While I am a lover and supporter of and my knuckles aren't dragging the ground! I think that athletics add a lot of value to the atmosphere, economy, and culture of any city. The same can also be said for a city's public parks and greenspaces. Equally important is a city's commitment to a vibrant art community, not the least of which is the theater scene.

This post is dedicated to Atlanta's theater community. Atlanta is one of the largest major metropolitan centers in the entire United States, so please understand that it would be virtually impossible to highlight all of the theaters not only in the city but in the 13 counties that comprise the metro area. Because of this, I have limited this blog to major theaters "in" the city itself, excluding the many theatrical organizations that exist on the numerous college campuses in Atlanta and the smaller theater companies. A blog may be forthcoming on theaters outside the city and a separate blog on the college campus organizations and smaller theaters companies. That said:

House lights down and curtain up...

First and foremost is the grande dame of the Atlanta theater scene, the Fox Theatre This beautiful theater was designed and built in the 1920's as the headquarters for the Shriner's. It was originally the Yaarab Temple Shrine Mosque. This is quite a stunning structure. Notice in the photo above, two of the four minarets that are commonplace in mosques. Walking towards the lobby of the building from the street feels like walking the red carpet and if you look down, you are walking the red carpet. The lobby of the theater and the interior of the theater are ornately carved and heavily gilded. The entire structure is very reminiscent of a beautiful Persian skyline. The ceiling goes from a light blue sky full of stars to a darker blue sky the longer one is in the theater to mimic the natural darkening of the sky as evening wears on. This magnificent building plays host to a wide array of productions. I have been on several occasions and seen something quite different each time. I saw the Vienna Boy's Choir with my sister, Prince with a friend of mine, and Stomp with yet another friend. They all seemed to fit perfectly with this theater of many faces. This theater is a must see, even if it is just for a public tour, when in Atlanta.

Next up would be two separate theaters, one with three separate stages and the other with two separate stages. These theaters owe their existence, in part, to whose world headquarters is here in our wonderful city. Atlanta Coca-Cola magnate Robert W. Woodruff was a generous supporter of which houses both of these theaters, in addition to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the High Museum of Art. The first of these theaters is the 14th Street Playhouse This is a wonderful theater that has 3 separate stages. At any given time each of these stages might be staging a different production. Housed within this theater are two production companies, Art Within and Theatre Gael. Art Within tends to focus on today's issues and offer messages of truth and hope. Theatre Gael focuses on the cultural identity and history of Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. The other theater is the Alliance Theatre This wonderful theater of distinction has launched significant national works including Alice Walker's and Elton John and Tim Rice's

Lastly is the Center For Puppetry Arts This is the largest American organization that is devoted to the art of puppet theater! Puppet master, Jim Henson himself opened this theater in 1978 along with his most famous puppet creation Kermit the Frog This unique theater is a place of wonder that has both entertained and educated children and adults on the puppetry arts. I think the mission statement of this theater says it all:

The Center for Puppetry Arts' mission is to entertain and enlighten audiences, nurture the world community of artists, expand the puppetry art form, and explore the past, present, and future of puppetry.

These are just a sampling of the largest theaters in the city of Atlanta. Many of the photos are clickable links that take you to that particular theater's homepage where you can get more info on the theaters and upcoming events. I would recommend, without hesitation, taking in a production at any of these marvelous theaters when you next visit our vibrant city!

About the Author

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