Washington’s larger performing arts organizations may have emerged from the pandemic with splashy shows and poignant plays, but for smaller troupes and freelance artists without homes of their own, finding a way back onstage has been harder. That’s why audiences and performers alike are cheering the return of the Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival. From Feb. 26 through March 13, nearly two dozen local artists and ensembles will perform at the Atlas Performing Arts Center on H Street, including some returning live for the first time in two years. The roster includes everything from amateur dance groups, to youth ensembles, to veteran professionals. Standouts in the latter category include Northern Virginia’s Gin Dance Company, District choreographer Gabriel Mata, and Baltimore soprano Melissa Wimbish, singing on behalf of local opera company IN Series. On Feb. 27, Wimbish takes audiences on a world tour from the rural South to City of Lights in The Many Mirrors of Josephine Baker, a recital inspired by the singer, dancer, and activist. Gin Dance returns to INTERSECTIONS on March 5 with Look Beyond, a program of new dances by the troupe’s founder Shu-Chen Cuff. Mata follows up on his previous explorations of Latinx immigration with a new show about queer Mexican identity. Joteria was created in partnership with local improv theater guru Adrian Gaston Garcia, and premieres March 12. If any of those performances pique your interest, there’s plenty more where they came from. The festival takes place Feb. 26 through March 13 at Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org. $20–$35. Proof of vax and masks required.