Upcoming Plays in Atlanta: Where to See Live Theatre Next

Atlanta’s theatre scene is busy year-round, with everything from big Broadway tours to edgy new works by local playwrights. If you’re looking for upcoming plays in Atlanta, the key is knowing which venues to watch and how to check what’s on next.

Below is a clear guide to where to find new shows, what types of plays you can expect, and how to plan a night at the theatre in Atlanta, Georgia.

Where to Look First for Upcoming Plays in Atlanta

Several major theatres anchor Atlanta’s play calendar. Most publish season schedules months in advance and keep rolling listings for short-run productions.

Here are some of the most reliable places to check for what’s coming up:

Each of these venues regularly updates calendars with upcoming play dates, times, and ticket info. For the most up‑to‑date list of what’s on, their official box offices or websites are your best reference.

Major Atlanta Theatres to Watch for New Plays

Alliance Theatre (Midtown)

The Alliance Theatre, based at the Woodruff Arts Center in Midtown, is one of Atlanta’s most active producers of new plays.

• Typical offerings:
  • World premieres and new American plays
  • Adaptations of classic works
  • Family-friendly shows and holiday productions
• Why check here:
  • Seasons are announced well ahead, so you can see what’s coming up through fall, winter, and spring.
  • A mix of large mainstage productions and smaller, more experimental pieces.

If you live or stay near Midtown, Alliance is often the first stop for upcoming play announcements in Atlanta.

Fox Theatre (Peachtree Street in Midtown)

While the Fox Theatre is best known for Broadway tours and concerts, it’s a key stop if you’re looking for large touring plays and musicals.

• Typical offerings:
  • Broadway touring productions
  • Limited runs (often just a few days to a couple of weeks)
• Why check here:
  • If a big-name show is coming through Atlanta, it often plays the Fox.
  • Great option if you’re planning a special night out or hosting visitors.

For upcoming plays and musicals, the Fox calendar generally lists tour schedules months ahead, so you can plan well in advance.

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

Horizon Theatre is a long-running local company that focuses on contemporary plays.

• Typical offerings:
  • Modern comedies and dramas
  • New and recent scripts with small to mid-size casts
  • Seasonal traditions that repeat yearly
• Why check here:
  • Good place to see current topics and fresh writing onstage.
  • Often easier to get tickets than huge touring shows, but still professional-quality productions.

If you’re in or near Little Five Points or Inman Park, Horizon is one of the most convenient spots for upcoming plays.

Actor’s Express (West Midtown)

Located in West Midtown, Actor’s Express leans into bold and often edgier, contemporary work.

• Typical offerings:
  • New plays and regional premieres
  • Dark comedies, intense dramas, and offbeat stories
• Why check here:
  • Ideal if you like risk-taking, modern theatre and want to see scripts before they hit bigger stages elsewhere.
  • Season calendars usually detail what’s opening next and how long it runs.

If you’re curious about the latest voices in theatre, Actor’s Express often has something new on the horizon.

Theatrical Outfit (Downtown Atlanta)

Based near Downtown Atlanta, Theatrical Outfit focuses on plays that explore social, historical, and community themes.

• Typical offerings:
  • Classic and contemporary plays with a strong story focus
  • Works that tie into Atlanta or Southern history and culture
• Why check here:
  • A good choice if you like plays with substance and conversation-starting topics.
  • Downtown location makes it accessible if you’re working or staying near the city center.

Their season schedules highlight what’s opening throughout the year, including exact performances dates and special events.

Smaller & Independent Theatres for Upcoming Plays

Beyond the major companies, Atlanta has a network of smaller and indie theatres that frequently premiere new work and short-run plays.

While specific shows change quickly, these types of venues usually have:

• Shorter runs (often 1–3 weeks)
• New scripts by local playwrights
• Themed festivals, 10-minute play nights, or staged readings

Look out for:

• RoleCall Theater (often in or near mixed-use developments): Indie plays, festivals, and small-cast shows.
• Out of Box Theatre and similar suburban companies: Comedies, dramas, and local favorites in more intimate spaces.
• Neighborhood arts centers: Some community arts centers host plays from local troupes on rotating schedules.

Because lineups change often, checking their current and upcoming show calendars is the best way to see what’s next.

