10 Best Theaters in Baltimore
Where to See a Show or a Play in Baltimore?
The best theaters in Baltimore produce such stellar and versatile theater and entertainment that the Broadway and West End venues are shaking in their Kinky Boots. The theaters and music venues here burn for and celebrate equality, versatility, and inclusiveness, so you’re guaranteed to feel welcome and right at home.
The theaters in Baltimore are deeply rooted in the history of performing arts but also integrated into the world we live in today and that is reflected in the variety of shows and events. You’ll find famous classics interpreted in a completely new and modern way, experimental theater designs, historic settings, and traditional open-air venues with state-of-the-art sound systems. What else would you expect from the Charm City?
1. Baltimore Center Stage
Expanding the horizons of diverse audiences
Good for: Couples, Families
The engaging Baltimore Center Stage produces smart and provocative classical and contemporary theater and serves as a space for joy, entertainment, and civic conversation. The theater has 2 unique performing spaces offering a variety of programs. Both spaces have magnificent views of the stage, and if you’d like to make yourself extra comfortable, you can book a seat in the limited seating area just above the standing pit.
If you’ve ever wondered how the beautiful costumes and nifty props were created, sign up in advance for one of the behind-the-scenes tours. They focus on everything that happens in the scene, costumes, and props departments before their amazing creations hit the stage.
Location: 700 N Calvert St, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
Phone: +1 410-332-0033
Baltimore Center Stage
2. Hippodrome Theatre
Experience the classics in a new way
Good for: Couples, Families
The gorgeous Hippodrome Theatre blows the dust from the classics and welcomes you to enjoy its vibrant performances with friends and family. This historic theater serves diverse audiences with touring Broadway shows and world-class plays in the heart of the Bromo Tower Arts & Entertainment District.
The stunning, award-winning venue is an architectural gem – a landmark bank building transformed into a theater with a Romanesque décor. Cozy seats, excellent sightlines to the stage, and the fun atmosphere make this theater a classic you don’t want to miss. If you’re driving, try parking in the Paca Street garage where you can take the elevator from your car directly into the lobby of the theater.
Location: 12 N Eutaw St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
Phone: +1 800-343-3103
Hippodrome Theatre
3. Chesapeake Shakespeare Company
Every theater lover’s dream come true
Good for: Couples, Families
At Chesapeake Shakespeare Company you can easily imagine treading the boards yourself without leaving the comfort of your seat. The classical and snug auditorium has seating so close to the stage that you’ll feel like you’re part of the performance. Custom-built in an historic bank building and inspired by the Globe, this award-winning theater presents the great works of Shakespeare and other classic playwrights.
Not only does the theater have an excellent bar with snacks but it also includes a kids’ room you can visit if your child gets fidgety and still see the play on a monitor. In this gorgeous, down-to-earth theater everyone feels welcome and is invited to take in the show to the full extent.
Location: 7 S Calvert St, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
Phone: +1 410-244-8570
Chesapeake Shakespeare Company
4. Spotlighters Theatre
An immersive and unforgettable theater experience
Good for: Couples, Families, Budget
The seats at the charming Spotlighters Theatre encircle the stage and create an intimate setting that puts you right in the heart of the action. You’re close enough to see every detail of the performance, so there’s no bad seat in the house. The program with new and classic plays, musicals, and comedies is ambitious, bold, and creative. This community theater uses local talent in their productions and caters for diverse audiences with affordable ticket prices.
The theater is snuggled down in the ground level of an apartment building in the middle of the 800 block St. Paul Street. The delightful, homey ambiance and the warm and welcoming staff add to the overall experience.
Location: 817 St Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA
Phone: +1 410-752-1225
Spotlighters Theatre
5. Merriweather Post Pavilion
An outdoor oasis featuring top artists and events
Good for: Couples, Families, Budget
Nestled within 40 acres of parkland, Merriweather Post Pavilion charms you with its gorgeous location and provides a natural connection to the performers. In this lovely outdoor setting, you’re surrounded by great performances, trees, grass, and good vibes.
