Wolf Trap

How and when was Wolf Trap Park for the Performing Arts established?
The late Catherine Filene Shouse founded Wolf Trap through a donation of 100 acres of farmland to the U.S. Government, as well as funds for construction of a 7,000 seat indoor/outdoor theater. Wolf Trap's larger venue, the Filene Center, opened in 1971 as a public/private partnership between the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts and the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Wolf Trap is also home to The Barns at Wolf Trap, the Wolf Trap Opera Company and the Center for Education at Wolf Trap.

What is the origin of the Wolf Trap name?
As early as 1632 records indicate that wolves caused much damage in the area now known as Wolf Trap. To handle the wolf menace, Virginia offered rewards of tobacco for those who constructed pits or traps to capture and deliver wolf heads to the General Assembly. In an official land survey dated August 17, 1739 the name "wolftrap" appeared as a branch of Difficult Run. Keeping with its history, when Mrs. Catherine Filene Dodd (later Shouse) purchased a 53-acre plot, she called it Wolf Trap Farm.

Who owns Wolf Trap?
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is operated through a successful public/private partnership between the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts and the National Park Service. The Wolf Trap Foundation creates and selects programming; develops all education programs; handles ticket sales, marketing, publicity and public relations; and raises funds to support programs. The National Park Service maintains the grounds and buildings and provides technical theater assistance for the Filene Center.

What are the Foundation’s primary goals?
To present and create excellent and innovative performing arts programs for the enrichment, education and enjoyment of diverse audiences and participants.

What are a few of the highlights from this summer’s schedule?
The legendary Bolshoi Ballet returns to the Filene Center with a full-scale production of Don Quixote – complete with a live orchestra. Maestro Emil de Cou serves as festival conductor for the National Symphony Orchestra this summer and performs nine nights with guests such as virtuoso Joshua Bell, Sir James Galway and Marvin Hamlisch.

The Wolf Trap Opera Company presents two nights of Rossini’s Cinderella (La cenerentola) on the Filene Center stage. The company also brings the passion of opera and art song to The Barns in new productions of Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd and Mozart’s Don Giovanni.

What are some of the new programs at Wolf Trap?
The Center for Education at Wolf Trap is a non-profit, national, arts in education resource center for children, parents, educators and performing artists. The center is the new home to Wolf Trap's education programs and houses the Wolf Trap Opera Company and Wolf Trap Foundation administrative staff. This state-of-the-art facility includes an Education Pavilion and a Learning Center.

Where do you see Wolf Trap in five years?
Wolf Trap will continue to be the premier center for integrating performing arts, technology, education and community.

How many employees do you have?
70 full-time employees, five part-time employees and 600 + seasonal employees.

What are the advantages of your Fairfax County location?
Through a wide range of artistic and education programs, the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts enhances the cultural life of the county’s residents and ensures that the arts remain accessible and affordable to the broadest possible audience.

The cultural diversity and energy of the Fairfax County’s citizens and arts supporters make this an ideal location for performing arts organizations. The county is also fortunate to have a knowledgeable and supportive Board of Supervisors that understands the role arts and culture can play in the lives of their citizens. In addition, Wolf Trap also benefits from partnering with one of the nation’s premier school systems on new initiatives.

Where is the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts located?
1645 Trap Road , Vienna, Virginia 22182 ; 703-255-1900; www.wolftrap.org