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Asheville Theatre, Plays, Shows & Performing Arts
Experience world-class music, Broadway musicals, intimate professional theater, and a wide variety of performing arts year-round in Asheville and the surrounding small towns of Western North Carolina. Whether you're seeking a memorable evening out, discovering new artists, or diving deep into theater culture, the region's stages deliver exceptional performances for every taste.
Summer brings the busiest season with outdoor festivals, Shakespeare under the stars, and concert series filling venues throughout the mountains. The winter holidays are the second busiest season, with theaters presenting beloved productions like A Christmas Carol, seasonal concerts, holiday musicals, and festive performances that draw audiences from across the region.
From downtown Asheville's historic venues to small-town playhouses throughout WNC, the performing arts scene reflects the region's creative spirit and commitment to excellence.
Top 20 Performing Arts & Theater
Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama
America's most popular outdoor drama is the tragic and triumphant story of the Cherokee Indians. Set against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains in Cherokee, the drama is presented under the…
Asheville Community Theatre
For 70 years, our Community Theatre has been presenting outstanding musicals, comedies and dramas in downtown. Watch the "Mainstage" shows in the 400-seat theatre or a big variety of more…
The Parkway Playhouse in Burnsville
See musicals and plays from late spring through fall at the longest continually-operating seasonal theater in North Carolina. Ticket prices for adults range from only $18-$22 per show.
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Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre
SART is a professional theatre company in residence at the historic Owen Theatre at Mars Hill University, just 18 miles north of Asheville. Presents 4-5 shows a year, including plays, musicals… More Information
Asheville Symphony
Enjoy an impressive season of masterworks concerts, including classical, pops and choral, in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium downtown. Each concert features their 100-member orchestra and a guest… More Information
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
This 500-seat theatre in the heart of downtown host many top-notch performances by professional touring artists and local arts organizations. The intimate theatre has exceptional acoustics and…
Asheville Symphony Chorus
The fabulous 100-voice chorus provides a wide range of classical and contemporary music in concert with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, as well as via independent concerts.
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Asheville Choral Society
This group of 100 auditioned singers have been inspiring audiences since 1977 with choral music performed at the highest artistic level at three concerts each season.
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Montford Park Players Shakespeare Festival
North Carolina's longest-running Shakespeare Festival presents free theatre under the stars all summer long at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater in Montford. Located in a park near downtown…
Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective
This hard-working, non-profit group works with performance artists and groups to present works which confront issues of social diversity in a provocative way by providing opportunities for… More Information
Fine Arts Theatre
Downtown's only cinema is dedicated to first-run and independent films. See fine films not necessarily shown in the larger commercial theaters in the wonderfully-renovated, older movie house.… More Information
Attic Salt Theatre Company
See high-quality productions of classical, contemporary and original works in venues all around Asheville. They create some of the best children's theater in the area.
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Asheville Fringe Arts Festival
The 24th Asheville Fringe Arts Festival takes over downtown with performances at 14 venues. Local and national artists collaborate across genres and bring innovative performances to… More Information
Theater Package, Banner Elk
Enjoy professional theater in Banner Elk with Ensemble Stage, a local theater troupe known for high-quality performances and a robust schedule of plays from June through December. Ensemble Stage is based in the intimate 99-seat Hahn Auditorium, where it entertains audiences with a variety of plays, including comedies, dramas and thrillers. Staged radio shows and a Christmas musical revue are popular annual offerings. P Theater packages that include a night’s lodging and two show tickets. Packages start at $120 plus tax per couple on weekdays and $180 plus tax per couple on weekends.
Additional Top 20 Performing Arts & Theater
Ensemble Stage, Banner Elk
You'll find great theatre throughout WNC! Banner Elk is the longtime home to professional theater at Ensemble Stage. This local theater troupe is known for high-quality performances and a busy… More Information
Flat Rock Playhouse
North Carolina's State Theatre in Flat Rock presents the best of Broadway musicals, comedy and drama from May through December. Located 29 miles south of Asheville near Hendersonville.
Asheville Chamber Music Series
Hear some of the finest classical musicians in ensembles, presented by one of the oldest chamber music organizations in the country. Concerts are typically held at the Unitarian Universalist… More Information
Asheville Junior Theatre
Watch semi-professional youth theater productions year-round at Diana Wortham Theater in downtown Asheville. Kids ages 4-18 deliver high-quality musicals and plays with impressive singing, acting, and dancing. This nonprofit offers affordable ticket prices and exceptional performances.
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Asheville Creative Arts
Critically-acclaimed theater that produces, presents and creates innovative work for multigenerational audiences. The company's unique style is a blend of literary adaptions, live music and… More Information
The Foundation Performing Arts
The "big city" 1,300-seat performing arts center is located on the Isothermal Community College Campus in tiny Spindale and features an impressive Mainstage Performing Arts Series featuring music… More Information
Brevard Music Center Summer Festival
Choose from 80 public concerts, staged operas and musicals during a seven week period (mid June through early August) at their campus in Brevard, 32 miles from downtown.
