As the home of the nation’s oldest continually operating theater company, Wilmington is known far and wide for the depth and quality of theatrical offerings. Some of these are local productions of well known shows but a great many are local creations. You can routinely find hundreds of shows on the Passport’s “What To Do” page. Use the Advanced Search to find them all.

Some of our venues include:

Thalian Hall

Beautiful Thalian Hall, carefully restored in 2010, is the center of Wilmington’s Theatrical scene. Its three venues of the Main Stage, Studio Theatre, and Ballroom offer a variety of forums…and frequently to multiple offerings in an evening. It’s close to all that Downtown offers.

UNC-W Theaters

The University’s beautiful Kenan Auditorium, Lumina Theater, and Mainstage Theater regularly host the dramatic arts.

City Stage Theater

This unique theater housed on the 5th floor of the old Masonic building offers some of the more cutting edge shows from around the nation. Its troupe of actors works together regularly and it shows. Enjoy a visit to Level 5 before or after the show and enjoy one of Wilmington’s grandest views.

Cape Fear Playhouse

This theater is tucked in the back of a retail store along Castle Street in the upcoming New Castle Art and Antiques District. Frequently the site of well known Broadway shows but also home to local creations. Enjoy a glass of wine at Wilmington Wine before the show!

Red Barn Studio Theater

One of the newer theaters, it doesn’t have as full of a schedule. But its shows often sell out quickly in part due to its dynamic owners, Linda Lavin and Steve Bakunas. Not only does Red Barn have the star power but it chooses the shows that work well in the space. Plus they are helping revitalize a section of the City. Good shows and good works.

Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center

Originally a WWII USO, the Community Arts Center is the City’s newest stage featuring popular plays as well as a special series for the younger set.

Brown Coat Theater and Pub

Do you want to see something a bit edgier or a bit more likely to be a completely local production? Then the Brown Coat may be the place for you. Most weekends feature a current play or drama. Monday’s feature the areas only sit-com, Sides. And Richard will usually have something going on other nights. It’s all part of the reviving Grace St. scene.

And there’s more

These are the regular venues but there are more. Front Street Brewery frequently offers dinner theater in its 3rd floor, various churches will host productions, and producers are creative about creating venues.

You can find all of their shows at http://theater.enjoywilmington.com