Each year, Merriweather Post Pavilion hosts a diverse range of world-famous artists from rock, country, rhythm and blues, and pop, to jazz, hip-hop, alternative, electronica, and classical, making it one of the best contemporary entertainment venues in the area. The fantastic sound system, low stage, and large video screens make this amphitheater a favorite for bands and fans alike. Lawn chairs and blankets are allowed for most shows but do remember to check the details for your event.
Location: 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044, USA
Phone: +1 410-715-5550
Merriweather Post Pavilion
6. Everyman Theatre
Captivating productions in a historic neighborhood
Good for: Couples, Families, Budget
In the intimate Everyman Theatre, every seat can be called premium, every production transformative, and every performance enthralling and entertaining. A regional theater with affordable prices, the Everyman produces both new plays and old favorites with passion, relevance, and top-notch quality.
This small but grand theater is housed in a beautiful, restored building in downtown Baltimore and it’s worth a visit on its own. There’s a concession stand selling coffee, drinks, and cookies, and the bar has special drinks for each new show. The Everyman is conveniently found in the historic Bromo Arts and Entertainment District, steps away from Lexington Market, and only a short walk from the downtown hotels.
Location: 315 W Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
Phone: +1 410-752-2208
Everyman Theatre
7. The Lyric
Baltimore’s premiere live entertainment venue
Good for: Couples, Families
The charismatic Lyric Baltimore welcomes you to immerse yourself into the world of music, dance, and comedy of the highest quality. This non-profit performing arts center offers youth-centric and educational programming to diverse audiences presenting concerts, events, and live entertainment. You’ll love the great sightlines to the stage and the warm welcome from the outstanding house staff.
The Lyric Baltimore boasts a broad choice of concessions and an amazing audience experience in a historic setting but with modern stage technology. The Lyric Baltimore has a prime location between the University of Baltimore and MICA, just a short walk from Baltimore’s Penn Station, near diverse restaurant offerings and the light rail.
Location: 140 W Mt Royal Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
Phone: +1 410-900-1150
The Lyric
8. The Voxel
Discover the future of performing arts
Good for: Couples, Families, Unusual
The Voxel specializes in experimental performances and doubles as a cultural tech lab so you’re in for an extraordinary treat. This stunning black box theater in the heart of Baltimore city develops and explores theater technology, so every production comes alive in an incredibly unique setting and is guaranteed to take your breath away.
A popular movie theater in the 1940s, the building has reincarnated as a modern, high-tech venue designed for live performances. The Voxel is in the diverse, eclectic, and international Charles Village, with many of Baltimore’s cultural amenities close by, and surrounded by the historic Baltimore brick and stone row houses.
Location: 9 W 25th St, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
The Voxel
9. Iron Crow Theatre
Inclusive safe space for and within the LGBTQ+ community
Good for: Couples, Families
The award-winning and non-profit Iron Crow Theatre celebrates the extraordinary, renegade, and unorthodox in all of us. The Iron Crow produces queer theatrical work of the highest artistic quality and offers a safe and inclusive space for artists and audiences alike. The shows reflect the diverse stories of the queer community, tell new and innovative stories, and reimagine the well-known tales.
A must-see at the Iron Crow is the legendary and spectacular Rocky Horror Show, an annual fundraiser performance where you get a participation script and prop bag complete with toilet paper, water guns, and an array of other goodies. Don’t miss this, Baltimore’s favorite yearly tradition. You can find The Iron Crow in Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighborhood.
Location: 45 W Preston St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
Phone: +1 443-637-2769
Iron Crow Theatre
10. The Strand Theater
Supporting women in the world of theater
Good for: Couples, Budget, Unusual
The Strand is dedicated to amplifying women’s voices in arts, and you’re invited to join in saluting women at the center of the creative process. The productions at the Strand throw out the book of old theater conventions which are often saturated with male voices. Instead, they strive to equalize the balance of power with more roles for women artists as actors, playwrights, and directors.
The Strand offers a wide variety of programming from current and classic movies and live stage productions to live singing performances. This quaint, brick-and-mortar theater in midtown Baltimore has snug seating and a great snack bar. It’s large enough to put on a grand show, but small enough to make every seat a great seat.
Location: 5426 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21214, USA
Phone: +1 443-874-4917
The Strand Theater
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