With numerous theater companies staging captivating performances—from cozy cabaret shows to blockbuster Broadway productions—there’s an abundance of chances to enjoy a theatrical experience. Familiarize yourself with the diverse groups that enliven the theater scene across the city, and make sure to explore local venues for the opportunity to witness both regional troupes and traveling productions as they pass through.
Theater Companies
Albion Theatre: Founded in 2022, the not-for-profit Albion Theatre is dedicated to showcasing plays from Britain and Ireland. The company has rapidly gained a reputation as a leading force among St. Louis’ smaller theater groups and was honored as the Best New Company of 2023 by the Riverfront Times.
The Black Rep: Known as the “theatre of the soul since 1976,” The Black Rep aims to amplify African-American perspectives through creative expression. It has become renowned for producing and commissioning engaging and socially relevant works by Black artists over four decades. 813 N. Skinker.
Equally Represented Arts: Dedicated to innovative storytelling, Equally Represented Arts (ERA) is an experimental theater company that invites audiences to explore new theatrical boundaries alongside their performances.
First Run Theatre: Established in 2002, First Run Theatre is devoted to presenting original, unpublished, and previously unproduced works. This March, they will host the Spectrum Festival of Short Plays at The Chapel Sanctuary for the Arts. 7918 Kingsbury, #14.
Fly North Theatricals: This local nonprofit focuses on musical theater as a means for entertainment and education. Their Theatre for All Initiative aims to enhance access to theater for both performers and audiences, bridging gaps caused by costs.
Ignite Theatre Company: This local company prioritizes cultivating “great people first and great performers second” through their educational and artistic initiatives. Each production is linked with a service project intended to benefit the community. 3510 Giles.
Kurtain Kall: Founded by South City high school alumni in the 1980s, Kurtain Kall has evolved into a registered nonprofit theater. Its members uphold an ensemble spirit and perform out of love for the art. 4200 Delor.
Metro Theater Company: Established in 1970 by Zaro Weil and Lynn Rubright, Metro Theater Company is a professional touring theater dedicated to creating engaging productions for young audiences. Over its 40-year journey, it has presented nearly 40 different productions. 3311 Washington.
The Midnight Company: Founded in 1997, The Midnight Company is known for presenting creative and engaging performances. Their cabaret-style shows at The Blue Strawberry, highlighting legendary figures such as Judy Garland and Linda Ronstadt, have received particular acclaim.
Moonstone Theatre Company: Committed to a wide range of quality productions, Moonstone Theatre supports local arts and education by producing both classic and contemporary works aimed at inspiring and educating audiences.
The New Jewish Theatre: This intimate professional theater delves into universal themes through a Jewish lens. Under the leadership of Rebekah Scallet, NJT stages several riveting productions annually at The J’s Staenberg Family Complex. 2 Millstone Campus.
New Line Theatre at Marcelle Theater: Regarded as “The Bad Boy of Musical Theatre,” New Line Theatre was founded in 1991 to present unconventional theatrical experiences. Their 2025 season will feature productions including Green Day’s American Idiot, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Rent. 3310 Samuel Shepard
Opera Theatre of St. Louis: Recognized for its dynamic annual festival, Opera Theatre is a leader among American opera companies. It excels at debuting innovative works while striving to broaden opera’s appeal to a wider audience. 130 Edgar.
Prism Theatre Company: This emerging theater group works to highlight the contributions of women and up-and-coming artists through its annual festival of new works. In 2023, it was honored with an A-List Editors’ Choice Award as “Theater Newcomer.”
Prison Performing Arts: This organization aims to “build second acts through the arts,” welcoming individuals facing incarceration and justice involvement into theater initiatives and performance opportunities.
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis: Established in 1966, The Rep is an esteemed theater company in St. Louis, showcasing multiple productions each season at the Loretto-Hilton. It operates as a fully professional outfit and is a member of the League of Resident Theatres. 130 Edgar.
Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble: Known as SATE, this company produces several fully staged shows each year, including the Aphra Behn Festival, which is nearing its ninth year. This festival elevates the creative talents of women, transgender, and non-binary writers and directors. The Chapel, 6238 Alexander.
STAGES St. Louis: Although primarily based in St. Louis, STAGES hosts auditions in both St. Louis and New York City, collaborating with Broadway talent and professional local actors to present musicals that celebrate and advance the art form. 210 E. Monroe.; 1023 Chesterfield.
