Plays in Atlanta: Your Guide to Live Theater, Local Stages, and Where to See a Show

Atlanta has one of the most active theater scenes in the Southeast. Whether you live in the city, are planning a weekend visit, or just want to understand what plays in Atlanta look like in practice, there’s no shortage of options—from big touring productions to intimate neighborhood stages.

This guide walks you through where to see plays in Atlanta, what types of shows you’ll find, how tickets usually work, and how to choose the right theater experience for you.

The Big Picture: How Theater Works in Atlanta

Atlanta’s theater scene is a mix of:

• Major regional theaters that produce professional plays and new works
• Touring Broadway shows at large venues
• Mid-size and community theaters across the metro area
• College and university productions
• Youth and family theater

Most theaters follow a season model (fall–spring), with additional summer shows, festivals, or special events. Plays typically run for:

• 1–2 weekends at smaller venues
• 3–6 weeks or longer at larger institutions

Tickets are usually available as:

• Single tickets for one performance
• Season subscriptions or membership packages
• Rush or discounted tickets for certain groups (students, seniors, industry, etc.)

Major Places to See Plays in Atlanta

Alliance Theatre (Midtown)

The Alliance Theatre, located inside the Woodruff Arts Center in Midtown, is one of Atlanta’s flagship theaters and a nationally recognized regional company.

• Typical shows:

  • New plays and world premieres
  • Classic plays reimagined
  • Family shows and holiday productions

• Why it matters for Atlanta:

  • Frequently develops new work that later moves to bigger stages
  • Offers a mix of serious drama, comedies, and family-friendly plays

Location (Woodruff Arts Center):
1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Main box office phone numbers are usually listed on the Alliance Theatre or Woodruff Arts Center contact pages.

The Fox Theatre (Midtown)

The Fox Theatre is best known as a historic movie palace and concert venue, but it also hosts touring Broadway plays and musicals.

• Typical shows:

  • Big-name touring productions
  • Broadway classics and blockbuster shows

• What to know:

  • Shows may only run for a limited engagement (often one week or a few weekends)
  • Tickets can sell quickly for popular plays and musicals

Location:
660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

If you are searching specifically for “Broadway plays in Atlanta”, the Fox Theatre is usually the first place to check.

Horizon Theatre Company (Little Five Points/Inman Park area)

Horizon Theatre is a respected mid-size professional theater focused largely on contemporary plays.

• Typical shows:

  • Modern comedies and dramas
  • Plays by contemporary American playwrights
  • Season-anchoring shows like holiday favorites

• Local feel:

  • Intimate space
  • Strong Atlanta audience base
  • Good for people who like up-close performances

Location:
1083 Austin Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Actor’s Express (West Midtown)

Located in the King Plow Arts Center, Actor’s Express produces bold, often edgy contemporary work.

• Typical shows:

  • New plays
  • More experimental or provocative pieces
  • Some musicals and plays that push boundaries

• Good fit if you like:

  • Modern themes
  • Smaller, immersive settings
  • Plays that spark discussion

Location:
King Plow Arts Center
887 W Marietta St NW, Suite J-107, Atlanta, GA 30318

Theatrical Outfit (Downtown)

Theatrical Outfit is housed at the Balzer Theater at Herren’s in downtown Atlanta and often focuses on plays with social or historical resonance.

• Typical shows:

  • Thoughtful dramas and comedies
  • Plays with cultural, historical, or ethics-related themes

• Downtown access:

  • Walkable from many downtown hotels
  • Convenient if you’re already in the city core

Location:
84 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Dad’s Garage Theatre Company (Old Fourth Ward)

While best known for improv and comedy, Dad’s Garage also stages scripted plays and theatrical events.

• Typical shows:

  • Original comedy plays
  • Spoofs and parodies
  • Improv-heavy productions with scripted elements

• Good if you want:

  • Casual, laugh-focused night out
  • Less formal theater vibe

Location:
569 Ezzard St SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Neighborhood & Community Theater Across Metro Atlanta

Beyond the major names, many Atlanta neighborhoods and nearby cities offer community and semi-professional theater. These venues are great for affordable tickets, family participation, and a more local feel.

Examples of Community & Local Theaters

• OnStage Atlanta – generally produces comedies, dramas, and seasonal shows in a smaller setting.
• Out Front Theatre Company (West Midtown) – focuses on stories relevant to the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.
• Marietta Theatre Company (Marietta Square area) – cabaret-style space with comedies and smaller cast shows.
• Art Station Theatre (Stone Mountain) – often presents plays and arts programming in a historic space.

These theaters typically:

• Run weekend-only performances (Friday–Sunday)
• Offer lower ticket prices than major venues
• Feature a mix of local talent and occasional guest artists

College and University Plays in Atlanta

Several Atlanta-area colleges maintain active theater departments that stage public productions. These can be high quality and more budget-friendly.

Key Institutions

• Emory University – Theater Emory

  • Produces classical and contemporary plays
  • Often features faculty artists and guest directors

• Georgia State University – Department of Theatre & Film

  • Mix of student-driven productions and faculty-led works

• Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Clark Atlanta University

  • Collectively known as the Atlanta University Center, these schools may present plays and performing arts events with strong cultural and historical focus.

