Being first is always best, and the Footlight Players have been first in Charleston theater since 1931. That longstanding tradition of artistic excellence and commitment to their craft is what has made the Footlight Players the city's premier group of actors and performers. Some of their recent productions include South Pacific as well as several unconventional endeavors with their Late Night Theatre group that are presented in exclusive engagements. So if you've had a fine dinner and want to do something a little different tonight, let the Footlight Players provide some unforgettable entertainment for your evening in Charleston.
Formerly known as the Gloria Theatre, the Sottile Theatre is a first-class performing arts venue located on the campus of the College of Charleston. The theater hosts several events that range from ballets to Broadway musicals, concerts and operas. The Sottile has an impressive history, as it opened its doors back in 1927 and has gained the faithful support of art lovers and theater-goers in Charleston for several years. The 785-seat entertainment venue is a work of art itself, as it features state of the art sound and staging technologies as well as a layout that includes a balcony, dinner at a a piazza and other reception rooms.
The Charleston Stage Company lives up to the magnitude of its name, offering entertainment for the whole family. Founded in 1978 by playwright Julian Wiles, this venue is the state's largest professional theater company in operation and it resides in the city's equally impressive Dock Street Theatre. The quality of their productions is quite impressive as the performers and directors are not only seasoned professionals but also meticulous when it comes to honing their craft to the finest detail. Shows such as Chicago, Inga Binga and more are slated throughout the season, and special workshops and presentations for children are also slated at various times of the year.
Charleston's unbreakable ties with history are everywhere, and your evening at the theater is no exception. The Dock Street Theatre has the distinction of being the first theater ever opened in the United States, meaning it's been delivering entertainment for a long time. While the original structure of the Dock Theatre burned down, it has been rebuilt on the very same site and continues the tradition of staging some of the most impressive productions in town. The theater is also the venue for Charleston's popular Spoleto arts festival and remains the city's focal point for great artistic expression.
Theatre 99 is a one-stop shop for great improvisational entertainment as well as a fine place to get a great deli-style meal. Enjoy a beer or a sandwich or anything else from the casual menu while the Have Nots, one of the area's more popular improvisational troupes, takes the stage to bring you some much-needed laughter to help you unwind over your meal and forget the stresses of the week. Various acts from the area as well as the region perform at Theatre 99, so make sure to check back regularly and come on back to get your fill of a great meal that also comes with a main course of improv.