In 1984, he was named director and manager of the American National Theater in Washington, D.C. at the age of 26, a post he held until 1986. During his years in Washington, Sellars staged a production of "The Count of Monte Cristo", in a version by James O'Neill, featuring Richard Thomas, Patti LuPone, Zakes Mokae, and many other performers. The production had a set design by George Tsypin, with costumes by Dunya Ramicova, and lighting by James F. Ingalls. He also directed productions of "Idiot's Delight" by Robert Sherwood and Sophocles's "Ajax", as adapted by Robert Auletta. He was Artistic Director of the 1990 and 1993 Los Angeles Festivals, presenting works of talented artists like the late Iranian director Reza Abdoh, and playwright Frank Ambriz.