9 Best Live Theater Venues in Connecticut!

Connecticut has an impressive number of independent theaters that work to promote the arts in their communities. With an exciting theater scene in Connecticut, there’s a long list of places to catch top-notch performances. Support the arts by stopping in to these 9 great theaters in the state! 

Flock Theatre at Connecticut College, New London, CT

Located at Connecticut College, Flock Theatre holds numerous (often sold out) performances that typically have timely innuendoes. This non-profit theater company works with the New London community through collaborative performances and fun workshops. Events are announced frequently on their Facebook page, so make sure to keep up with it! 

Garde Arts Center, New London, CT

Another excellent non-profit theater in New London is the Garde Arts Center. This local institution is known and loved by all. It shows musicals, orchestra, plays, comedies, and more. Spring and summer is their busiest time of year, so their events calendar is currently filled up with numerous options for adults and kids alike. They also frequently partner with the local community for workshops and collaborations.

Chestnut Street Playhouse, Norwich, CT

This intimate playhouse shows high quality performances with a small, energetic cast. Because the playhouse is quite small, every seat in the house provides and excellent view and allows viewers to feel as though they are part of the performance. 

Long Wharf Theatre, New Haven, CT

Long Wharf Theatre is an award-winning spot that attracts Broadway, Off-Broadway, and celebrity performances. Pulitzer Prize-winning shows such as “Wit,” “The Shadow Box,” and “The Gin Game” were all performed at Long Wharf. They also have educational programs for children with the aim of integrating the arts with literacy, communication skills, and more.

Yale Repertory Theatre, New Haven, CT

Yale Repertory Theatre has been bringing in large crowds since 1966 with an always- outstanding events schedule. In its long history, the Yale Rep has seen an impressive 12 productions head to Broadway. Of its more than 90 world premieres, four of the Rep’s productions have won Pulitzer Prizes and 10 have received Tony Awards after their Broadway transfer. 

Ivoryton Playhouse, Ivoryton, CT

The Ivoryton Playhouse was the first self-supported summer playhouse in the U.S. It saw its hay-day in the 1930s and 40s until World War II and following World War II. The Ivoryton Playhouse has featured numerous icons such as Groucho Marx, Gloria Vanderbilt, Ethel Waters, Norma Terris, and Katharine Hepburn. More recently, the Ivoryton Playhouse has been renovated and has returned to its former glory. 

Goodspeed Opera House, East Haddam, CT

Goodspeed Opera House is well known as the original home of “Man of La Mancha,” “Shenandoah,” and “Annie.” Opened in 1963, Goodspeed Opera House has certainly featured some shows to remember. 

Jorgensen at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT

The Jorgensen Center for Performing Arts is a public theater located on the UCONN campus. They show a wide variety of live performances including music, ballet, theater, and comedy. Their packed calendar has shows year-round, making this an excellent option to enjoy performances when the summer theaters are closed for the season. 

The Bushnell, Hartford, CT

Located in a landmark building, The Bushnell is one of Connecticut’s most iconic playhouses. With musicals, movies, comedy, ballet, and theater, there is really something on the events calendar for everyone here. Some of the biggest names in the arts have graced the Bushnell stage, including the likes of Marlon Brando and Judy Garland. 

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Post Box 2166, Meriden, CT
Mission:  New England Academy of Theatre (NEAT) is a dynamic and nurturing non-profit educational organization. By providing classes, works... Read More
Corner of Knowles Avenue and Summit Street, Southington, CT
Mission Statement: The Children's Dance Theater Connection is a non-profit corporation based in the greater Hartford area.  Its mission is t... Read More
31-33 Webster Square Road, Berlin, CT
Connecticut Cabaret is a modern, clean and attractive plaza theatre in Berlin Connecticut. Now in it's 8th season, shows are produced as well as di... Read More
23 Norden Street, New Britain, CT
About Connecticut Theatre Company was formed in 2013 by the members and directors of two local community theatre groups, Bristol Theatre Arts and ... Read More
95 South Turnpike Road, Wallingford, CT
History Built on an alfalfa field in 1954 by original founder Ben Segal, the original Oakdale was part of the "theatre-in-the-round" craze that sa... Read More
1237 Marion Avenue, Marion, CT
The Southington Community Theatre is the result of two successful productions produced by the Drama Group of the Southington Woman's Club. In 1956... Read More
50 High St, New Britain, New Britain, CT
On March 15, 2010, New Britain Youth Theater incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in Connecticut. Its purpose was to provide after-school progra... Read More
Nelson Hall - 150 Cook Hill Road, Cheshire, CT
History Cheshire Community Theater was chartered in 1953 as an educational and literary organization to foster amateur dramatic talent. Each seaso... Read More
150 Cook Hill Rd, Cheshire, CT
The mission of Nelson Hall is to bring a higher quality of entertainment to Elim Park in the form of visual and performing arts with the addition o... Read More
115 Laurel Brook Road, Middlefield, CT
Our Mission : The Middlesex Academy for the Performing Arts provides a blend of education, training, and performing experience to enhance the unde... Read More
207 Deming Street, Newington, CT
Theatre Newington-OnStage started out in the spring of 1962. After several years of working for other theatre organizations throughout the state, a... Read More
P.O. Box 185644, Hamden, CT
A group of artists dedicated to bringing quality entertainment to the community while teaching youngsters dance, music and theater. Read More
128 Washington Street, Middletown, CT
Oddfellows' mission is to enhance young people's present and inspire their future through engaging, accessible performing arts programming that bui... Read More
28 Washington Avenue, North Haven, CT
Mission New England Academy of Theatre (NEAT) is a dynamic and nurturing non-profit educational organization. By providing classes, workshops, the... Read More
515 Sherman Avenue, Hamden, CT
The Theatre Arts Center, located just around the corner from the York Hill Campus, is a 12,000-square-foot facility featuring a two-story black-box... Read More
215 Knob Hill Drive, Hamden, CT
About Us:The New England Theatre Conference, Inc. is a non-profit Corporation, composed of individuals and organizations in the six-State region of... Read More
136 Day St., Newington, CT
About Us NCTC Performing Arts Theatre provides quality entertainment and hands-on educational programs in the performing arts to children and youn... Read More
1 Plank Road, Waterbury, CT
Mission Seven Angels Theatre's mission is to offer the Waterbury, Connecticut region affordable professional live theatre, youth summer theatre cl... Read More
20 Jefferson Avenue, Suite #1, West Hartford, CT
Mission: The Connecticut Family Theatre, Inc. has been established with the mission to provide theatre education and performance opportunities to c... Read More
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