Phoenix is a great example of urban sprawl. If you don’t know where to look, you may have difficulty appreciating the cultural scene here. The Phoenix arts and culture scene is alive and growing. There are plenty of places to enjoy the symphony, ballet, live theater or visit an art gallery. Every First Friday of the month they have events in Phoenix. Below we’ve listed some of the popular Phoenix theatres
Orpheum Theater
The Orpheum Theater, in my opinion, is the coolest theater in Phoenix. They present several plays per year and you can tour the theater to learn about the history. The Orpheum is home to the professional opera company, Phoenix Metropolitan Opera. They present two fully staged productions each year.
If you can’t see a show here, take the tour. This theater is a cool piece of Phoenix history and it is gorgeous inside.
Phoenix Theatre
Phoenix Theatre is the oldest arts institution in the state of Arizona. It is the only theater in Phoenix that has professional theater for adults on their main stage and youth theater. This is my personal favorite theatre to see a play at. Phoenix Theater located adjacent to the Phoenix Art Museum. If you’re in the neighborhood check both of these places out.
Peoria Theater Works
Peoria’s Center for Performing Arts is home to Theater Works has a 280-seat main stage auditorium, and 80+ seat black box theater. They bring award winning and affordable performances to the West Valley.
ASU Gammage
ASU’s Gammage Auditorium is a popular spot to see Broadway shows. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this facility is located on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University. They have several Broadway shows each year including Cats, Lion King, and Wicked.
Herberger Theater
The Herberger Theater is a non-profit theater located in downtown Phoenix. This theater offers more than 40 different performances each year. It is home to Actor’s Theater, Arizona Theater Company and Center Dance Ensemble.
Phoenix Ballet & Symphony
Arizona’s only full time professional orchestra, the Phoenix Symphony offers more than 275 concerts and events each year. It can seat more than 2,000 guests. Classical and pop concerts are offered in downtown Phoenix as well as in many community presentations.
Ballet Arizona is Phoenix, Arizona’s professional ballet company and has been around for 23 years. Every season they have a variety of shows to choose from at Symphony Hall. The Nutcracker is a season favorite for many.
Dinner and Theater
Phoenix area dinner theater puts a twist on your classic date night combo-dinner and live theater! Below is a list of places to enjoy both:
- Arizona Broadway Theater
- Broadway Palm Dinner Theater
- Copperstate Dinner Theater
- The Mystery Mansion Dinner Theater
Theaters Especially For Kids
Childsplay
Childsplay is Arizona’s professional theater for kids and families. With more than eight performances each year this is the spot to see your favorite storybook come alive.
Valley Youth Theater
The Valley Youth Theater’s goal is to offer cultural opportunities to kids throughout Arizona. They produce six shows each season with the help of over 300 kids from Arizona.
The Great Arizona Puppet Theater
The Great Arizona Puppet Theater has been entertaining the Valley for more than 20 years featuring classic fairy tales as well as puppet shows to celebrate Arizona’s culture
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