College & University Productions in Atlanta

If you’re open to student productions, Atlanta’s colleges and universities offer affordable, high-energy plays that can be surprisingly polished.

Common Atlanta-area options include:

• Emory University (Druid Hills): Classics, contemporary plays, and experimental works.
• Georgia State University (Downtown): Plays that often feature diverse casts and modern themes.
• Spelman College / Morehouse College / Clark Atlanta University: Productions that frequently highlight Black playwrights and stories.
• Georgia Tech: While more STEM-focused, it still has theatre organizations that stage plays and musicals.

Why consider these for upcoming plays:

• 🎭 Lower ticket prices than many professional venues
• Good way to see new interpretations of well-known plays
• Frequent shows during the school year (especially fall and spring semesters)

Campus theatre calendars usually outline audition dates, rehearsal periods, and performance weekends, so you can see at a glance what’s coming up.

How to Find Current Listings for Upcoming Plays in Atlanta

Because play schedules shift often, the best way to get accurate, up-to-date info is to check specific types of sources regularly.

Here are practical steps:

1. Check Theatre Box Offices and Calendars

Most Atlanta theatres post:

• Season announcements (what’s playing for the entire year)
• Month-by-month calendars (exact dates, times, and ticket levels)
• Notes on previews, opening nights, and closing dates

If you know you’re visiting Atlanta in a particular month, looking at the season or month view can instantly show what plays will be running.

2. Use Citywide Event Listings

Atlanta-focused event listings typically include:

• Show title and brief summary
• Venue name and neighborhood
• Date range and basic ticket info

Filters like “theatre” or “performing arts” can narrow things down to just plays and musicals.

3. Follow Theatres on Social Media or Email Lists

If you regularly attend plays in Atlanta:

• Email lists can alert you to newly announced shows, limited runs, and discounts.
• Social media often highlights:
  • Last-minute ticket availability
  • Added performances due to demand
  • Special nights (pay-what-you-can, talkbacks, post-show Q&As)

This is especially useful for smaller theatres where shows may sell out quickly or extend based on word of mouth.

What Kinds of Upcoming Plays Can You Expect in Atlanta?

Atlanta’s theatre calendar usually includes a mix of styles and genres at any given time.

You’ll often find:

• New plays by local and national writers at Alliance, Actor’s Express, Horizon, and indie theatres.
• Broadway-style tours of well-known plays and musicals at the Fox Theatre and other large venues.
• Classics and Shakespeare at established companies and some university theatres.
• Family-friendly shows, especially:
  • Around major holidays (November–December)
  • During spring breaks and summer
• Issue-driven and culturally specific plays that connect to Atlanta’s history and communities.

If you have a particular preference (comedy vs drama, new work vs classics), it helps to preview:

• The synopsis of the play
• Age recommendations for families
• Run time (including intermissions)

Tips for Planning a Theatre Night in Atlanta

To make the most of upcoming plays in Atlanta:

• Book early for big-name titles. Broadway tours and popular new plays can sell out quickly, especially on weekends.
• Consider weeknight performances. These are often less crowded and sometimes more affordable than Friday/Saturday nights.
• Check parking and transit options. Midtown, Downtown, and West Midtown venues can be busy on event nights; MARTA and rideshare can be practical alternatives.
• Look for preview performances. Many theatres offer lower-priced preview nights before the official opening.
• Arrive early. Some Atlanta theatres have strict late-seating policies, especially for smaller venues where late arrivals are disruptive.

If You’re New to Atlanta Theatre

If you’ve just moved to Atlanta or are visiting and want to explore upcoming plays:

1. Pick a neighborhood you’re comfortable traveling to (Midtown, Downtown, Little Five Points, West Midtown, etc.).
2. Choose 1–2 anchor theatres in that area (for example, Alliance in Midtown or Actor’s Express in West Midtown).
3. Check their upcoming calendar for:
   • What’s on now
   • What’s opening in the next 1–3 months
4. Add a smaller theatre or college production if you want a more low-key, local feel.

Within a single month, it’s common to find several plays onstage across the city, ranging from world premieres to long-loved favorites.

By checking the major theatre calendars and a couple of citywide event listings, you can quickly see all the upcoming plays in Atlanta that match your schedule, budget, and style.