Theater has played a vital role in society since the birth of language. In the earliest days of our nation, storytelling on stage was a way to foster community, strengthen cultural identity, and pass down wisdom to younger generations.
Today, this legacy of creative and cultural expression continues to thrive in Williamsburg, where you’ll find some of the highest-quality theater productions in the region. Here’s where to find upcoming shows and how to maximize your evening out on the town!
Catch a Show at These Top Theaters
Williamsburg Players
For nearly 70 years, Williamsburg Players has been producing rousing community theater, including comedic and dramatic plays as well as musical productions. Recently named “Best Performing Arts Venue on the Peninsula” by Coastal Virginia magazine, this enthusiastic and experienced group of amateur actors puts on a balanced blend of classics like “Cabaret” and annual showings of “A Christmas Carol” as well as modern productions like “Sister Act” and “Matilda.”
Know Before You Go: It’s a small house – just 224 seats – so we suggest getting tickets in advance of your visit. Williamsburg Players offers accessible parking, wheelchair access/seating, and assistive listening devices. Grab dinner before the show at Casa Pearl, where you can pair craft cocktails like the War & Pisco with outstanding Oyster Po-Boy Tacos.
Kimball Theatre
The Kimball Theatre has quite the impressive pedigree. Opened in 1933 as the Williamsburg Theatre by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., it joins New York’s Radio City Music Hall and The Roxy Theatre as one of only three original RKO properties. At this historic – and possibly haunted – venue, you can see everything from jazz, opera, and big band music to youth productions of “The Wizard of Oz” and “We Shall Overcome: A Williamsburg Black History Experience.”
Know Before You Go: The Kimball Theatre is located in Merchants Square, in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. With just over 400 seats, the theater sells out for many performances; check the calendar to see what’s playing when you visit. Accessible parking and seating (first level only) are available. For a pre-show bite, join birds of a feather at Fat Canary – sit upstairs for award-winning occasion cuisine, or head downstairs for casual, tapas-style small plates.
William & Mary Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) Memorial Hall
What better place to embrace the performing arts than in a constellation of tomorrow’s stars? That’s precisely what you can do at William & Mary’s Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) Memorial Hall, the collection of venues serving the college’s Theatre & Performance department. On the main stage at The Glenn Close Theatre – named for the talented alumna – you can see student-produced plays, musicals, and dance events as well as performances by the Virginia Regional Ballet.
Know Before You Go: PBK Hall is in the Arts Quarter of the William & Mary campus. While the overall facility offers accessible parking, seating, and restrooms, it’s wise to double-check whether your event’s specific venue can accommodate your needs. If you can, leave yourself time for a visit to the Muscarelle Museum of Art, offering 7,000 objects spanning media and movement.
Wagsters Magic Theatre
The only professional magic show in town, Wagsters Magic Theatre has been transforming skeptics into true believers since 2010. Husband-and-wife team Hannah and Brandon share a Merlin Award, magic’s OscarTM equivalent for “Best Theatrical Magic Production” – along with a dedication to inspiring lots of oohs and ahhs.
Know Before You Go: While Wagsters productions are 100% family friendly, they do feature theatrical elements that may be too intense for children under five. Service animals are welcome. Even the stage is accessible, so guests of all abilities can join the fun (if desired). If you’re visiting with kids, nearby Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf makes for an exciting pairing.
Beyond the Performing Arts: Museums, Live Music, & More
Don’t miss a visit to Williamsburg’s art museums! The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum features 17th- to 19th-century furniture, silver, textiles, and ceramics. Under the same roof, tour the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, showcasing essentially American artworks rich with cultural heritage.
Art and music converge at the area’s top festivals. In summer, see national acts at Williamsburg Live, an annual outdoor music festival. Or take a stroll at the nearly year-round 2nd Sundays Williamsburg, a free street fair with artisans, musicians, street performers, food vendors, and more. In the fall, An Occasion for the Arts is a top arts and music festival (also free). Catch live music throughout the year at various venues, from town squares to breweries.