North Carolina's 10 Best Live Theater Venues!

Live theater has been drawing in crowds for centuries. Both new arts centers and old theaters across North Carolina put on shows that will take you back to childhood classics or help you discover a new favorite. Take a seat and enjoy the show at these 10 great places for live theater in North Carolina. 

Durham Performing Arts Center, Durham, NC

In the heart of downtown Durham, North Carolina, Durham Performing Arts Center provides a clean, comfortable environment. Past shows include “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Legally Blonde The Musical,” “Grease,” and “The Phantom of the Opera.” Durham Performing Arts Center, “award-winning home of superstar entertainment” will give you a fun evening out and there are many bars and restaurants around for a drink or bite to eat. 

Lee Street Theatre, Salisbury, NC

Lee Street Theatre, opened in 2008, is the place in Salisbury to grab a show and “experience the feeling.” The venue allows for a cozy, entertaining show and comes equipped with a bar. Lee Street Theatre was awarded with the “2013 Community Theatre Award” by the North Carolina Theatre Conference. Shows have top-notch casting and the staff of the establishment are both friendly and accommodating. 

Raleigh Little Theatre, Raleigh, NC

Established in 1936, Raleigh Little Theatre provides “innovative, engaging, and diverse theatre and education.” There are shows for both young and old, there is great seating all around and there is a comfortable atmosphere for all to enjoy. Every show is compiled of a talented cast and a dedicated crew. 

The Legacy Theater Company, Jacksonville, NC

The Legacy Theater Company of Jacksonville is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2010 with the intent to “enrich, educate and entertain.” Generally, a season of shows at the Legacy Theater Company ranges from comedies, to dramas, to musicals.  

North Carolina Stage Company, Asheville, NC

Established in 2001, North Carolina Stage Company puts on entertaining shows with talented cast members, and eye-catching sets and costumes. The theater was voted “best local theater 10 years out of 11 by Mountain Express Best of WNC.” Slide into the comfortable seating available all around the theater and enjoy a show of your choosing. 

The Pyrle Theatre, Greensboro, NC

The Pyrle Theatre of Greensboro was opened in 2002 and has since been announced by New York’s Drama League as “one of the best regional theatre’s in America.” Interested in dinner and a show? There are great restaurants nearby to grab a bite or drink before or after the performance. 

Hickory Community Theatre, Hickory, NC

With the first performance on stage happening in 1949, the Hickory Community Theatre is a historical piece of the town and continues to produce brilliant performances today. With the help of amazing talent and a great atmosphere, year-round performances are offered at the venue. 

Stage Door Theater, Charlotte, NC

Stage Door Theater, located at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, provides live theater enthusiasts with an intimate venue to view performances close to the stage. The staff are pleasant and if you are in the mood for a drink, a cash bar is available. If you are interested in dining before or after the show, Blumenthal has collaborated with a couple of restaurants in the area to provide discounts such as: Aria Tuscan Grill, Chima Brazilian Steakhouse, Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery, and The Capital Grille. 

Burning Coal Theatre Company, Raleigh, NC

Nonprofit Burning Coal Theatre, located in Raleigh, has a variety of inexpensive shows to make an evening of fun, entertainment, and memories. The cozy space is professional, yet intimate, and is perfect for the top-notch shows regularly held here. 

Temple Theatre, Sanford, NC

Described as a “highly respected centerpiece of culture in the Sandhills,” the Temple Theatre is known for its top-notch performances made possible with the help of excellent, talented cast and crew. With a great bit of history, the theatre was built in 1925 and reestablished with the help of the original owner’s son in 1984. 

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234 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC
History:In 1929, local businessman Kirby Cox started construction on the Sunset Theater. The Theater opened on March 6, 1930. This was the first st... Read More
Post Office Box 2527, Asheboro, NC
The mission of this organization is “to stimulate the interest of children between the ages of eight and eighteen in theatrical activities, t... Read More
301 Drama Road, Snow Camp, NC
About Us: James and Bobby Wilson founded the Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre in 1973. His respect for the Quaker way of life and their peaceful contribu... Read More
5505 Womack Road, Sanford, NC
Mission:The mission of the Star Community Theatre is to provide opportunities for educational and entertaining amateur summer theatre, to involve p... Read More
120 Carthage Street, Sanford, NC
About Us:   Temple Theatre was built in 1925 by Mr. Robert Ingram, Sr. (owner of Sanford Coca-Cola Bottling), at a time when Sanford had a popula... Read More
133 Auto Park Drive, Graham, NC
Centre of Performing Arts first opened in Alamance County as the Eloise Glass Dance Studio in the early 1950s. Through the years we have grown from... Read More
520 South Elm Street, Greensboro, NC
History & Mission:Founded in 1949, the Community Theatre of Greensboro is the oldest Arts organization in Guilford County. In these uncertain e... Read More
105 Market Street, Chapel Hill, NC
Mission:The mission of Hats Off Theatre Company, a nonprofit organization, is to provide educational opportunities for children and young adults in... Read More
310 South Greene Street, Greensboro, NC
History:The Carolina Theatre, originally billed as “The Showplace of the Carolinas,” opened on Halloween night in 1927 as a 2,200-seat ... Read More
200 N Davie St # 2,, Greensboro, NC
The Drama Center's Children's Theatre was created in the 1950s as a way for young people to learn more about theater and themselves. Auditions are ... Read More
1921 West Gate City Boulevard, Greensboro, NC
The Greensboro Coliseum Complex is a multi-building facility designed to serve the citizens of Greensboro and the surrounding area through a broad ... Read More
601 High Point Road, Jamestown, NC
The GTCC Theatre Program integrates the following core values into our educational endeavors: • GTCC Theatre values creativity and artistic i... Read More
114 East Cameron Avenue, Chapel Hill, NC
Mission The mission of Carolina Performing Arts is to curate and present exceptional arts experiences that inspire and provoke the UNC community a... Read More
220 East Commerce Avenue, High Point, NC
Mission Statement High Point Community Theatre is a volunteer-based arts organization dedicated to providing community involvement opportunities, ... Read More
220 East Commerce Avenue, High Point, NC
Owned and operated by the City of High Point, the complex represents one of the nation's first cooperative ventures between municipal government, p... Read More
220 East Commerce Avenue, High Point, NC
The High Point Theatre offers a wide range of performing arts throughout the year that complement TAG’s visual art exhibits. This powerful co... Read More
120 Stage Coach Trail, Greensboro, NC
History Conceived in the early 60’s, The Barn Dinner Theatre in Greensboro was the second location of what eventually became 27 in the chain... Read More
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