Experiencing True Colors Theatre Company in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re interested in theatre in Atlanta that centers powerful stories, especially from Black perspectives, True Colors Theatre Company is one of the city’s key names to know. Whether you live in Atlanta or are planning a visit, this guide walks you through what True Colors is, what they produce, where they perform, and how to make the most of a night at the theatre.

What Is True Colors Theatre Company?

True Colors Theatre Company is an Atlanta-based, professional theatre company known for:

  • Producing plays grounded in Black stories and artists
  • Highlighting both classic and contemporary works
  • Bringing in local, regional, and national theatre talent

The company was founded with a focus on diverse voices and culturally rich storytelling, and many Atlanta residents see it as a cornerstone of the city’s Black arts and theatre community.

You’ll often see shows that explore identity, history, family, and social issues, but with the energy and accessibility that appeals to a broad audience—long-time theatre-goers and first-timers alike.

Where True Colors Performs in Atlanta

True Colors doesn’t operate a single, purpose-built theatre facility that it “owns” in the way some resident companies do. Instead, its work is typically produced in partnership with established venues in the metro area. Over time, Atlantans have seen True Colors productions in spaces such as:

  • Southwest Arts Center – A cultural facility in Southwest Atlanta often associated with theatre and community arts.
  • Midtown and Downtown performance venues – Depending on the season, productions may be staged in different professional theatres or arts centers.

Because venues can change from season to season, the most practical approach is:

  • Check the current season’s show information for the exact theatre address
  • Confirm parking, transit, and accessibility details for the specific venue listed for your performance

What Kind of Shows Does True Colors Do?

True Colors tends to produce a mix of contemporary works, new plays, and reimagined classics, often centered around African American experiences and playwrights. Typical offerings might include:

  • Plays by prominent Black playwrights
    Well-known names whose work regularly appears on American stages.

  • New or recent works
    Scripts that speak directly to current social, political, or cultural conversations.

  • Thoughtful revivals and classics
    Established plays staged with a fresh point of view or culturally specific lens.

  • Special programs and readings
    On some seasons, you may see staged readings, new-play festivals, or community-focused events.

If you’re an Atlanta resident, True Colors can be a good way to stay connected to current conversations through art. If you’re visiting, it offers a strong snapshot of Atlanta’s Black theatre ecosystem and the city’s broader arts culture.

Who Will Enjoy a True Colors Production?

True Colors Theatre Company may be a good fit if you:

  • Enjoy drama that digs into real-life issues
  • Want to support Black artists and local theatre in Atlanta
  • Prefer intimate, actor-driven performances over big-budget spectacle
  • Like smaller environments where you feel close to the stage and the story

Because each show is different, it’s worth checking:

  • Content notes or age guidance provided for the production
  • Whether the show contains strong language, heavy themes, or mature content, especially if you’re bringing teens or young adults

Many Atlantans use True Colors seasons as a way to spark discussion—couples and friend groups will often plan dinner and a show, then talk about it afterwards at one of the city’s nearby restaurants.

Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Seating, and Timing

How to Buy Tickets

True Colors tickets are typically available:

  • Online via the company’s official ticketing system
  • By phone, depending on the box office setup for that particular venue
  • In person, at the hosting venue’s box office on performance days (subject to availability)

Because seating and capacity vary across venues, prices and seat maps can differ from show to show. Common tips from local theatre-goers:

  • 🎟️ Buy earlier for opening nights, closing weekends, and evening shows
  • 🎟️ Check for matinees (often Saturday or Sunday afternoons) if you prefer daytime outings
  • 🎟️ Look for season packages or multi-show deals if you know you’ll attend regularly

Seating Experience

Most of the spaces True Colors uses are intimate, proscenium or thrust-style theatres where:

  • You’re relatively close to the actors, even from mid- or back-row seats
  • Sightlines are usually good from most seats
  • Acoustics are designed for live performance, often with minimal amplification

If you have seating preferences or accessibility needs, consider:

  • Asking about aisle seats or lower rows if stairs are a concern
  • Confirming wheelchair seating and companion seating when you purchase
  • Checking if there are assistive listening devices at the hosting venue

Accessibility, Parking, and Transit

Because True Colors uses multiple venues across metro Atlanta, logistics can vary. Still, some general Atlanta-oriented guidance applies.

