How to Find Great Theater in Boston

Boston's theater scene is thriving. Finding it is another story.

Unlike Broadway, where dozens of productions are concentrated in one place, Boston's theater companies are spread across the region, each with its own season, audience, and marketing. The result? It's surprisingly easy to miss a great show. Here's how to stay on top of what's playing.

Digital Discovery

One of the easiest ways to browse shows that fit your schedule is to pick one of the various local digital calendars that give a comprehensive timeline of upcoming shows. The most visually appealing is the Meet Boston performing arts calendar. By going to the month you’re hoping to catch a show, you can see a list of the titles, summaries, dates and locations of all the productions happening in town. You’ll’ need to click through to the theater you select to buy tickets. Another great option is the ArtsBoston Bostix Calendar which requires a bit more filtering but is equally informative. At ArtsBoston you can also find discounted tickets. It’s where the Scene staff regularly score cheap(er) tickets for Broadway in Boston and other presenters.

The Direct Approach

Of course, prospective theater-goers can always pick a few local companies they’ve enjoyed before, are nearby or that they are curious about and visit those websites directly to find out what’s playing when. Many theaters also have email newsletters that will offer a foolproof way of directly receiving advertisements, extensions, cast changes and early-bird ticket drops about their productions. Picking the right theater company for your interests is key, though, as ticket presales open soon! To help you pick, let’s break down some basics:

Regional Leaders: These local companies produce full seasons of classic, contemporary, and new plays, often acting as launchpads for future Broadway hits. Look for The Huntington, American Repertory Theater, SpeakEasy Stage Company, Central Square Theater, Actors' Shakespeare Project or Lyric Stage.

The "Big Ones" in Boston: Looking for a bona fide Broadway blockbuster? These organizations present large-scale musicals and national tours in some of Boston's most iconic venues all season long. Look for Broadway in Boston, Emerson Colonial Theatre, and the Boch Center.

Bold New Ideas: These companies are home to adventurous, boundary-pushing work that often can't be found anywhere else. Expect new plays, experimental productions, and artists redefining what theater can be. Look for Boston Playwrights' Theatre, Company One Theatre, and Open Theatre Project.

Looking To the Experts

If you thrive on recommendations to pick what to see, Boston is not a city short on critics. Many reviewers get early access to shows  to let theater-goers know if they think a show is worth your time. So, if you’re still looking for options or are on the fence of buying tickets, finding an organization that aligns with your priorities of what makes a production “good” is a great avenue to finding shows this season. 

A straightforward option is taking a look at the theatre news page of the Boston Globe at the beginning of a show’s run. If you’re more partial to audio-formats, the folks at GBH News have The Culture Show dedicated to Boston’s arts and culture scene, though because the show covers arts comprehensively finding theater specifically can be challenging.  WBUR also publishes The ARTery, a weekly arts and culture newsletter which keeps readers updated on all the creative things happening in and around Boston. Lastly, if you’re someone who appreciates inclusion and diversity within the theater scene, check out the independent reviewers at the New England Theatre Geek! Theater insiders also love Joyce's Choices. There’s many more options for solid recommendations to help create your list of productions this season, but these are all a great start. 

Finally, Scene in Boston

At Scene in Boston, we believe discovering theater should feel exciting, not overwhelming. We help theatergoers navigate their choices through interviews, guides, and behind-the-scenes conversations that provide context—not reviews—so you can decide what sounds most interesting to you. 

Whether you're a lifelong subscriber, a Broadway fan looking to explore local companies, or someone thinking about buying your very first theater ticket, we're here to help you find your next great night at the theater.

Did we miss a favorite resource or theater company? We'd love to hear from you. Send us a note and tell us how you discover shows—or what you'd like us to cover next. After all, the best recommendations often come from fellow audience members.

Atlanta Moss, a contributor to Scene in Boston, is a journalism student at Western Washington University. She has had a casual love of theatre since she was a background flapper in her middle school’s production of Charleston!