7 Awesome Theaters Around Dayton

Here in Dayton, Ohio, we know how to enjoy good theater and host a world-class performance. There are a number of theaters right in town, attracting local talent and Broadway musicals alike. Live theater can bring cultural awareness and expose people to different types of artistic performances. Going to a show is an incredible experience, and we are so lucky to have numerous options here in Dayton. Whether you’re based in Dayton or just visiting for a weekend show, you’ll have to keep a list of all the amazing venues to choose from.

If you want to get to all of these amazing spots, you’ll certainly need a reliable set of wheels. Head to Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, right nearby in Centerville, to get a new or certified pre-owned car. Once you’re behind the wheel of your new vehicle, you’ll be ready to set off towards the next theater performance.

We’ve listed our top recommendations for awesome theaters here, focused mostly on community and live theater. We also include one or two unique movie theaters, because that’s also a great way to find new films and performances.

The Loft Theatre

The Loft Theatre at the Metropolitan Arts Center is an intimate, 212-seat performance space in downtown Dayton. Due to its design as a three-quarter stage, no seat is more than 20 feet away from the actors. The building itself was once the Metropolitan Department Store, which was renovated and reopened in 1991 to house multiple art and performance organizations. The Loft is home to the Human Race Theatre Company, which in 2021 celebrated 35 seasons of performances in downtown Dayton. Performances range from American classics to brand new cutting-edge dramas. The Loft also hosts regular educational and community programs.

Schuster Performing Arts Center

The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center is a world-class center that hosts local, regional, and global performances. A large complex, the Center encompasses the entire Second Street block in downtown Dayton. There are two theaters within its walls: the Mead Theatre and the Mathile Theatre.

The Mead Theatre is the heart of the center, with a 2,300-person facility that can host a wide variety of shows. A highlight of the venue is its ceiling, which uses intricate fiber optic lights to depict the Dayton sky as it appeared to the Wright brothers on the eve of their first flight. The Mead Theatre can accommodate orchestra performances, musicals, opera, theater, and dance shows.

The more intimate Mathile Theatre is often used by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and Dayton Opera for rehearsal, and for small-scale performances. It can also be rented for private events and shows.

You can visit their website for further details and to book tickets.

Blair Hall Theatre

Located in the Sinclair Community College, Blair Hall Theatre is a 445-seat auditorium that is available for the entire Dayton community for arts and performances. The College’s theater and music departments use this space to host a variety of shows for students and the general public. While most shows are completely produced, directed, and acted by students in these programs, they also sometimes bring in local performers and artists.

Next time you visit, be sure to check out the intricate ceiling — it’s made of some 21,825 pieces of wood.

Victoria Theatre

Image via Dayton Live

The Victoria Theatre dates back to 1866, when it first opened its doors as the Turner Opera House. Renovated after a fire and reopened in 1871, it has changed names over the years but has always retained its charm and grandeur. Many of Dayton’s local art organizations and performing groups use the Victoria Theatre for their shows.

There’s always something interesting to see at this local theater, from performances by and for kids, to circus acts, to cover bands, to interpretive dance, and much more. Find this venue at the corner of First and Main Streets.

Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape

The Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape is home to the Dayton Theatre Guild, an institution that has been putting on performances since 1945. While they’ve changed venues over the years (finally settling at TheatreScape in 2009), the premise has remained the same. They have a tradition of producing lesser-known plays while also bringing traditional and contemporary classics.

The casts are all volunteer, including crews and administration, making this a truly community-focused theatrical experience. Recent productions include “Morning’s at Seven,” a drama, and “Women in Jeopardy!,” a murder mystery.

Dayton Dinner Theater

If dinner and a movie is more your preference, head to the Dayton Dinner Theater for one of their classic film showings combined with gourmet meals and themed cocktails. Before screenings, they often have live music performances by a local band or jazz ensemble. The films are interactive, including quote contests, trivia, and fun facts. Meals and beverages are crafted by their in-house chef.

While the theater was only opened in 2019, the ambiance takes you back in time. Upcoming films include the “Wizard of Oz,” “Airplane!,” and “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”

Black Box Improv Theater

Why not try something completely different, and visit the local Black Box Improv Theater? If a night full of laughs is what you’re hoping for, then this is certainly the place to be. Shows are performed live every Wednesday to Saturday, are highly interactive, and completely improvised for a unique experience every time. The improvisors are trained locally (you can also sign up for classes) and they have over 500 students and alumni. Bring along a bottle of wine and enjoy a night of fun.

Support Local in Dayton

Visiting the theater is a great way to support local artists and performers. Luckily, here in Dayton, there’s a long list of venues and production halls where you can see local talent doing what they do best. Did we miss your top spot to catch local or national productions? Let us know, as we’re always looking to update our list.

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