Ultimate Guide to Live Theatre in Savannah, Georgia

New Oak Theatre is a non-equity professional theatre company dedicated to producing a diverse repertoire of plays and musicals spanning classic theatrical works to new contemporary pieces. Currently operating as a resident company at Tybee Post Theater (10 Van Horne Ave, Tybee Island), New Oak Theatre is actively planning its expansion into a dedicated venue. In Fall 2026, the company will launch its own intimate black box dinner theatre featuring exclusive seating (100 or fewer guests) with 4-6 week production runs and an ambitious 6-show-per-week performance schedule. This transition will allow New Oak Theatre to establish a permanent cultural anchor while maintaining the artist-focused, innovative programming that defines the company.

New Oak Theatre presents a carefully curated season featuring Broadway musicals, contemporary plays, classic dramatic works, and innovative new works with professional-level production values, choreography, and technical design. The company's non-equity status allows artistic flexibility and focus on creative excellence over commercial constraints. Productions typically run 4-6 weeks with 6 shows per week (projected for new venue), providing consistent performance opportunities and audience accessibility. The theatre's artist-driven approach emphasizes storytelling that ranges from intimate character-driven dramas to sweeping musical spectacles, all executed with meticulous attention to theatrical craft.

Attending New Oak Theatre offers an immersive theatrical experience defined by artistic integrity and intimate scale. The upcoming black box dinner theatre format will create an exclusive, sophisticated atmosphere where diners can enjoy wine and cuisine while experiencing live professional theatre mere feet away. The 100-seat intimate venue maximizes connection between performers and audience members, ensuring no seat feels distant from the stage. Six shows per week (projected) provide unprecedented accessibility for theatre-goers' schedules. The dinner theatre concept combines Savannah's culinary reputation with professional-caliber live performance, creating a complete sensory experience that elevates theatre-going into an evening of celebration and cultural engagement.

The Historic Savannah Theatre holds the extraordinary distinction of being America's longest continuously operating theatre since 1818. Located at 222 Bull Street in the heart of downtown Savannah, this magnificent venue combines over two centuries of theatrical tradition with professional Broadway-caliber productions. The ornate 19th-century architecture, elaborate woodwork, and period chandeliers transport visitors to an era of grand theatrical splendor, creating an atmospheric setting that enhances every performance.

The resident professional company presents full Broadway musicals throughout the year, with recent and upcoming productions including classics like The Sound of Music, Grease, Million Dollar Quartet, and the musical variety show Savannah Live. Each production features professionally choreographed dance numbers, full orchestrations, dazzling costume designs, and exceptional vocal performances by trained professional actors. Shows typically run for multi-week engagements (2-6 weeks per production), allowing visitors flexibility in scheduling. The theatre also offers nightly Haunted Theatre Investigation tours beginning at 10:30pm, featured on The Travel Channel.

A night at the Historic Savannah Theatre blends historical ambiance with high-energy Broadway entertainment. The intimate multi-level seating (floor, lower balcony, and upper balcony with approximately 600 seats total) ensures every audience member feels connected to performers on stage. Most performances run 2-2.5 hours including intermission and are suitable for families. The downtown Bull Street location makes it convenient to combine theatre visits with pre-show dinners at nearby restaurants and post-show walks through Savannah's historic squares. The theatre's box office operates Mon-Tue 10am-4pm and Wed-Sat 10am-8pm.

Tybee Post Theater is a beautifully restored historic theatre built in 1930 as a movie house for soldiers stationed at Fort Screven Army base. After going dark in the mid-1960s, this community treasure reopened in September 2015 following an extensive restoration by the nonprofit Friends of the Tybee Theater. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and 206-seat intimate venue located in the Fort Screven Historic District, the theatre operates as a performing arts and cultural center integral to island life. The modest Greek revival architecture with red brick and white wooden cornices preserves its military heritage while serving modern entertainment needs.

The theatre presents a diverse year-round calendar including live music concerts (almost every weekend featuring local Savannah performers, tribute acts, singer-songwriters, and national touring musicians), first-run and classic films, comedy performances, dance and theatrical productions, lectures, workshops, and special events. Programming emphasizes variety to serve both Tybee residents and coastal visitors. The venue hosts acting workshops with industry professionals (directors and actors from major TV shows like Dynasty, Snowfall, The Vampire Diaries), sound healing sessions, and other cultural enrichment programs. The theatre also rents for private events including weddings, corporate meetings, film shoots, and community gatherings.

