last to leave, but were rewarded w/ a chance to briefly meet the author and a couple of cast members. read more

I love seeing productions at Synetic Theater! So far I have only seen 3, including one of the silent Shakespeare plays ("A Midsummer Night's Dream" in this instance), but I have thoroughly enjoyed them all. They are all done so creatively. The theater is small and there are very minimal stage prop switches, but even so, the stories are portrayed so well. The cast do a great job and it's nice to see, who have become, familiar faces in multiple productions. read more

Unlike any other theaters Synetic Theater's visual and movement based storytelling is unique, magic and unforgettable experience. Must see. No, must subscribe You will not regret it read more

Really, really innovative theater done in a really creative way. One would probably be hesitant to see "wordless theater," but this company more than makes up for the lack of words with the incredible physical acting they do! I saw King Arthur recently, and it was truly amazing. I would absolutely go back to this theater again! read more

I pass this theater everyday going to work and figured we would give it a shot. We saw Much To Ado About Nothing on Valentine's Day. First, the play(s) are totally speechless! We knew that ahead of time and figured it would like reading captions...you just get use to it. Well, we never got use to it, so we left during intermission. The set and performance was like watching a high school drama production. It was definitely not worth the $45 ticket price! So if you are into speechless, high school(ish) productions you may like it. If not, we are better off going to the movies. read more

This was our first time at Synetic Theater, and I was truly wowed and zowed! The production of "As You Like It," was updated to a modern setting, and the sets were breathtaking. The dancing was energetic and perfectly executed. The actors/dancers were just fabulous. The choreography, lighting, sets--everything--was great! I could not have imagined that such a production with no spoken words would be so clear and accessible (for want of a better word). We look forward to going back for the next production, which I believe is "Romeo and Juliet." Tremendous talent here--including back of the house. read more

This is a great little theater. We (family of two adults and a teenage girl) have been there maybe 4 or 5 times, and we all really enjoy it. They are incredibly creative and the performances are very high quality. The first time I was a little worried beforehand (that is, a wordless dance performance would not have been my first choice for entertainment), but the performances are so unique and inventive. The Mark of Cain was nothing short of riveting. Honestly. Good value for money as well, and no bad seats. read more

Amazing experience viewing The Island of Dr. Moreau. The actors were so fluid with movement and they were able to draw you into their world. I'll be back soon - believe it! :) read more

The Man In The Iron Mask was wonderful. I'm glad my brother in law and his wife invited us. We took our kids along for the experience, and they were engaged throughout the performance. It was packed with action and some funny scenes. The atmosphere was intimate, casual, and the actors and actresses did a wonderful job. We will definitely return especially for Dante's Inferno. If you like informal settings and like supporting local entertainment, it's worth checking out. read more

Wow! The current play "Home of the Soldier" is a powerful moving experience. The use of the video screen to convey offstage action was amazing and the action scenes are wonderful. They are filled with acrobatics and visceral action. A first-rate production all around and well worth the price. read more

This theater group is so fantastic I'm not sure why every performance isn't sold out. Easy access from the Crystal City Metro stop, available parking, and many restaurants if you want to get a bite before or after. But the play's the thing, and the performances are amazing. No words -- just dance, acrobatics, and vivid body language to convey the essence of plays in ways that will give you new entry into their meanings and leave indelible images on your psyche. Incredible productions of striking originality and perception. I didn't think it possible to bring out the power of so many great plays without the use of spoken language, but they pull off this magic trick in ways you will never forget. read more

The other reviews accurately cover the location, ambience etc. Yes, this is experimental theater; however, some of the experimentation presents as contrived. Elements of the production were quite clever (acting portrait and its anguish as it transforms and use of translucent canvas sets. The lead and his portrait did a good job of integrating themselves. Other characters were uneven and sometimes their presence into and out of the play seemed disjointed while some of the ensemble dance sequences/choreography felt heavy-more embarrassing than shocking. Overall, it was an experience and I would go back to see what they do with a different production. read more

I saw Titus Andronicus, and it totally blew my mind. You don't even notice the actors aren't speaking. Highly recommend.

Another stellar performance from Synetic. This is something new - instead of staging other works of literature they have written and produced an entirely new piece. It has all the great production values, acting, movement, etc of their other performances (the video was especially good), but this time the work is entirely of their own creation. DC is lucky to have such a creative and exciting theater company. Go see it and tell your friends! read more

I've seen three productions over the years (Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and most recently As You Like It). If you enjoy a different kind of theatre-going experience, and especially if you appreciate physicality in performances, you won't regret spending an evening at Synetic. Bravo to taking chances and still being approachable to most audiences! read more