Season ticket sales for The Alden Theatre's 2026-2027 performance season open Tuesday, Sept. 8, at McLean Community Center.

The 383-seat theater at 1234 Ingleside Ave. will offer a lineup spanning dance, theater, music, comedy, film and family performances, according to Patch. Residents of the Dranesville Small District 1A tax district qualify for discounted tickets. Free parking is available at the center.

The Alden announced the on-sale date on Instagram in late August and again on X on Sept. 2, billing the season as a year of major talent on its intimate stage. Full performance details are available at mcleancenter.org.

Named after former Washington Post editor and community organizer Bob Alden, the theater has been part of MCC since the center's founding. MCC says it is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

One early highlight: a screening of the Tony Award-winning "Come From Away" from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11. The filmed Broadway production tells the true story of a small Canadian town that welcomed thousands of airline passengers stranded after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

High school students interested in improv can audition for The Alden's Unruly Theatre Project (UTP) from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, through Wednesday, Sept. 16. The teen company took first place at Improvicon of Northern Virginia in 2022, 2023 and 2025, competing as the only teen group in the field, according to MCC's website. Members rehearse twice a week and are paid for performances.

MCC budget hearing Sept. 23

The MCC Governing Board will hold a public hearing on its proposed fiscal 2028 budget at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the community center. The all-volunteer board oversees goals and strategy for MCC programs and facilities, including The Alden and the Old Firehouse Teen Center.

The Fairfax County public calendar also lists a "Meeting of the Whole on FY28 Budget" at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9. Whether that is a separate working session or a scheduling change from the Sept. 23 hearing could not be confirmed from public records.