Atlanta Plays: Where to See the Best Live Theater in the City

Atlanta has a thriving theater scene that ranges from big-budget touring Broadway shows to intimate neighborhood performances, new works by local playwrights, and kid-friendly productions. Whether you live in the city, are visiting for a weekend, or are trying to understand how plays and live theater work in Atlanta, there’s a lot to explore.

Below is a practical guide to Atlanta plays: major venues, neighborhood theaters, ticket tips, parking and transit, and what to expect throughout the year.

The Big Picture: How Theater Works in Atlanta

Atlanta’s play scene is built around a mix of:

• Major regional theaters that produce their own shows
• Broadway touring houses that host national productions
• Mid-size and small theaters focused on new works, local stories, and experimental pieces
• Community and educational theaters with family-friendly options
• Seasonal and festival-style events, especially in spring and summer

Most theaters follow a season model, announcing a lineup of plays and musicals for fall–spring, with some additional summer programming. You’ll see a mix of:

• Classic plays and revivals
• New American works and Southern-focused stories
• Musicals (touring and homegrown)
• Youth and family productions
• Avant-garde or experimental works in smaller spaces

Major Atlanta Theaters for Plays

These are the best-known places in Atlanta to see professional-level plays.

Alliance Theatre (Midtown)

The Alliance Theatre is one of Atlanta’s most prominent producing theaters and a key place to see new works and high-quality plays.

• Location: Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• What they offer:
  • Original plays and world premieres
  • Adaptations of classics
  • Musicals developed in Atlanta
  • Family and youth productions
• Why it matters: The Alliance often develops new works that later appear on larger stages elsewhere. If you want to see new plays at a high professional level, this is a central hub.

Parking is available in the Woodruff Arts Center deck off Arts Center Way. The MARTA Arts Center Station is within a short walk.

Fox Theatre (Midtown)

The Fox Theatre is Atlanta’s iconic historic theater and the city’s main stop for touring Broadway plays and musicals.

• Location: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• What they offer:
  • Touring Broadway productions
  • Large-scale musicals
  • Occasional plays and special performances
• What to know:
  • Shows at the Fox tend to be bigger, louder, and more spectacle-driven.
  • Tickets for popular Broadway plays and musicals can sell out quickly.
  • The area is busy on show nights; plan extra time for parking or rideshare.

The Fox is near the North Avenue MARTA Station and multiple paid parking lots on Peachtree and surrounding streets.

Alliance vs. Fox: At-a-Glance

Horizon Theatre (Little Five Points / Inman Park Edge)

Horizon Theatre focuses on contemporary plays in an intimate setting.

• Location: 1083 Austin Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• What they offer:
  • Modern comedies and dramas
  • Plays by contemporary American playwrights
  • Seasonal favorites (often including holiday-themed shows)
• Why go: The smaller space means you’re closer to the action. It’s a strong choice if you want modern plays in a neighborhood setting and enjoy supporting local theater.

Street parking is available nearby; allow time to park on busy weekends.

Theatrical Outfit (Downtown)

Theatrical Outfit emphasizes stories that often intersect with Southern history, ethics, and civic life.

• Location: Balzer Theater at Herren’s, 84 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• What they offer:
  • Plays with social, ethical, or historical themes
  • Mix of classics and newer works
• What to know:
  • Downtown location means you’re close to restaurants and attractions.
  • Paid parking decks and street parking are common; check nearby decks on Luckie St, Cone St, and Ted Turner Dr.

This is a good fit if you’re interested in thought-provoking plays connected to Atlanta and Southern stories.

True Colors Theatre Company (Various Venues)

True Colors Theatre Company, founded by the late director Kenny Leon, focuses on plays from the Black experience and diverse voices.

• Primary administrative office (check for current performance venues):
  • 887 West Marietta St NW, Suite J-102, Atlanta, GA 30318
• What they offer:
  • Works by Black playwrights
  • Contemporary and classic plays with a strong cultural lens
• Why it matters: True Colors is a leading voice in African American theater in Atlanta, often staging productions that speak directly to local communities and national conversations.

Performance locations can vary, so it’s useful to confirm the current season’s venue before you go.

Neighborhood & Smaller Theaters Producing Plays

Beyond the major houses, Atlanta has many neighborhood theaters where you can often find more affordable tickets and experimental work.

Actor’s Express (West Midtown)

• Location: King Plow Arts Center, 887 W Marietta St NW, Suite J-107, Atlanta, GA 30318
• Focus:
  • Bold, contemporary plays
  • Edgier or more experimental works
  • New playwrights and premieres
• Vibe: Industrial arts complex setting, younger-skewing audiences, and adventurous programming.

Parking is typically available in the King Plow Arts Center lot.

7 Stages Theatre (Little Five Points)

• Location: 1105 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Focus:
  • Experimental theater
  • International and socially engaged works
  • Collaborations and festivals
• Vibe: Creative, eclectic, and often unconventional. A good option if you enjoy non-traditional plays and performance styles.

Out Front Theatre Company (West Midtown)

• Location: 999 Brady Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
• Focus:
  • LGBTQ+ stories and playwrights
  • Contemporary plays and musicals
• Why go: Out Front is centered on LGBTQ+ representation on stage, offering plays that reflect diverse identities and experiences, often in a welcoming, community-focused environment.

Community & Semi-Professional Theaters

These theaters often blend community participation with consistent production quality:

• RoleCall Theater (Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308) – Short plays, festivals, rotating small productions.
• OnStage Atlanta (often just east of the city; check current address and schedule) – Long-running community theater with comedies and seasonal shows.

These can be great for budget-friendly tickets and more casual evenings out.

