The 9 Best Historic Theaters in Virginia!

From theaters housed in buildings that date to the 1600s to performing arts centers dedicated to Shakespeare’s work, Virginia’s historic theaters will transport you back in time. Here are our favorites. 

Attucks Theatre, Norfolk, VA

The Attucks Theatre is in the heart of Norfolk’s historic Church Street. Originally known as the “Apollo Theatre of the South,” the Attucks opened in 1919 and has been hosting performances ever since. 

The State Theatre, Falls Church, VA

The State Theatre in Falls Church, Virginia, originally opened as a popular movie theatre in 1936. In the late 1990s, millions of dollars were poured into renovations, making it one of the best areas for concerts, live shows, and corporate events in the area. 

Wolf Trap National Park for Performing Arts, Vienna, VA

Wolf Trap is an American institution. Established in 1966, Wolf Trap spans over 117-acres in its entirety, with several outdoor theatres scattered throughout. Wolf Trap hosts a wide array of cultural musicians, plays, and many of America’s top talent.

Swift Creek Mill Theatre, South Chesterfield, VA

The Swift Creek Mill Theatre is Virginia’s only professional, producing theatre south of Richmond, according to their website. They have a mainstage and youth theatre program, among others. The theatre is situated in a structure originally built in 1663 and has served as a theatre since at least 1965.

Winchester Little Theatre, Winchester, VA

Since 1929, the Winchester Little Theatre has “presented, produced, and encouraged the production, acting and writing of plays,” as is their mission. They have a ton of different events geared towards all ages. Kids interested in theatre may want to sign up for their summer program.

Court Square Theatre, Harrisonburg, VA

Harrisonburg’s Court Square Theatre brings lesser-known festival films that would otherwise not be seen at bigger theatres. This can include film festival darlings, international films, or even locally produced movies.

American Shakespeare Center in the Blackfriars Playhouse, Staunton, VA

Attending a production at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse is a delight. Founded in 1988, the Black Friars is a recreation of William Shakespeare’s original theatre in the round. They put on several different classic plays a season.

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The Lincoln Theatre, Marion, VA

The Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Virginia, opened to great fanfare in 1929, but eventually fell into disrepair. The community came together in 1999 to revitalize it, bringing it back to its former glory. Today, the Lincoln Theatre is a go-to destination for concerts, movies, and more.

The Barter Theatre, Abingdon, VA

The Barter Theatre of Abingdon, Virginia, opened in 1933. Customers could either buy a ticket for 40 cents or the equivalent amount of product, which was quite popular during the Depression era in which it opened. The theatre still hosts barter days at least once a year, this time donating the food to a local food bank.

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8880 James Madison Highway 15, Fork Union, VA
Our Mission is threefold: To bring quality live entertainment to Fluvanna County by planning, funding and presenting music, dance and drama at ... Read More
215 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA
Mission StatementThe mission of The Paramount Theater of Charlottesville, Inc., is to operate the newly-restored and adapted historic Paramount The... Read More
220 West Market Street, Charlottesville, VA
About the Theatre: Vinegar Hill Theatre has one auditorium that seats 219 people. The auditorium and restrooms are handicapped accessible. Althoug... Read More
108 Belleview Avenue, Orange, VA
About Us: Founded in 1993 and located in Orange County Virginia, we offer classes in all types of dance, voice, muscial theater and acting. Read More
1124 Westbriar Drive, Richmond, VA
About Us Founded in 1993 HATTheatre is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) production company, a member of Richmond's professional fringe theatres, with ... Read More
P.O. Box 7265, Richmond, VA. 23221, Midlothian, VA
Henley Street Theatre Co. - (804) 340-0115 PO Box 7... Read More
331 Court Street, Appomattox, VA
About Us: One of the most beautiful old historical structures in downtown Appomattox is the old courthouse. With a new courthouse now directly beh... Read More
P.O. Box 7265,, Richmond, VA
Henley Street Theatre Co. - (804) 340-0115 PO Box ... Read More
P.O. Box 7265, Richmond, VA
chmond Shakespeare plays indoors from October to April in the very Elizabethan chapel at 2nd Presbyterian Church, with free parking in an attached ... Read More
2908 West Cary Street, Richmond, VA
History:The year 2008 marks the 80th birthday of the Byrd Theatre, which was built in 1928 in Richmond, Virginia as one of the Nation's Grand Movie... Read More
1609 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA
Mission: The Firehouse Theatre Project is formed to present important American contemporary theatre pieces with an emphasis on plays not previousl... Read More
305 South Main Street, Culpeper, VA
Histiory:The State Theatre was built by State Senator Benjamin Pitts in 1938 as a vaudeville movie house, and was originally named the Pitts Theatr... Read More
6 North Laurel Street, Richmond, VA
Administration Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm About: Located at 6 North Laurel Street, the Altria Theater, formerly the Landmark Theater... Read More
319 North Wilkinson Road, Richmond, VA
Mission: CAT's mission is to present the metro Richmond area with a unique, dynamic, professional theatre experience in our welcoming, creative at... Read More
114 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA
HISTORY OF BARKSDALE THEATRE On August 1, 1953, six actors, two children, a dog and two pigs moved into a historic ruin called Hanover Tavern. The... Read More
114 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA
Mission: Virginia Repertory Theatre creates professional productions of the great comedies, dramas, and musicals – past, present and future.... Read More
114 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA
Formerly Theatre IV Virginia Rep’s Children’s Theatre is a nonprofit, professional theatre in Richmond, Virginia. Since 1975 we've cre... Read More
109 West 15th Street, Richmond, VA
OUR MISSION Dogtown Dance Theatre provides a home for independent artists to create and present their work in movement, visual and music arts... Read More
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