Theaters

Chesapeake Shakespeare Company at The Baltimore Book Festival by David Robert Crews, Wikimedia Commons

Theaters in Baltimore include Broadway tours and local plays, opera, Shakespeare, improv, and rock opera. Whether you're a fan of drama, comedy, or musicals, Baltimore's thriving theater scene has got it. With a rich history of performance arts, the city is home to numerous venues showcasing the talent of both emerging and established artists. 

• The Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore is a historic and iconic venue located in the heart of the city. Originally opened in 1914, the theater has undergone several renovations and upgrades to become one of the premier performance spaces in Baltimore. With a seating capacity of over 2,200, the Hippodrome is a versatile venue that has hosted a wide range of events, including theatrical productions, concerts, dance performances, and special events. The theater is also known for its stunning architectural features, including ornate moldings, gilded balconies, and a grand lobby that creates a stunning first impression for patrons. Some of the theater's most notable performances include the Broadway productions of “The Lion King,” “Wicked,” and “Jersey Boys,” as well as concerts by legends like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.

• Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave, The Creative Alliance is a vibrant arts center with over 200 events a year ranging from costume dance parties, to folk music performances, rap, world music, and indie film screenings. The space holds two art galleries, a theater, classroom, media lab, live/work studios for 8 artists, and a bar/restaurant. 

• The Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric is a performing arts venue housed within the historic Lyric Opera House. The venue is renowned for hosting a diverse array of performances, including concerts, theater productions, comedy shows, and more. With its combination of historic charm and modern amenities, the Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric is a popular destination for both local and visiting audiences. Originally built in 1894, the theater has undergone numerous renovations and restorations over the years and continues to serve as a hub of cultural activity in the heart of Baltimore. 

• Everyman Theatre is a non-profit professional theater company. Founded in 1990, the theater has a long-standing reputation for producing thought-provoking, innovative, and engaging productions that showcase the work of both established and emerging playwrights. The theater is housed within a beautifully restored historic building, which features a spacious auditorium, a cozy lobby, and a small bar and café. 

• Center Stage is a professional theater company based in Baltimore's Mt. Vernon neighborhood. Founded in 1963, the theater has a long history of producing innovative and thought-provoking productions that challenge and inspire audiences. With a focus on both classic and contemporary works, Center Stage offers a dynamic and diverse season of plays and musicals each year. The theater is housed within a state-of-the-art facility, which features two performance spaces, a spacious lobby, and a number of modern amenities. With its commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, Center Stage is a beloved cultural institution in Baltimore.
• Baltimore Rock Opera Society (BROS) is a community of artists who create live, original rock theater experiences. In 2022, they produced new shows "Glitterus" and "Love & Roar". Founded in 2007, BROS is now made up of talented artists from around Baltimore who collaborate to bring massive shows to life. This energetic group of actors, musicians, designers, builders, and crafters offer one-of-a-kind live performances that are a hit among local fans. With 150 active volunteers, BROS is a vibrant community that is dedicated to producing the highest quality shows.
• The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company is a well-known theater group in Downtown Baltimore that specializes in performing the works of William Shakespeare. They aim to bring the classics to life with innovative productions that are both entertaining and educational, offering a uniquely Maryland take on Shakespeare's timeless plays.

Movie Theaters

• The Senator Theatre is a historic movie theater founded in 1939. The theater has a long history of screening classic films and hosting special events. With its ornate decor, spacious auditorium, and state-of-the-art sound and projection systems, the Senator Theatre is a beloved cultural landmark in Baltimore. The theater has undergone a number of renovations and upgrades over the years, including a complete restoration in 1994, which helped to preserve its original Art Deco style. Today, the Senator Theatre remains a popular destination for film lovers and nostalgic audiences alike.
• The Charles Theater, a move theater in Station North, is a local gem that film-lovers in the area can't get enough of. It's quirky, with its vintage vibe and hand-painted movie posters lining the walls, but residents wouldn't want it any other way. It's the perfect place to escape reality and lose yourself in a good flick, whether it's the latest blockbuster or a classic indie film. So grab a tub of popcorn (with Old Bay seasoning, of course) and settle in for a movie night that only Baltimore can deliver.

Improv Comedy

• Highwire Improv is a Baltimore-based improv theater organization with a focus on community. The organization prioritizes creating an inclusive environment where performers and audiences can come together to explore the art of improvisational comedy. Highwire offers training programs and performance practices to support its members in their growth as improvisers, and hosts live improv shows to showcase the skills and creativity of its performers. The organization's motto “Community First” reflects its commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration among its members and with the broader improv community.
• The Baltimore Improv Group (BIG), 1727 N. Charles St. is a non-profit theater organization based in Baltimore's Station North Arts and Entertainment District that specializes in the art of improvisational comedy. BIG was founded in 2004 with the aim of fostering a creative community where people of all backgrounds can come together to play, learn, and perform improv.

• The Lou Costello Comedy Room at Zissimos Bar in Hampden is located upstairs and offers stand-up comedy and improv performances. This venue is named after the famous comedic actor Lou Costello, who was known for his connection to the bar and his family, who owned it. In the past, Costello visited the bar and engaged in various antics that have become part of its legacy.

   

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