14 Best Performing Arts in New Hampshire, USA

Barnstormers Theatre

Fodor's choice

Founded in 1931, this highly respected theater company presents dramas and comedies June–August.

Capitol Center for the Arts

Fodor's choice

The Egyptian-motif artwork, part of the original 1927 decor, has been restored in this historic 1,304-seat venue that now hosts touring Broadway shows, dance companies, and musical acts. A few blocks away (at 16 S. Main Street), the organization also operates Bank of NH Stage, a restored historic movie house that presents music, comedy, and other notable shows.

Flying Monkey

Fodor's choice
Set in downtown Plymouth's brightly restored 1920s movie house, this cinema and performing arts center presents dinner theater and other live comedy and music shows, plus retro movies. A balcony bar serves wine and beer.

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Music Hall

Fodor's choice

Beloved for its acoustics, the 895-seat hall built in 1878 presents top-drawer music concerts, from pop to classical, along with dance and theater. The more intimate Music Hall Lounge, around the corner, presents performances by noted musicians, authors, and comedians and serves light food and drinks.

Peterborough Players

Fodor's choice

This first-rate summer (mid-June–mid-September) theater troupe has been performing since 1933, these days presenting seven main-stage productions in a converted 18th-century barn throughout the summer. The Players also present children's shows in July and August.

Winnipesaukee Playhouse

Fodor's choice
Since this critically lauded theater opened in a rustic yet state-of-the-art red-barn-style venue in 2013, it's become one of the top performing arts centers in the region, presenting well-known Broadway shows and original dramas and comedies year-round.

Colonial Theatre

This beautifully renovated 1924 vaudeville theater presents comedy, music, and dance performances as well as occasional indie film screenings.

Interlakes Summer Theatre

During its 10-week season of summer stock, this striking 420-seat theater presents classic Broadway musicals like 42nd Street, Evita, and West Side Story.

Monadnock Music

From early summer through late autumn, Monadnock Music sponsors a series of solo recitals, chamber music concerts, and orchestra and opera performances by renowned musicians. Events take place throughout the area, and some of the offerings are free.

New London Barn Playhouse

Broadway-style musicals and children's plays are presented here every summer in New Hampshire's oldest continuously operating theater.

Peterborough Folk Music Society

The Music Society presents folk concerts by artists such as John Gorka, Red Molly, and Cheryl Wheeler at the Peterborough Players Theatre and Bass Hall at Monadnock Center.

Seacoast Repertory Theatre

Here you'll find a year-round schedule of musicals, classic dramas, and works by up-and-coming playwrights, as well as everything from a youth theater to drag cabaret nights.

The Palace Theatre

This 1914 former vaudeville house presents musicals and plays, comedy, and concerts throughout the year.

Weathervane Theatre

This beloved 250-seat theater near the Mountainview Grand Resort presents seven musicals each summer.