Attending shows at Tybee Post Theater delivers an intimate nostalgic experience just a block from the Atlantic Ocean in the historic Fort Screven district. The 206-seat capacity ensures close connection to performers in a community-supported atmosphere. Most visitors combine theatre with beach activities, Tybee Island Lighthouse visits, and waterfront dining at nearby seafood restaurants. The casual beach setting makes theatre accessible—no formal dress codes, just relaxed coastal entertainment. As a nonprofit venue supported by community donations and ticket sales, attending shows directly supports arts preservation on Tybee Island. Box office hours: Mon-Thu 10am-4pm, Fri 10am-12pm.

Front Porch Improv is Savannah's premier improvisational comedy theatre, founded by four former New Yorkers who brought professional improv training to Georgia's coast. The talented ensemble includes graduates from renowned institutions including Upright Citizens Brigade (NYC), People's Improv Theatre (NYC), iO Chicago, The Groundlings (LA), and Theatre 99 (Charleston), plus locally-grown Savannah talent. The intimate venue at 210 W Victory Drive creates a fun, casual atmosphere where audience members sit close to the stage, fostering direct interaction between performers and attendees that makes improv comedy thrive.

The comedy troupe presents stellar improv comedy shows featuring audience-driven performances where every show is completely unique. Beyond regular improv performances, Front Porch Improv produces the annual Savannah Comedy Fest (bringing national and regional comedy acts to Savannah), operates 'Savannah for Morons: The Trolley Tour' (a comedic historical tour), and offers business workshops teaching improv skills for corporate communication. The company performs private shows for parties and events. Classes and workshops teach improvisational comedy skills for all levels, from beginners to advanced performers. The theatre has performed at major festivals including Chicago Improv Festival, New York SketchFest, and DC Comedy Festival.

Attending Front Porch Improv delivers an unpredictable, laugh-filled evening where your suggestions directly shape what happens on stage. Performers build scenes, characters, and narratives from audience input in real-time, creating comedy that cannot be replicated. The casual atmosphere, affordable ticket prices, and Victory Drive location (near historic downtown) make it perfect for date nights, friend gatherings, or anyone seeking accessible entertainment. Connect Savannah calls Front Porch Improv 'a leading force in the local comedy scene, consistently providing incredible improv comedy performances.' Memberships available through their website for regular attendees.

Savannah Children's Theatre dedicates itself to introducing young audiences to the transformative power of live theatrical performance through age-appropriate musicals, plays, and interactive experiences. The organization produces professional-quality productions specifically designed for children and families, combining engaging storytelling with lessons about creativity, confidence, and artistic expression. Many productions feature young performers, providing children with stage experience in supportive, educational environments.

Programming includes both shows performed by children and professional productions presented for young audiences. Youth theatre workshops teach acting, singing, movement, and stagecraft to participants aged 5-18. The organization welcomes school groups with discounted matinee performances and educational tie-ins that support classroom learning. Future expansion plans include year-round programming, expanded workshop offerings, and partnerships with schools to integrate theatre arts into broader educational experiences. The mix of professional adult facilitators and volunteer parent support creates sustainable programming.

Bringing children to Savannah Children's Theatre creates formative experiences with live performance arts. Productions run 60-90 minutes, appropriate for young attention spans, with colorful sets, energetic performances, and interactive elements that engage audiences. Matinee scheduling accommodates family schedules and school field trips. The theatre's welcoming environment encourages children to experience theatre without intimidation, building lifelong appreciation for performing arts. Affordable family ticket packages make it accessible for parents to introduce multiple children to live theatre without prohibitive costs.

Savannah Repertory Theatre (Savannah Rep) collaborates with bold artists to craft unique theatrical experiences that reflect the values of the region. Founded with a mission to champion innovative storytelling and carve out spaces where diverse voices thrive, the Rep serves as a catalyst for community transformation through professional theatre. The company focuses on contemporary works, new plays, and musicals that push boundaries while remaining accessible to diverse audiences.

The Rep produces a curated season of contemporary plays, new works, and innovative musicals that challenge and engage audiences. Recent productions have included acclaimed works like 'Tiny Beautiful Things,' 'Once,' 'The 39 Steps,' and other contemporary theatrical pieces. The company offers educational programs through their Education & Outreach Director, workshops, and community engagement initiatives. Season subscriptions include flexible ticket packages (3, 6, or 10 show bundles) and Opening Night subscriptions that provide access to every premiere. The Rep performs at various venues including Vintage Events Center and special performance spaces throughout Savannah.

Attending a Savannah Rep production delivers contemporary professional theatre with intimate production values and bold artistic choices. Shows typically run 90 minutes to 2 hours, often performed in non-traditional theatre spaces that create immersive, up-close experiences with performers. The Rep embraces innovative staging and diverse storytelling that reflects modern themes and regional perspectives. Productions appeal to theatre enthusiasts seeking thought-provoking, professionally executed contemporary work beyond traditional Broadway fare. The organization's 'Expect Something Different' tagline captures their commitment to artistic risk-taking and fresh theatrical voices.