What Plays Are in Richmond, VA? Current Theatre Shows and Where to See Them

Richmond, VA isn’t just about history and river views-it’s got a thriving live theatre scene that’s active year-round. Whether you’re a local looking for something to do on a Friday night or a visitor planning a weekend trip, there’s always a play happening somewhere in the city. The question isn’t whether there’s something on-it’s which one you’ll choose.

Current Plays in Richmond, VA (Late 2025)

As of late November 2025, Richmond’s major theatres are running a mix of classics, modern dramas, and bold new works. The Virginia Repertory Theatre is Richmond’s largest professional theatre company, producing Broadway-style musicals and serious dramas across two downtown venues is currently staging The Glass Menagerie at the November Theatre. This Tennessee Williams classic, with its haunting atmosphere and fragile characters, has drawn packed houses since opening in early November. Ticket sales are strong, and many weekend performances are sold out.

At the Theatre IV a nonprofit theatre company focused on family and youth-oriented productions, but also produces adult dramas, audiences are reacting to Death of a Salesman-a fresh, minimalist take on Arthur Miller’s masterpiece. The director stripped away traditional set pieces, using only lighting and sound to evoke the crumbling American Dream. It’s raw, quiet, and unforgettable.

For something completely different, check out The Actors’ Company a small, experimental troupe known for immersive and site-specific performances at their new space in the Fan District. Their current show, The Last Broadcast, is a live radio play performed in the dark, with actors moving through the audience using only voice and sound effects. You don’t just watch it-you feel it. Tickets are limited to 40 people per show, and they sell out fast.

At the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Department of Theatre a university theatre program that produces student-led and faculty-directed works, often pushing boundaries, students are performing Our Town in the historic Grace Street Theatre. The production uses period costumes and a bare stage, letting Thornton Wilder’s words carry the emotional weight. It’s a student show, but the acting is professional-grade-many local critics have called it the most moving version they’ve seen in years.

Where to Find Shows: Richmond’s Major Theatre Venues

If you’re new to Richmond’s theatre scene, knowing where to look matters. The city has four main hubs for live performance, each with its own vibe and style.

• Virginia Repertory Theatre - Two locations: November Theatre (downtown) and Children’s Theatre of Richmond (near the Science Museum). This is where you’ll find big-name musicals, classic plays, and holiday shows like A Christmas Carol, which starts in December.
• Theatre IV - Located in the same complex as Virginia Rep, it’s known for thoughtful, socially aware plays. Their season often includes works by Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ playwrights.
• The Actors’ Company - A tiny but mighty group in the Fan District. Their shows are unconventional, often sold out, and always intimate. Sign up for their email list-you won’t find their schedule anywhere else.
• VCU Grace Street Theatre - Free or low-cost tickets for students and community members. Great for seeing rising talent before they hit the big time. Shows run Tuesday through Sunday.

Don’t overlook smaller spaces like the Barksdale Theatre at Hanover Tavern a historic 18th-century building turned performance space, known for classic American plays, which is currently running The Crucible. Or the Richmond Triangle Players a LGBTQ+-focused theatre company that produces bold, contemporary works, whose current show, Love, Loss, and What I Wore, is a collection of monologues about women and clothing-funny, heartbreaking, and deeply personal.

How to Buy Tickets and Save Money

Tickets for major productions like The Glass Menagerie or Death of a Salesman can run $45-$75. But there are smart ways to cut costs without missing out.

• Student and senior discounts - Most theatres offer 20-30% off with valid ID. VCU shows are often $10-$15 for students.
• Pay-what-you-can nights - Virginia Rep offers these on the first Thursday of every month. Arrive early-seats go fast.
• Group rates - If you’re going with 8 or more people, call the box office directly. Many venues offer 25% off for groups.
• Free previews - Some shows, especially at VCU and The Actors’ Company, hold one free preview performance before opening night. Check their social media.

Pro tip: Don’t buy tickets through third-party sites like StubHub unless you have to. You’ll pay more, and you might not get the best seats. Always go through the theatre’s official website or box office.

What’s Coming Next: Upcoming Shows Through Early 2026

If you’re planning ahead, here’s what’s on deck:

• A Christmas Carol - Virginia Rep, opens December 5. A traditional production with live music and puppetry.
• Into the Woods - Theatre IV, opens January 10. A dark, clever twist on fairy tales.
• Blackberry Winter - The Actors’ Company, opens February 14. A new play about a woman who wakes up in a frozen forest with no memory.
• Angels in America - VCU Theatre, opens March 12. A two-part epic about AIDS, politics, and faith in the 1980s.

Many of these shows have limited runs-often just 3-4 weeks. If you see something you like, don’t wait. Richmond audiences are loyal, and tickets disappear fast.

Why Richmond’s Theatre Scene Matters

Richmond isn’t New York or Chicago, but its theatre scene punches above its weight. The city has more professional theatres per capita than most mid-sized cities in the U.S. And unlike bigger markets, here you can actually meet the actors after the show. Many stay for coffee at the nearby The Daily Grind a popular café near the November Theatre where cast members often unwind after performances or chat on the sidewalk outside the Grace Street Theatre.

Theatre here isn’t just entertainment-it’s community. Local playwrights get their first productions in Richmond. High school students volunteer as ushers and learn stagecraft. Retirees come every week, rain or shine. And visitors? They leave saying they didn’t expect to find this level of artistry in a city known for its Civil War history.

There’s a reason why Richmond Theatre Critics Circle a local group of reviewers and theatre enthusiasts that awards annual honors for excellence in local productions has been naming Richmond as one of the top 10 underrated theatre cities in the Southeast for the last five years.

What to Bring and What to Know

Before you go, here’s the practical stuff:

• Dress code - No suits required. Most people wear jeans or casual outfits. The Actors’ Company shows are often in unheated warehouses-bring a jacket.
• Arrival time - Get there 20-30 minutes early. Parking near downtown theatres can be tricky. Use the ParkMobile app to find spots.
• Intermissions - Most plays have one 15-minute break. Snacks and drinks are sold at the lobby, but prices are high. Bring a water bottle if allowed.
• Phones - Turn them off. No photos during the show. It’s distracting, and it’s against the rules.

And if you’re not sure what to see? Start with The Glass Menagerie or Death of a Salesman. Both are powerful, timeless, and perfect introductions to Richmond’s theatre spirit.

Next Steps: Where to Go From Here

Start by picking one show from this season’s lineup. Don’t try to see everything-just one. Pick something that speaks to you, whether it’s a classic, a new play, or a bold experiment. Sit in the dark. Listen. Let the story move you. That’s what theatre in Richmond is really about.

After you’ve seen your first show, talk to the person next to you. Ask them what they thought. You’ll likely find someone who’s been coming for years-and they’ll have a list of five more plays you need to see.