Family-Friendly and Youth Theater in Atlanta

If you’re looking for plays suited to children or teens, Atlanta has multiple options.

Alliance Theatre – Youth & Family Series

The Alliance Theatre regularly produces plays for young audiences, including:

• Shorter, kid-friendly productions
• Adaptations of children’s books
• Teen-focused acting and playwriting programs

Families often appreciate the daytime performances and opportunities for students to engage directly with theater.

Serenbe Playhouse / Serenbe Theatre (Chattahoochee Hills, Metro Area)

While located outside the city proper, Serenbe’s outdoor productions can be a destination for Atlanta families:

• Location (general area): Chattahoochee Hills, GA (about 30–45 minutes southwest of Atlanta, depending on traffic)
• Focus:
  • Outdoor, site-specific plays
  • Family-oriented shows and imaginative settings

Check current offerings before planning a drive, as seasons and formats can change.

School & University Performances

Several Atlanta-area colleges and universities stage plays open to the public, such as:

• Georgia State University (downtown)
• Spelman College / Morehouse College / Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta University Center)
• Emory University (Druid Hills area)

These productions may feature emerging talent at lower ticket prices than professional theaters.

Seasonal & Special Theater Events

Atlanta’s theater calendar has some seasonal rhythms that can help you plan.

Fall–Spring: Peak Theater Season

From September through May, most theaters have full slates of plays and specials. You can expect:

• Opening nights and full runs of multi-week productions
• More drama and contemporary plays during cooler months
• School and university productions clustered around mid-semester

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want maximum choice, this is usually the best window.

Summer Shows & Outdoor Plays

In the summer, traditional seasons may slow slightly, but you’ll often find:

• Shorter runs
• Outdoor or site-specific plays
• Special events and festivals

This is a good time to look for family plays, outdoor performances, and experimental summer projects.

Holiday Productions

From late November through December, many Atlanta theaters stage holiday-themed plays and musicals. Common options may include:

• Classic holiday tales reimagined
• Comedic seasonal plays
• Family matinees and kids’ shows

These productions can sell out early, especially on weekends and close to major holidays.

How to Find and Choose Plays in Atlanta

1. Decide What Type of Experience You Want

Think about:

• Big and spectacular vs. intimate and close to the actors
• Classic titles vs. new or experimental works
• Adults-only content vs. family-appropriate
• Central Atlanta locations vs. exploring nearby neighborhoods

This will help you quickly narrow down venues.

2. Use Local Listings and Theater Calendars

Atlanta residents commonly find plays through:

• Theater websites and season announcements
• Local arts calendars and event listings
• Social media pages for specific theaters
• Word of mouth from local arts communities

Many theaters offer email lists where you can see what’s coming months in advance.

3. Understand Ticket Options

In Atlanta, ticket access typically includes:

• Single tickets – Standard choice for visitors or first-timers.
• Season subscriptions – Multi-show packages for regular attendees.
• Rush or same-day discounts – Some theaters offer limited discounted tickets close to showtime.
• Student, senior, or educator discounts – Often available with ID.

For high-demand plays—especially Broadway tours at the Fox—buying early usually offers more seating choices and prices.

Getting to Atlanta Plays: Parking & Transit Tips

Using MARTA

Several major theaters are MARTA-accessible:

• Alliance Theatre / Woodruff Arts Center: Near Arts Center Station (Northeast Line)
• Fox Theatre: Near North Avenue Station
• Downtown theaters (e.g., Theatrical Outfit): Accessible from Peachtree Center or nearby stations with a short walk

If you want to avoid parking and traffic on popular show nights, MARTA is often a practical option.

Driving and Parking

Common patterns around Atlanta theaters:

• Pre-paid parking: Some venues allow you to pre-purchase parking in nearby decks.
• On-street parking: Available in many neighborhoods, but be sure to read time and zone restrictions.
• Rideshare: Widely used for major event nights to avoid traffic congestion and parking costs.

For busy areas like Midtown, Downtown, Little Five Points, and West Midtown, it’s wise to arrive at least 30–45 minutes early to park and walk to the theater comfortably.

Accessibility Considerations

Most established Atlanta theaters provide:

• Wheelchair-accessible seating and restrooms
• Accessible entrances and elevator access where needed
• Assisted listening devices for some performances
• Designated performances with ASL interpretation or other accommodations, depending on the venue

If accessibility is a priority for you or someone in your group, it’s helpful to contact the theater’s box office in advance and ask:

• What accessible seating options are available
• Where accessible parking or drop-off points are located
• Whether any specific accommodations (e.g., ASL-interpreted performances) are scheduled for a show’s run

Tips for Making the Most of Atlanta Plays

Here are some simple, locally relevant tips if you’re planning to attend plays in Atlanta:

• Check start times carefully. Some Atlanta theaters start evening shows earlier than you might expect (for example, 7:30 p.m. instead of 8:00 p.m.).
• Plan for traffic. Rush hour and event traffic can be significant, especially in Midtown and Downtown. Build in extra time.
• Explore nearby restaurants. Many theaters are near good dining areas—Midtown, Little Five Points, West Midtown, and Downtown all have pre-show options within walking distance.
• Look for weekday performances. Weeknight shows can sometimes be less crowded and more affordable.
• Read content advisories. If you’re bringing kids or prefer to avoid certain themes or language, many theaters provide brief notes about content and age suitability.

Atlanta offers a wide spectrum of plays—from large-scale Broadway tours at the Fox to new works at the Alliance, bold contemporary plays in West Midtown, and intimate neighborhood productions across the city. Whether you’re a long-time theatergoer or just starting to explore, you can usually find a play in Atlanta that fits your interests, budget, and schedule.