These venues typically:

• Run shorter performance runs (often 1–2 weekends)
• Are open to the public, with student discounts and general admission options
• Offer a chance to see emerging actors and new voices

Plays for Families and Kids in Atlanta

If you’re looking for family-friendly plays in Atlanta, several organizations and venues focus on young audiences.

The Alliance Theatre – Family & Youth Programming

In addition to mainstage shows, the Alliance Theatre regularly produces:

• Plays based on children’s books
• Holiday shows suitable for kids
• Youth ensembles and teen-centered productions

These are often scheduled around school breaks and weekends.

Children’s and Youth-Focused Options

Across the metro area, you can often find:

• Children’s theater camps with end-of-session performances
• Youth theater companies producing plays for and sometimes by young people
• Public school and private school productions that welcome local audiences

When searching, use phrases like “children’s plays Atlanta,” “kids theater Atlanta,” or “family theater Atlanta” to find current offerings.

Types of Plays You’ll Commonly See in Atlanta

Atlanta’s stages showcase a wide variety of theatrical styles. When you browse upcoming shows, you’ll see descriptions like:

• Drama – serious plays that explore emotional or social issues
• Comedy – lighthearted or satirical plays meant to entertain and amuse
• Classic plays – works by playwrights like Shakespeare, Chekhov, or modern classics
• New works / world premieres – plays making their first appearance on stage
• One-person shows – solo performances
• Site-specific or immersive plays – productions staged in nontraditional spaces or interactive formats

If you know what kind of tone or style you want (funny, thought-provoking, historical, contemporary), use that to guide which theater you choose.

How to Find Out What Plays Are Running in Atlanta

Because theater seasons change regularly, the most accurate way to see what’s playing is to check:

• Theaters’ official websites or box offices
• Atlanta arts calendars and event listings
• Visitor information centers (especially around downtown and Midtown)

A typical search strategy:

1. Decide on area (Midtown, downtown, neighborhood, suburbs).
2. Look up a few key venues there.
3. Compare show dates, ticket prices, and themes.

Many theaters also offer email newsletters or seasonal brochures if you want to keep up with new shows.

Typical Ticket Prices, Discounts, and Seating

Prices vary widely by venue and show, but in Atlanta you can generally expect:

• Large touring shows (e.g., at the Fox)

  • Higher ticket range
  • Reserved seating in a big auditorium

• Mid-size professional theaters (Alliance, Horizon, Actor’s Express, Theatrical Outfit)

  • Moderate ticket prices
  • Discounted options for students, seniors, groups, or preview nights

• Community and college theaters

  • Lower ticket prices
  • General admission or simple seating charts

Common Ways to Save

• Preview performances before official opening
• Matinee shows (especially weekend afternoons)
• Student, educator, or senior discounts
• Season subscriptions if you plan to see multiple plays

📌 Tip: Many Atlanta theaters recommend buying tickets in advance for popular plays, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

Parking, Transit, and Getting to Atlanta Theaters

Getting to plays in Atlanta involves a mix of driving, MARTA, rideshare, and walking—depending on where you’re going.

Midtown & Downtown Venues

Theaters like the Alliance Theatre and Fox Theatre are close to MARTA rail stations and public parking decks.

• MARTA:

  • Midtown and North Avenue stations serve the Fox area
  • Arts Center station is close to the Woodruff Arts Center complex

• Parking:

  • Nearby parking decks and lots, often with event pricing
  • Many venues list recommended decks or garages on their sites

Neighborhood & Community Venues

For theaters in areas like Little Five Points, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown, and suburbs, driving is more common.

• Street parking or small lots may be available
• Allow extra time on weekends, especially during festivals, sports games, or other large events

Accessible Theater Experiences in Atlanta

Many Atlanta theaters work to provide accessible performances and facilities. Depending on the venue, you may find:

• Wheelchair-accessible seating
• Assistive listening devices
• ASL-interpreted performances on select dates
• Relaxed performances aimed at audience members who may benefit from a less formal environment

If accessibility is a priority:

1. Check the accessibility section of the theater’s website.
2. Contact the box office by phone to ask about accommodations for your specific performance date.

Quick Comparison: Types of Play Experiences in Atlanta

How to Choose Which Play to See in Atlanta

If you’re overwhelmed by choices, narrow down by asking:

1. What mood am I in?

   • Serious and thought-provoking? Try a drama at a regional or mid-size theater.
   • Fun and light? Look for a comedy, improv, or parody show.

2. Who am I going with?

   • Family with kids? Look for family or youth theater offerings.
   • Friends or a date? Midtown or Old Fourth Ward venues can combine easily with restaurants and nightlife.

3. How much do I want to spend?

   • Splurge night: touring shows or major regional productions.
   • Budget night: community theaters, college productions, or weekday performances.

4. Where will I be in the city?

   • Staying downtown or Midtown? Target venues in those neighborhoods for easier transit.
   • Living in the suburbs? Check Marietta, Decatur, Stone Mountain, and other local stages.

If you’re interested in plays in Atlanta, you’ll find options nearly every week of the year—from big-name productions to hidden-gem neighborhood shows. By focusing on the type of experience, location, and budget that fit you best, you can quickly narrow down the Atlanta stage that’s right for your next night out.