Duke Ellington School of the Arts

Duke Ellington School of the Arts

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Duke Ellington School of the Arts, is a high-school in Washington, DC, offering a dual arts & academ

Named for one of the world's greatest composers, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts developed and grew from the collaborative efforts of Peggy Cooper Cafritz and Mike Malone, founders of Workshops for Careers in the Arts in 1968. The initial move into the Georgetown location was in 1971, when it was still named Western High School. In May 1974, in consortium with representatives of DC Public Sc

04/08/2026

🌸 Step into The Cherry Orchard 🌸

The Theatre Department at Duke Ellington School of the Arts invites you to experience The Cherry Orchard—a timeless story of change, memory, and letting go. Written by Anton Chekhov and brought to life by our talented student performers, this production blends beauty, humor, and heartbreak under a canopy of blossoms.

🎭 Directed by Eric Ruffin
📅 April 8–10 | 7:30 PM
📅 April 11 | 3:00 PM

Come witness a world on the brink of transformation… before it disappears.

🎟️ Scan the QR code for tickets

BlackCreatives TheatreLife SupportTheArts

02/23/2026

We are informing you that the Thursday, February 26, 2026 performance of The Ellington Experience has been canceled.

The production will proceed with two performances on Friday, February 27, 2026:

Student & Faculty Performance: 3:30 PM
Fundraising Performance: 7:00 PM

Purchase Tickets through link in the bio!!

02/06/2026

Ellington alumna Maimouna Youssef (Mumu Fresh) returned home to Duke Ellington School of the Arts, pouring wisdom and soul into a powerful masterclass with the Jazz Studies and C.A.M.P. (Cinematic Arts and Media Production) Departments.

The interview was conducted and filmed by Ellington’s own C.A.M.P. student~artists.

Catch Mumu Fresh live at Blues Alley on February 6th & 7th.

01/26/2026

Senior Musical Theatre Showcase

The Vocal Music Department proudly presents an unforgettable night of talent, storytelling, and song! Come celebrate our seniors as they take the stage in a musical theatre showcase you won’t want to miss.

📲Scan the QR code for tickets

Support our artists and experience the magic live. See you there!

12/24/2025

Happy Holidays Ellington Family!
Wishing our families a restful, joyful break filled with warmth, laughter, and moments to simply be. May this season restore your spirit and spark fresh inspiration for the year ahead.
See you in the new year—recharged and ready to create magic.

07/31/2025

🎬 Film Premiere of "Dave Chappelle: Live In Real Life" & Artist TalkBack

This special event is a part of DESA on the Vineyard... 🎥✨

Join us for an exclusive screening of Dave Chappelle's project with the artist himself.

The documentary, Dave Chappelle: Live in Real Life, tells the backstory of the award-winning comedian’s live stand-up series in the summer of 2020.

The performances were part experiment—born of pandemic distancing—and part protest, ignited by George Floyd’s murder. Chappelle’s live shows delivered both powerful commentary and economic relief to a community that helped bring the cornfield concerts to life.

📍Friday, August 8 | 2:30pm to 5:00pm

Location: Martha’s Vineyard - MV Performing Arts Center

🎟️ Seating is limited, become a sponsor to secure your spot now.

Link in bio!

07/22/2025

Charles Augins, the legendary choreographer, actor, and vocalist, has passed away.

A transformative leader at Duke Ellington School of the Arts and a global icon in the performing arts, his legacy of excellence, mentorship, and joy will live on through generations.

🖤

07/22/2025

🎤 Join us for the 'Friends of Ellington' Reception.

We're kicking off the DESA at the Vineyard August 7, with an exclusive reception for our generous sponsors.

Join us for an intimate gathering filled with inspiration, reconnection, and a celebration of Ellington excellence — featuring special guests including Lamman Rucker, proud Ellington alumni.

📍Thursday, August 7 | Location: Martha’s Vineyard – Private Residence

As Duke Ellington School of the Arts celebrates 50 years, your support helps ensure that the next generation of artists and cultural leaders has the spotlight they deserve.

🎟️ Become a sponsor today — starting at $2,500 — and join us in Martha’s Vineyard for a powerful weekend in support of the arts.

This is more than just an afternoon delight, it’s a rare opportunity to hear directly from a cultural icon, in support of the next generation of storytellers.

Link in bio!


07/16/2025

Simbi Khali is a screen and stage standout! 🎬✨

Best known as Nina on 3rd Rock from the Sun, Simbi’s talent and presence have made her a beloved figure in television and film.

A proud graduate of Duke Ellington’s Theatre Department, she brings heart, humor, and authenticity to every role.

💫 Her screen credits include Martin, Vampire in Brooklyn, A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, and Plump Fiction.

Her roots in theatre continue to shape her dynamic performances across genres.

👏 Let’s show love to Simbi for her contribution to storytelling and Black excellence!



07/02/2025

🎼 Final Reminder!

Last chance to join the Instrumental Music Summer Intensive at Duke Ellington School of the Arts! 🎷🎻🎹

📅 July 7 – July 31
🕙 Mondays–Thursdays | 10 AM – 2 PM

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your skills, collaborate with other young musicians, and be inspired by incredible teachers.

🎶 All instrumentalists welcome. Register today!

🔗 Learn more & register: Link in bio!

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Location

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3500 R Street NW
Washington D.C., DC
20007