10 Best Places for Live Theater in Oregon!
From 100-year-old auditoriums, to rep theaters putting on the best in contemporary productions, Oregon has a rich performing arts history. In a state with a blooming art scene from Eugene to Portland, it’s no surprise that the Beaver State is home to some of the greatest theaters and venues. Here are the 10 best places to see live theater in Oregon!
Pentacle Theatre, Salem, OR
Salem’s Pentacle Theatre provides quality entertainment in an intimate, rustic environment. Pentacle is a nonprofit community theatre entirely run by volunteer efforts. It features a variety of plays and musicals and is one of the most significant cultural resources of the greater Salem area and has been a well-loved staple on the local art scene for decades.
Oregon Contemporary Theatre, Eugene, OR
Oregon Contemporary Theatre features provocative, thought-provoking entertainment designed to support positive change in our society. As a way of making culture available to everyone, they offer pay-what-you-can options on many of their performances. Aspiring thespians can also take classes here.
Camelot Theatre, Talent, OR
Aptly named Talent provides the home base for the award-winning Camelot Theatre, a nonprofit organization that has been providing Rogue Valley residents with high-quality, affordable entertainment since 1990. It’s first performances were held in a feed store, but they now perform in the state-of-the-art James Morrison Collier Theatre Building.
Oregon Cabaret Theatre, Ashland, OR
It’s no small feat for a regional theatre to stand out in a town that’s renowned for its famous Shakespeare festival, but Oregon Cabaret Theatre pulls it off nicely. You’ll find interactive entertainment here with plays and musicals such as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” that encourage audience participation. There’s always something new and fun happening here.
The Majestic Theatre, Corvallis, OR
The Majestic Theatre has been enthralling Corvallis audiences for over 90 years. Currently operated by the Corvallis Parks and Recreation Department, the Majestic Theatre puts on a variety of products designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences. You can be sure there’s always something interesting happening here—they even host a summer theatre camp by kids who’ve been bitten by the entertainment bug.
Portland Center Stage at the Armory, Portland, OR
From award-winning national theatrical performances to top-quality local acts, you can see it all at Portland Center Stage at the Armory. The historic armory building was constructed in 1891 and has recently been renovated as part of an urban revitalization project. History buffs can enjoy free tours of the armory on the first and third Saturdays of the month during performance season. Tours include a historical narrative of the armory’s various roles in the Portland community over the years.
Keller Auditorium, Portland, OR
No list of Oregon live theater venues is complete without mention of the Keller Auditorium. This is the home of the Portland Opera and the Oregon Ballet Theatre. You can also enjoy traveling Broadway performances at the Keller. This building takes up an entire block in downtown Portland, so rest assured it’s got plenty of room no matter what the performance. At more than 100 years-old, Keller Auditorium has played an important role in Portland’s history.
Hillsboro Artists' Regional Theatre, Hillsboro, OR
Started by six artists in 1982 who were seeking a venue for performances presenting the work of contemporary playwrights, Hillsboro Artists Regional Theatre is now the area’s longest running professional theatre. You can expect to see an eclectic combination of modern works performed here by talented and creative professionals.
Northwest Children’s Theatre and School, Portland, OR
Introducing children to the magic and mystery of the theatre for a quarter of a century, Northwest Children’s Theatre and School offers Portland children an abundance of opportunities to explore their creative sides. You’ll find classes, camps, performances, and everything else to inspire little hearts and minds here.
Florence Events Center, Florence, OR
From quality traveling acts to homespun high school plays, Florence Events Center is where Oregon coastal residents enjoy live theatrical performances. This state-of-the-art facility is comfortable, clean, and always has something new and exciting in store for audiences.
