Princeton, NJ has always been a dynamic community. Historically speaking as well, the community was shaped by residents of all backgrounds. Artisans from around the world have largely contributed to the town’s rich history.
Princeton is home to many renowned theaters, mostly housed within the Princeton University Campus. Which is where most of the performing arts related Princeton events take place. Princeton University is known for their exceptional theater department and their performances do it justice each day.
Here is a comprehensive list of the best Princeton theaters you must check out!
McCarter Theater in Princeton, NJ
The McCarter Princeton Theater was initially built as a permanent home for the Princeton University Triangle Club, located within the campus even today most of the Princeton theater shows take place in the McCarter Theater.
During the 1930s, it gained popularity as a pre-Broadway showcase because of its large seating capacity and its proximity from New York. Popular shows like Our Town, You Can’t Take it with You, and The Male Animal all had their world premieres at McCarter.
The theater’s mission is focused on creating stories and experiences that enliven minds, expand imaginations and engage communities through performing arts.
With a variety of performances ranging from theater, dance, music and special events, the McCarter Theater offers a truly unique experience. Enjoy music from renowned artists like Laurie Berkner and catch a beautiful rendition of A Christmas Carol.
Check out the McCarter Theater, Princeton schedule on their website and do check out their next show!
| Location | 91 University Place
Princeton, New Jersey 08540 |
| Upcoming Shows/Events | Rodrigo y Gabriela Concert, Ship Happens: A Cruisical |
| Dates | April 28, May 24-May 25 |
The Berlind Theater
The Berlind theater is part of the McCarter Theater Complex on the Princeton campus. The Berlind theater is the venue for most programs in dance, theater and music productions.
The Berlind theater was born in the 1990s when the McCarter underwent renovations, it was named after Roger S. Berlind who was a Princeton graduate and producer.
The year 2000 commemorated the first premiere hosted in the theater, a major revival of David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross. The establishment of the Berlind theater extended the opportunities in theater for students of Princeton.
Find all Princeton events tickets on the theater websites and book tickets for the next show asap!
| Location | 91 University Place
Princeton, New Jersey 08540 |
| Upcoming Shows/Events | Choice- Play |
| Dates | May 8th Onwards till June 5th 2024 |
Princeton Symphony Orchestra
Are you eager to enjoy live music in Princeton? Check out the Princeton Symphony Orchestra! It was first founded in 1980, and paved the way for the Princeton music industry at the time. The Orchestra performs a range of music whether it is classical masterworks or introducing newly composed music.
The Princeton Symphony Orchestra is considered the pillar of the Princeton community and is one of New Jersey’s most revered musical organizations. They are also the receivers of many awards.
Most of the shows organized by the PSO are free to attend.
| Location | 68 Nassau St, Princeton, NJ 08540 |
| Upcoming Shows/Events | Orchestral Opera by Angel Blue with Princeton Symphony Orchestra |
| Dates | Jun 7, 2024 |
Villagers Theatre
Located just a short 20 minute drive from Princeton the Villagers Theatre is a beautiful culmination of performative arts. They even extend their opportunities to children and adolescents and encourage their participation. Villager’s produces five mainstage productions throughout the year, ranging from small dramas to large scale musicals. They aim to bring the vibes of Broadway to New Jersey with their productions.
The Villager’s theater has also increasingly valued community engagement among their productions. The company strongly believes that performing arts is a gateway of exploration, creativity and innovation for both the performers and audience.
| Location | 515 Demott Ln, Somerset, NJ 08873 |
| Upcoming Shows/Events | Carrie |
| Dates | July 28th Onwards till August 6th |
Passage Theater
The Passage Theatre produces plays that are socially relevant to raise awareness and educate the community. Located just a few miles from Princeton in Trenton , the Passage Theatre is a community theater which provides diverse perspectives, and inspiring voices through the art of theater.
Passage Theater is also a strong believer in the fact that theater has the power to transform both participants and audience, it is this vigor that they put into each production that captivates the audiences. Enjoy a show at the Passage Theater and take a valuable lesson back home with you.
| Location | 205 East Front Street
Trenton, NJ 08611 |
| Upcoming Shows/Events | Word on Front |
| Dates | May 3rd & 4th, 2024 |
And Scene!
Explore the arts and culture revelations of Princeton, New Jersey and explore the theatrical scene. Princeton University’s exceptional theater department was born in New Jersey and that is all the more reason to explore.
If you are a fan of theater you cannot miss out on these hidden cultural gems.
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