Theater Companies
Acacia Theatre Company
2224 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee
Founded in 1980, Acacia Theatre Company is an independent, nonprofit, interdenominational Christian theater company that explores the intersection of art, faith and the human experience. Its repertoire includes both faith-based and secular works chosen to inspire reflection and conversation. Acacia produces three mainstage plays plus a special Christmas production each season and also maintains a touring program serving schools, churches and community organizations. Performances are held at The Norvell Commons at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 7845 N. River Road. Telephone: (414) 744-5995.
First Stage
325 W. Walnut St., Milwaukee
One of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families, First Stage combines professional theater productions, theater education and extensive training opportunities for young performers. Founded in 1987, the company has presented more than 70 world premieres. Its nationally recognized Theater Academy serves young people ages 3–18, while its Theater in Education programs bring arts-integrated learning into area schools. First Stage is also the second-largest theater company in Milwaukee and employs professional Actors’ Equity performers. Telephone: (414) 267-2929; Box Office: (414) 267-2966.
Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway, 5th Floor, Milwaukee
Celebrating 50 years of theater in Milwaukee, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre produces intimate, high-quality professional productions with a particular commitment to employing and nurturing local theater artists. Its productions range from contemporary and classic plays to new works and world premieres, offering audiences an intimate alternative to larger theatrical productions. Performances are held at the Broadway Theatre Center in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. Box Office: (414) 291-7800.
Milwaukee Repertory Theater (Milwaukee Rep)
Associated Bank Theater Center, 108 E. Wells St., Milwaukee
Wisconsin’s largest performing arts organization and one of the nation’s leading regional theaters, Milwaukee Rep has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural scene for more than seven decades. Its newly transformed Associated Bank Theater Center opened in fall 2025, creating a state-of-the-art downtown destination with the Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater, Herro-Franke Studio Theater and Stackner Cabaret, along with education, engagement and public gathering spaces. The Rep presents an ambitious mix of Broadway musicals, American classics, contemporary theater, new works and world premieres. Its annual production of A Christmas Carol is presented at the historic Pabst Theater. Ticket Office: (414) 224-9490.
Next Act Theatre
255 S. Water St., Milwaukee
Located in Walker’s Point, Next Act Theatre specializes in intimate, powerful and thought-provoking professional theater. Its productions explore contemporary issues, relationships and the human experience, with an emphasis on stories that stimulate conversation, challenge assumptions and introduce audiences to new perspectives. Its programming includes established works as well as new plays and world premieres. Telephone: (414) 278-0765.
Renaissance Theaterworks
255 S. Water St., Milwaukee
Renaissance Theaterworks is one of Milwaukee’s distinctive professional theater companies, known for its commitment to “Theater By Women For Everyone.” Founded and led by women, the company develops and produces compelling works that expand opportunities for women on stage and behind the scenes while exploring a broad range of human experiences. Renaissance Theaterworks shares its Walker’s Point performance space with Next Act Theatre. Box Office: (414) 278-0765; Administrative Office: (414) 273-0800.
Sunset Playhouse
700 Wall St., Elm Grove
Entertaining southeastern Wisconsin audiences since 1960, Sunset Playhouse offers an unusually broad range of performing arts programming. In addition to its mainstage theater season, Sunset presents Musical MainStage concerts, SideNotes cabaret performances, children’s programming and educational opportunities through its School for the Arts. Classes, workshops and performance opportunities make the Playhouse both an entertainment destination and an important community resource for aspiring performers. Box Office: (262) 782-4430.
Theatre Gigante
Milwaukee
Known as “The Theatre of Big Ideas,” Theatre Gigante brings an interdisciplinary approach to Milwaukee’s performing arts scene. The nonprofit company creates innovative performance works that blend theater, dance, music, text and visual elements, producing the kind of experimental and collaborative work rarely found in traditional theater settings. Theatre Gigante is an affiliate member of the United Performing Arts Fund. Telephone: (414) 961-6119.
UWM Peck School of the Arts – Theatre
2400 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts combines professional-level theater training with a busy schedule of public performances. Students pursue programs in acting, musical theater, theater production, theater practices and theater education while working with accomplished faculty and professional artists. UWM’s location provides students opportunities to intern and collaborate with Milwaukee’s professional theater community, including Milwaukee Rep, First Stage and Milwaukee Chamber Theatre. Peck School of the Arts presents more than 350 arts events annually across its disciplines, making UWM an important part of Milwaukee’s performing arts community. Telephone: (414) 229-4763.