From live theater and cabaret to opera and the symphony, Birmingham’s performing arts scenes is bound to amaze.
Alabama Ballet
2726 1st Ave. S; 205.322.4300;
alabamaballet.org
Alabama Ballet seeks to promote and foster the development of classical and contemporary ballet through high-quality education and community outreach. They offer a variety of classes for all ages. Under the direction of
Tracey Alvey, this company of professional dancers presents four full-length productions annually.
Alabama Symphony Orchestra
3621 6th Ave. S; 205.975.2787;
alabamasymphony.org
The Alabama Symphony Orchestra has entertained audiences for more than 70 years, playing a variety of classical and popular compositions and
hosting performances by some of the finest international guest artists. The symphony’s 54 talented musicians bring to life some of the world’s most
treasured musical masterpieces, giving 190 performances a year.
Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center
1200 10th Ave. S; 205.975.2787 or
alysstephens.org
The trademark of UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center is diversity—diverse performances and diverse audiences. From classical, pop, jazz and world beat music to dance, comedy, theater and family entertainment, the
center welcomes the entire community into the magical realm of performing arts.
Birmingham Children’s Theatre
2130 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N;
205.458.8181; bct123.org
Birmingham Children’s Theatre was founded in 1946. Since that time, it has become one of America’s largest professional theatres for young audiences and now operates in a three-theatre complex at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex. The theatre produces eight shows shows seasonally, four of which tour, giving the theatre a combined audience of over 200,000 each year.
Birmingham Festival Theatre
1901 11th Ave. S; 205.933.2383;
bftonline.org
Founded in 1972, Birmingham Festival Theatre is the oldest theatre in Birmingham producing contemporary and classic theatre. It is managed by an all-volunteer board of directors. Since its founding, BFT has staged more than 200 productions—involving more than 50 directors, almost 1,000 actors and 500 crew people—attended by almost 100,000 audience members.
Central Alabama Theater
36 Church Street; 888.870.2477;
centralalabamatheater.com
Central Alabama Theater (CAT) was founded in 2013 by Carl Peoples with the tag line “Where The Stars Fall On Alabama!” CAT produces a New York style Cabaret series titled CAT CABARET; a “free to the public” play reading series titled CAT SCRIPTS, as well as full productions of musicals and plays. CAT is most proud of their Junior Advisory Board (JAB); the educational arm
of the non-profit, where each year, 12 students from local high schools and colleges are chosen to serve (free of charge) on JAB where they learn performance best practices, as well as the “business” of theatre!
Opera Birmingham
3601 6th Ave. S; 205.322.6737;
operabirmingham.org
Northern Alabama’s only professional, regional opera company, Opera Birmingham has entertained and informed audiences in the region for over 50 years. From its humble beginnings in 1955 to its 50th anniversary in 2005 and beyond, Opera Birmingham has produced world-class operatic
productions and concerts that have been hailed by critics and loved by audiences.
Red Mountain Theatre Company
301 19th Street S; 205.324.2424;
redmountaintheatre.org
Red Mountain Theatre Company is a nonprofit professional theatre organization with an emphasis on musical theatre. Red Mountain Theatre Company‘s season begins in September and runs through July each year with a wide variety of well-known musicals.
Terrific New Theatre
2821 2nd Ave. S; 205.328.0868;
terrificnewtheatre.com
Founded by Steve Stella and Carl Stewart in 1986, Terrific New Theatre (TNT) is the off-Broadway of Birmingham. Featuring avant garde performances, TNT thrills audiences with performances that aren’t seen anywhere else in town. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8 pm. Cash or checks only.
Theatre Downtown
2410 5th Ave. South;
205.565.8838; theatredowntown.org
Theatre Downtown was founded in 2006 and provides the city of Birmingham with cutting-edge contemporary theatre and a host of Alabama and Southeastern premieres. A traveling troupe, Theatre Downtown performs throughout the Birmingham area in a variety of locations.
Verizon Wireless Music Center
1000 Amphitheatre Road;
205.985.0703 ; theoakmountaintainamphitheater.com
Each year between April and October, some of the world’s top musicians perform in the beautiful outdoor arena, formerly known as Oak Mountain Amphitheatre. Fee varies with each performance. Now a LiveNation venue, located just south of the city, Highway 119 exit off I-65.
Virginia Samford Theatre
1116 26th Street S; 205.251.1206;
virginiasamfordtheatre.org
The Virginia Samford Theatre presents a wide variety of musicals. The charming historic theater with its park-side setting is located on Birmingham’s southside and has a lovely outdoor courtyard. Season begins each August.