Charleston Theatres for Every Age Group

From local artists to nationally recognized acts, Charleston offers theatrical performances for all ages. You can get a babysitter or bring the entire family, depending on the evening. Here’s a list of Charleston theatres for every age group.

Family Friendly

• Charleston Stage Company
• At the Dock
• At the Historic Dock Street Theatre, which recently underwent a $19-million renovation, Charleston Stage has premiered more than 30 new plays and musicals. And this one’s for the children as well. Art education is a cornerstone of Charleston Stage’s mission, bringing drama, literature and history to more than 20,000 young people in the Lowcountry each year.

• The Footlight Players Theatre
• 20 Queen Street
• The Footlight Players launched in 1931 with a series of one-act plays at the Charleston Navy Yard. What began as a small group has become a Charleston theatrical tradition, built and strengthened over time. Now their mission is to provide quality, affordable and barrier-free community theatre that’s of a professional caliber. The Footlight Players Theatre offers shows for all ages, with tickets at just $18 for those 12 and under.

• Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre
• 164 Church Street
• Three comic mysteries run most evenings at the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre. They also run some “beat-the-heat” mornings/matinees. This venue has showings for every age group. Inspector NoClue’s Murder Mystery is perfect for a date night away from the kiddos, or bring the entire family to The Pirate Mystery Treasure Show! Owners/producers Darryl and Sherry Wade have nearly two decades of experience in the live comic-mystery entertainment industry. They also do a weekly ticket giveaway!

• Threshold Repertory Theatre
• 84 ½ Society Street
• The company finished construction in 2011 on its state-of-the-art black-box theatre. The space is intimate and versatile, offering a flexible performance venue for local artists of all kinds. In addition to their regular schedule of performances, they offer a comedy showcase, open mic night, and are rolling out a full season of children’s theatre.

Adults Only

• PURE Theatre
• 477 King Street
• Couple artistic risk-taking with a commitment to address real life issues and you’ll have PURE Theatre. The 13 ensemble actors at PURE have built a reputation for artistic excellence in provocative contemporary theatre. Accolades include 7 Best Actor/Actress awards, Best Play/Best One Person Play awards, and 2 Artist Fellowships in Acting and Playwriting from the SC Arts Commission. You will want to leave the kids at home for this one.

• Theatre 99
• 280 Meeting Street
• You can catch original hilarity almost every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night at Theatre 99. They also do annual festivals several times a year showcasing top comedic talent from around the United States. Known as  “Charleston’s Home for Improv Comedy,” they offer sketch and standup, music and cabaret as well. Get a sitter for your children though, as most shows are typically PG-13 and contain adult language.

As you plan your itinerary for vacation, don’t forget to reserve your room at the Governor’s House Inn, a historic Charleston bed and breakfast. Check our availability here! Photo courtesy of: North Charleston