Getting There by Car

  • Many professional arts venues used by True Colors have on-site parking lots or adjacent decks.
  • In more central areas (Midtown, Downtown), expect:
    • Paid parking decks or lots
    • Event parking rates, especially on weekends or concurrent sports events

Helpful local habits:

  • Plan to arrive 30–45 minutes early to navigate parking, pick up tickets if needed, and find your seat without rushing.
  • Factor in Atlanta traffic, particularly:
    • Weekday evenings on interstates (I‑75/I‑85, I‑20, I‑285)
    • Weekend events near State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, or major festivals

Public Transit (MARTA)

For venues near MARTA rail or bus lines:

  • Taking MARTA trains can help you avoid traffic and parking hassles.
  • Look for performance venues along or near:
    • Red/Gold Line (North-South)
    • Blue/Green Line (East-West)

If you’re not familiar with MARTA:

  • Allow extra time to load a Breeze card, catch the right train, and walk from the station to the theatre.
  • Many Atlantans pair MARTA with a short walk or rideshare for evening performances.

Accessibility Considerations

Most professional theatres True Colors partners with will typically offer:

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrances
  • Accessible restrooms
  • Elevator access where necessary
  • Reserved accessible seating

If you or someone in your party has accessibility needs, it’s smart to:

  • Ask about accessible seating before purchasing tickets
  • Inquire about assistive listening devices or captioning options (when available)
  • Confirm drop-off locations close to the entrance

What to Expect on Performance Day

To help you picture the experience more clearly, here’s a simple overview:

StepWhat Typically Happens in Atlanta
ArrivalYou park or arrive via MARTA/rideshare, locate the venue entrance, and pass through the lobby.
Ticket Check-InStaff scan your digital or printed ticket; you receive a program with show details and cast info.
Pre-ShowYou find your seat, read the program, and listen for any announcements or pre-show information.
First ActPerformance begins; late seating policies vary, so late arrivals may be held until a break.
Intermission (if any)About 10–15 minutes to stretch, use restrooms, or purchase concessions if available.
Second Act / TalkbackThe show continues; some performances may include a post-show discussion or talkback.
DepartureYou exit the theatre, navigate back to parking, MARTA, or rideshare pickup zones.

True Colors productions sometimes include talkbacks or community conversations, especially for works tackling major themes. These can be a good way to:

  • Hear directly from actors, directors, or community partners
  • Ask questions about themes, staging choices, or historical context
  • Connect with other Atlanta theatre-goers who care about similar issues

Dress Code and Theatre Etiquette in Atlanta

Atlanta theatre is generally casual to smart-casual. At True Colors productions, you’re likely to see:

  • Everything from jeans and nice tops to blazers and dresses
  • Slightly dressier outfits on opening nights or weekend evenings

Basic etiquette that’s appreciated in any Atlanta theatre:

  • Silence phones and avoid texting once the show begins
  • Avoid strong fragrances in close seating environments
  • Refrain from recording or photographing the performance, unless clearly allowed
  • Be respectful during intense moments—laughter and responses are natural, but loud conversations can distract others

Families, Groups, and Schools

Bringing Teens or Older Kids

True Colors is often a strong fit for teens and older students, especially:

  • High schoolers exploring theatre, literature, or social studies
  • Youth interested in Black history, culture, or performance

Because some shows may include mature themes, language, or heavy content, always:

  • Check age recommendations for that specific show
  • Review any content advisories before deciding to bring minors

Group Outings

Many Atlantans experience True Colors as part of:

  • Church groups
  • College or university classes
  • Corporate or community organization outings

Common steps for group visits:

  • Reach out in advance to ask about group ticket pricing or reserved seating blocks
  • Coordinate transportation and arrival time to minimize late seating
  • Plan an after-theatre conversation at a nearby restaurant or community space

How True Colors Fits Into the Atlanta Arts Scene

If you’re exploring things to do in Atlanta, especially arts and culture, True Colors helps you tap into:

  • The city’s long-standing Black arts traditions
  • A network of local artists, directors, and designers
  • The broader theatre landscape that includes other professional and community companies

Many locals pair True Colors with:

  • Other theatre experiences across Midtown, Downtown, and neighborhood stages
  • Visits to nearby museums, galleries, or historical sites that further contextualize Black history and culture in Atlanta
  • Participation in festivals or city-wide arts events where theatre companies collaborate or cross-promote

If you’re looking for more than entertainment—something that combines storytelling, social reflection, and community—True Colors is a consistent part of that conversation in Atlanta.

Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

To move from interest to action:

  • 📅 Pick a date range you’re free in Atlanta (evening or weekend)
  • 🎭 Choose a show in the current True Colors season that matches your interests and comfort with subject matter
  • 🧾 Buy tickets early, especially if you prefer specific seating or are going with a group
  • 🚗 Plan your route and parking or MARTA strategy, building in extra time for traffic
  • 👂 Check for talkbacks or special events related to your performance night if you want a deeper dive

By planning ahead with Atlanta-specific logistics in mind, you can focus on what True Colors does best: thoughtful, powerful live theatre that reflects and challenges the world around it.