Where to See Live Theater in the Sacramento Region

They say all the world’s a stage, and in the greater Sacramento area, you have plenty of stages to choose from! The city is renowned for its performing arts scene and you can see world-class acts at venues around the region. From Broadway-style musicals to community theater and children’s theater, there’s something for every theater buff. Following are some of the top spots in the Sacramento region for live theater.

Broadway Sacramento | Downtown

Photo courtesy Broadway Sacramento

Broadway Sacramento is THE place for musical theater in Sacramento. The company has two distinct divisions: Broadway on Tour, which performs at the Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center, and Broadway at Music Circus, which performs at the U.C. Davis Health Pavilion, both in downtown Sacramento. Broadway on Tour features top-notch traveling productions, including well-known shows such as Annie, Le Misérables, and Hamilton, while Broadway at Music Circus offers a traditional theater in the round.

Roseville Theatre Arts Academy | Roseville

This award-winning children’s theater company in downtown Roseville specializes in live theater and musical theater productions. Their offerings are kid-friendly shows such as Seussical the Musical, The Wizard of Oz, and The Little Mermaid. Not only do they put on great shows, they also have workshops and classes (and casting) for kids as young as 4, as well as adults.

Woodland Opera House | Woodland

Photo courtesy Woodland Opera House

Built in the late 1800s, the Woodland Opera House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of only four fully functioning 19th century opera houses in California! Although it retains its historic charm, it has all the updated technology needed for a modern show. Upcoming performances include School of Rock, the Descendants and Damn Yankees. They also have classes and workshops for both adults and kids.

Homes for sale in Yolo County

Harris Center for the Arts | Folsom

Located at Folsom Lake College, this state-of-the-art facility hosts every type of performing art imaginable, including ballet, music, magic, comedy and more. But the main attractions are its theater performances, which include Broadway-style acts such as Jesus Christ Superstar.

El Dorado Musical Theatre | El Dorado Hills

Photo courtesy El Dorado Musical Theatre

Based in El Dorado Hills, this local youth theater troupe puts on pro-level performances, most of which are held at the Harris Center in Folsom. Big-name productions have included High School Musical, Newsies, and Mary Poppins. They also have classes and their auditions are open to everyone in the community.

The Sofia/B Street Theater | Midtown

Located in midtown Sacramento, The Sofia (actually the Sofia Tsakopoulos Center for Performing Arts) is home to the B Street Theatre, founded in 1986. They put on a range of shows for both adults and children, ranging from debut acts to classics. Upcoming shows include Snow Fever, about Christmas gone awry, and A Christmas Carol. They also host comedy, music and dance.

Rocklin Community Theatre | Rocklin

Photo courtesy Rocklin Community Theatre

Housed in Rocklin’s historic Finnish Temperance Hall, this community theater hosts at least six shows each year, both standard and modern acts. Beauty and the Beast, Oklahoma! and Elf are just a few of the shows they’ve put on over the years. They also have classes, workshops, and auditions for actors of all ages. 

Homes for sale in Rocklin

Davis Musical Theatre Company | Davis

A night with the Davis Musical Theatre Company is sure to be a good time! They offer lively productions such as Seussical the Musical, Fiddler on the Roof and Oklahoma! They also have a youth theater that puts on popular shows such as High School Musical and Marry Poppins, as well as a storybook theater for the littlest ones.

Imagination Theater | Placerville

Photo courtesy Imagination Theater

This Placerville-based theater company is community theater at its best! They produce a wide variety of live performances each year, ranging from drama and comedy to children’s shows and variety shows. Past shows have included Grease, Peter Pan, and Alice in Wonderland. They’re currently showing Matilda and will be auditioning for Winnie the Pooh next year.

Sacramento Theatre Company | Downtown

Also housed at the Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center in downtown Sacramento, Sacramento Theatre Company is one of the largest performing arts institutions in the region. The season stretches from September to May, offering a range of classical, musical and contemporary plays. Past performances have included The Sound of Music, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and It’s a Wonderful Life, among many others. They have a series just for kids, as well as kids acting/dancing/singing classes.

Capital Stage | Midtown

Photo courtesy Capital Stage

Founded in 2005, Capital Stage is a nonprofit company that puts on seven full-length live performances a year. Its midtown theater hosts bold, thought-provoking shows that touch on politics, race, religion, and culture. They also host special events such as holiday shows, wine Wednesdays, and discussions with cast and crew members. They also offer classes.

Winters Theatre Company | Winters

The Winters Theatre Company has been entertaining audiences in Winters for more than four decades! They host a number of performances throughout the year, including The Miracle Worker, Much Ado About Nothing, and As You Like It. They also have a 10 Minute Play Festival featuring the work of local playwrights. They have been performing at the Winters Community Center but will be moving to the historic Winters Opera House in December of 2023.

Auburn State Theatre | Auburn

This historic theater in Auburn is home to the State Theatre Acting Company, which puts on hits such as Annie, Mamma Mia! and The Music Man. They also have unique performances, including a live radio play; this December, it will be It’s a Wonderful Life.

Homes for sale under $600,000