Arlington — Virginia’s Signature Theatre opens its doors for their annual Open House on Saturday, Aug. 4. Free and open to the public, this special summer event runs from noon-10 p.m., with free live performances on five stages throughout the Signature complex starting every fifteen minutes. The open house will have live performances, demonstrations, kids’ activities, master classes, a dance-n-karaoke party, the return of the very popular Signature Idol Competition, a “Concert on the Plaza” grand finale performance and more.

Sneak-peek performances from Signature’s upcoming 2012/13 season of reinvention will be featured in the MAX Theatre. The Signature Idol event, now in its third year, boasts a celebrity panel of judges which includes Broadway’s Heidi Blickenstaff, Grammy Award® nominee Chuck Mead (of the band BR549), national radio host Robert Aubry Davis and Signature’s Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer. The winning contestant will perform at the Signature on the Plaza concert in the evening. The open house is held throughout the Signature complex and outdoors on the Shirlington Plaza.

The open house also gives patrons their first opportunity to take advantage of half-price tickets for select performances on mainstage shows throughout the new season. Subscription discounts (starting with three or more shows) will also be offered at the box office throughout the day. This special 50 percent off ticket price is only available on the day of the open house event.

Featured artists who will be performing and taking part throughout the day’s festivities include Tony Award® nominee Emily Skinner, Helen Hayes Award winner Heidi Blickenstaff, Million Dollar Quartet star Rob Britton Lyons, Chuck Mead and his Grassy Knoll Boys, Helen Hayes Award winner Natascia Diaz and more.

Signature’s Open House event is sponsored by: Dottie Bennett, Maggie Boland, Bonnie Feld, Daniel Felton, Deborah Gandy, Frank Guzetta, Maxine Isaacs, Celie Niehaus, Eric Schaeffer, and Sarah Valente.