St. Louis Actors’ Studio: This company emphasizes ensemble work to explore the human experience through collaborative theater. Housed within The Gaslight Theater, it strives to provide a fresh perspective to St. Louis stages. 358 N. Boyle.
St. Louis Shakespeare: Founded in 1984, St. Louis Shakespeare is committed to the professional production of William Shakespeare’s works and dramatic classics for local audiences. They successfully staged Shakespeare’s full canon in 2015 and celebrated this achievement with Blood Reigns, written for their 30th anniversary.
St. Louis Shakespeare Festival: Most renowned for its annual free performances in Shakespeare Glen at Forest Park, the festival also brings performances to various regions each year through programs including the Confluence Regional Writers Project, TourCo, and Shakespeare in the Streets.
Stray Dog Theatre: Established in 2003 to “unleash the art of theatre,” Stray Dog undertakes projects that “challenge, educate, entertain, and inspire.” The company reflects the human experience by delving into social issues through its productions. 2336 Tennessee.
Take Two Productions: Founded in 2004, Take Two Productions provides a platform for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to “explore and develop” their theatrical talents. The organization is committed to fostering connections through philanthropic efforts and support for local charities.
Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis: Each year, this festival commemorates the contributions of celebrated poet and playwright Tennessee Williams, who spent formative years in St. Louis. Enjoy performances of his renowned plays, engaging discussions, and themed activities.
Tesseract Theatre: With the tagline “We tell big stories small,” Tesseract Theatre uses an intimate setting to explore profound ideas and questions. The company is committed to elevating diverse voices and producing a variety of new works.
That Uppity Theatre Company: Founded in 1989, this company strives to craft original theater reflecting the viewpoints of underrepresented communities. It actively supports various causes, including climate action and voting rights.
Upstream Theater: This professional production company brings international voices to St. Louis, having presented plays from nearly 20 countries since its founding in 2005.
West End Players Guild: Operating as a non-Equity theater, this company uses flexible staging to deliver thought-provoking performances. Their inaugural show occurred in the West End in 1911, and they typically feature seldom-performed works. 733 Union.
Winter Opera St. Louis: Promising “performances that warm the soul,” this nonprofit organization presents operatic productions throughout the winter months, each performed in its original language with accompanying English supertitles. 2324 Marconi.
Theater Venues
COCA: Dedicated to enriching lives and building community through the arts, COCA stands as a nationally recognized leader in innovative arts education through theater, striving to cultivate a creative, connected, and inclusive St. Louis community. 6880 Washington.
Edison Theatre: Serving as a teaching facility for the Washington University Performing Arts Department, Edison Theatre produces three main stage productions annually and also hosts events for local organizations like The Black Rep. 6465 Forsyth.
The Fabulous Fox Theatre: Having welcomed over 15 million attendees to its historical doors, the Fabulous Fox presents Broadway shows, concert tours, and a host of other performances. After closing in 1978, the theater underwent restoration and reopened in 1982 to continue delivering excellent entertainment to St. Louis. 527 N. Grand.
The Grandel: Managed by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, The Grandel features a state-of-the-art theater with 454 seats alongside a full-service bar and restaurant. This versatile venue accommodates concerts, theatrical shows, dance performances, and more. 3610 Grandel.
Kirkwood Performing Arts Center: Located in downtown Kirkwood, this venue hosts a variety of productions within its extensive facilities, which include the Ross Family Theater, a Studio Theater, an event space, and an Event Lawn. 210 E. Monroe.
The Marcelle: Featuring a modern black box theatre, professional dance studios, and office spaces, The Marcelle supports innovative productions under the umbrella of the Kranzberg Arts Foundation. 3310 Samuel Shepard.
The Muny: Born out of a vision from the 1904 World’s Fair, the Muny has been delivering outdoor theater experiences in Forest Park since 1916, making it a cherished local institution for over a century. 1 Theatre.
Stifel Theatre: This historic venue opened in 1934 and can accommodate 3,100 guests. It has seen performances by iconic artists including Frank Sinatra and The Rolling Stones. Following an extensive restoration costing $78.7 million, it continues to host diverse events. 1400 Market.
Touhill Performing Arts Center: Located at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, the Touhill area offers a rich season of dance, theater, and live music, serving both campus and community audiences. Currently, it hosts concerts from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra during Powell Hall’s renovation. 1 Touhill.
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