Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Avenue) is kicking off its 2012-2013 season with an all day open house on Saturday, August 4.

Free performances will be taking place approximately every 15 minutes on four stages, starting at noon. They feature sneak peeks at some of the upcoming season’s shows, such as The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Dreamgirls and Hello, Dolly! The event culminates with a finale concert at 8:30 p.m., scheduled to include both local and Broadway actors, as well as the winner of the “Signature Idol” competition. A list of performers and performance times is available online.

“The open house is a great way to get people acquainted with the new season,” said Signature Theatre publicist Peter Eramo, Jr.

Eramo noted that the open house will be the one day all year that tickets are available for the new season’s shows at a 50 percent discount. There’s no minimum purchase necessary, but the discounted tickets do have to be bought that day at the box office.

The celebration will take over parts of the plaza in the Village at Shirlington. Visitors can enjoy a moon bounce and skee ball, or munch on free snacks like popcorn, sno-cones and cotton candy.

Staff will be on hand at the event to answer questions about the Signature Theatre and the upcoming season.