Memphis has a thriving arts community with lots of  theatre venues and companies offering a wide variety of theatre. There is an extraordinary amount of theatre happening in Memphis for the size of the city.

The Department of Theatre & Dance at the University of Memphis, has cultivated strong relationships between the department and the many theatres in town. Offering ample opportunities for student actors, designers and directors to be hired at theatres outside of the department.

Playhouse on the Square and Circuit Playhouse

• Recently celebrated its 35 anniversary and the opening of its new state-of-the-art facility in mid-town Memphis.
• Developed and Hosts UPTAS every year bringing major companies from around the country to Memphis.

Theatre Memphis

• One of the oldest and most successful community theatres in the country.
• Created the Ballew Fellowship for U of M students.
• Produces on two different stages; the Lohrey Stage and Next Stage.
• At one time was known to have the strongest subscriber base in the country.

TheatreWorks and Evergreen

• Serve as an incubator for the growth of smaller theatre companies, niche companies, giving Memphis a rich variety of theatre and artists a place to realize their dreams.

Hattiloo Theatre

• A black repertory theatre.
• Developing black theatre that is accessible, reflective, and relevant of a multicultural community.

Voices of the South

• Founded by U of M alums
• Created an internship with the Department of Theatre & Dance
• Recently had a show open off-Broadway in NYC.
• Currently touring the United States as guests of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in celebration of the 50th anniversary if the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Project:Motion

• A modern dance company founded by U of M alums
• Recently celebrated 20 anniversary

The Orpheum Theatre

• Major Broadway touring house in downtown Memphis
• Offers student rush tickets to national Broadway tours

There is an array of community theatres in the surrounding areas:

Germantown Community Theatre

Harrell Theatre

Bartlett Community Theatre

Desoto Family Theatre

Along with community theatres there are also several performing arts centers:

Germantown Performing Arts Center

Bartlett Performing Arts Center

Buckman Performing Arts Center

Memphis theatre has a long strong history and this is a very exciting time for the arts community in Memphis. Recently Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton, in an interview strongly supported for the arts and artists living in the city.