Atlanta

๐ŸŽค

Theater and Performing Arts

A summary of Atlantaโ€™s thriving performing arts scene, including theater, dance, and musical performances.

Sections

Comprehensive Guide to Theater and Performing Arts in Atlanta, United States

Atlanta, Georgia, is a vibrant cultural hub in the southeastern United States, offering a rich and diverse theater and performing arts scene. From Broadway-caliber productions to experimental performances, Atlanta caters to a wide range of tastes and interests. Below is a detailed guide to help visitors and newcomers navigate and enjoy the city's theater and performing arts offerings.

1. Notable Theaters and Venues

Atlanta is home to several iconic theaters and performing arts venues, each offering unique experiences:

The Fox Theatre

  • Overview: A historic landmark and one of Atlanta's most famous venues, the Fox Theatre is known for its stunning Moorish architecture and opulent interiors. It hosts Broadway shows, concerts, ballet performances, and more.
  • Location: 660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  • Notable Shows: Touring Broadway productions such as Hamilton, The Lion King, and Wicked.
  • Additional Features: The Fox Theatre also offers behind-the-scenes tours, which are a great way to learn about its history and architecture.

Alliance Theatre

  • Overview: Located in the Woodruff Arts Center, the Alliance Theatre is a Tony Award-winning regional theater known for producing world-class plays and musicals, including world premieres that often move to Broadway.
  • Location: 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Notable Shows: Original productions, family-friendly performances, and adaptations of classic works.
  • Special Programs: The Alliance Theatre offers educational programs and workshops for children and adults.

Atlanta Symphony Hall

  • Overview: Part of the Woodruff Arts Center, this venue is home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra but also hosts a variety of performances, including classical concerts, film screenings with live orchestras, and special events.
  • Location: 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

7 Stages Theatre

  • Overview: A smaller, avant-garde venue in the Little Five Points neighborhood, 7 Stages focuses on contemporary and experimental theater, often addressing social and political themes.
  • Location: 1105 Euclid Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
  • Notable Shows: Original works, international productions, and thought-provoking performances.

Theatrical Outfit

  • Overview: Located in downtown Atlanta, this theater specializes in thought-provoking plays and musicals that explore the human experience.
  • Location: 84 Luckie Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Notable Shows: A mix of classic and contemporary works.

Center for Puppetry Arts

  • Overview: A unique venue dedicated to the art of puppetry, offering performances for both children and adults, as well as a museum featuring Jim Hensonโ€™s creations.
  • Location: 1404 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Notable Shows: Puppet adaptations of classic stories and original works.

2. Popular Shows and Annual Events

Atlantaโ€™s theater and performing arts calendar is packed with exciting events throughout the year. Here are some highlights:

Broadway in Atlanta

  • A series of touring Broadway productions hosted at the Fox Theatre. Popular shows include Les Misรฉrables, Dear Evan Hansen, and Chicago.

Atlanta Ballet Performances

  • The Atlanta Ballet, one of the oldest ballet companies in the U.S., performs at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Their annual production of The Nutcracker is a holiday favorite.

Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse

  • This unique venue offers live performances of Shakespeareโ€™s plays in an intimate, Elizabethan-style setting. Guests can enjoy food and drinks during the show.

Atlanta Fringe Festival

  • An annual event celebrating independent and experimental theater, featuring performances across various venues in the city.

Out on Film Festival

  • A film and performing arts festival that highlights LGBTQ+ stories and artists, often including live performances and panel discussions.

National Black Arts Festival

  • A celebration of African-American culture, including theater, dance, and spoken word performances.

3. Ticketing Procedures and Costs

Where to Buy Tickets

  • Official Websites: Most theaters and venues sell tickets directly through their official websites.
  • Box Offices: Tickets can also be purchased in person at the venueโ€™s box office.
  • Third-Party Platforms: Websites like Ticketmaster, TodayTix, and StubHub often sell tickets for major performances.
  • Discounts: Check for discounts on platforms like Goldstar or through student, senior, or military discounts offered by some venues.

Ticket Costs

  • Broadway Shows: $50โ€“$150+ depending on the show, seat location, and demand.
  • Regional Theater Productions: $20โ€“$75 on average.
  • Experimental/Independent Theater: $10โ€“$40, making it a budget-friendly option.
  • Symphony and Ballet: $30โ€“$100+ depending on the performance and seating.

Tips for Affordable Tickets

  • Rush Tickets: Some theaters offer same-day rush tickets at discounted prices.
  • Season Subscriptions: Frequent attendees can save money by purchasing season subscriptions or membership packages.
  • Group Discounts: Many venues offer discounts for groups of 10 or more.

4. Planning Your Visit

Transportation

  • Public Transit: MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is a convenient option for reaching most major venues. The Fox Theatre and Woodruff Arts Center are accessible via MARTA rail stations.
  • Parking: Many venues have on-site or nearby parking, but it can be expensive ($10โ€“$30). Arrive early to secure a spot.
  • Rideshare: Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available.

Dining Options

  • Many theaters are located near excellent dining options. For example:
    • Fox Theatre: Nearby restaurants include The Varsity (a classic Atlanta fast-food spot) and Mary Macโ€™s Tea Room (Southern comfort food).
    • Alliance Theatre: Located near fine dining options in Midtown, such as South City Kitchen and Ecco.

Dress Code

  • Most venues in Atlanta have a casual or business-casual dress code. For opening nights or special performances, business attire or semi-formal wear is recommended.

5. Cultural and Social Tips

  • Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance to find parking, pick up tickets, and settle into your seat.
  • Intermission Etiquette: Intermissions typically last 15โ€“20 minutes. Use this time to visit the restroom or grab refreshments.
  • Applause: Itโ€™s customary to applaud at the end of a performance and after particularly impressive scenes or musical numbers.
  • Photography: Photography and recording are generally prohibited during performances.
  • Family-Friendly Options: Many venues, such as the Center for Puppetry Arts and Alliance Theatre, offer family-friendly shows. Check age recommendations before purchasing tickets.

6. Additional Resources

  • Atlanta PlanIt: A comprehensive online guide to arts and culture events in Atlanta.
  • Woodruff Arts Center: A central hub for performing arts, including the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and High Museum of Art.
  • TodayTix App: A convenient way to find last-minute deals on theater tickets.

Atlantaโ€™s theater and performing arts scene is a dynamic and integral part of the cityโ€™s cultural identity. Whether youโ€™re a fan of Broadway hits, experimental plays, or classical music, Atlanta offers something for everyone. With this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to explore and enjoy the cityโ€™s rich performing arts offerings.