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South Florida has a thriving theater scene. We all know about the star-studded shows being performed in the larger theaters, but the smaller ones should not be missed. From Miami to West Palm Beach, there are many top-quality small theaters showing stellar productions. Here are ten to check out:

Island City Stage

2304 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Islandcitystage.org

Speaking of the number “10” Island City Stage is celebrating its 10th anniversary with many great shows this year. The first show is: The Twentieth Century Way (Oct 1-31),” which is the play that started the theater 10 years ago.  This year they will also be showing: “Armature” from Jan 27- Feb 27, “Suddenly Last Summer” from Mar 17-April 17, “The Mystery of Irma Vep” from Jun 9 – Jul 10, “One In Two” from Aug 4- Sep 4. Our Associate Publisher, Scott Holland, recently got a tour of the 68 seat theater from Managing Director Martin Childers, and he told me he was extremely impressed.

Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre

280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Actorsplayhouse.org

Actors’ Playhouse was established in 1988. It is the managing agent of a three-stage performance center; a 600-seat Mainstage, 300-seat Balcony Theatre, and a 100-seat multi-purpose Black Box space. “¡FUÁCATA! or A Latina’s Guide to Surviving the Universe,” a humorous one-woman show starring Elena María García, is running now through Sept. 12.

Empire Stage

1140 N Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Empirestage.com

Empire Stage has also been around for 10 years and has 50 seats. It closed during the pandemic but reopened last December and has been doing shows since. The next show is the “Conundrum Sessions,” featuring John Lariviere on Saturday, August 21 and Nicole Roach on Sunday, August 22.

Slow Burn Theatre

201 SW 5th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Slowburntheatre.org

Slow Burn Theatre Company opened in August 2009. Their goal was to produce modern musicals that many theaters would not attempt. They have a partnership with the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and perform their shows in the 580-seat Amaturo Theater. Its next show is “Songs for A New World and it opens on Oct. 12.

The Wick

7901 N Federal Hwy., Boca Raton, FL 33487

Thewick.org

The Wick first opened in 2013. The theater has 333 seats and what makes it unique is that it’s Florida’s only theater with a Broadway costume museum inside of it. On Sept. 18, to honor Hispanic Heritage Month, vocalist Daniella Mass will perform. Then, “Mamma Mia” will open Oct. 7.

Coral Springs Center for the Arts

2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33065

Thecentercs.com

The Coral Springs Center for the Arts has been around for 27 years and offers a variety of entertainment events for all ages. Besides the theater, it also houses a fully equipped dance studio, meeting rooms and the Coral Springs Museum of Art.  Comedian, singer, actor Rodney Carrington will perform at the theater Sept. 30.

​​Colony Theatre

1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Miaminewdrama.org

The Colony Theatre first opened on January 25, 1935 as a Paramount Pictures movie house. Today, the Colony Theatre is a 417-seat state of the art venue managed by Miami New Drama. The building is known for its iconic Art Deco-style. On Sept. 17, Rafael “Pollo” Brito of Venezuela will present “Entre Simón y Manzanero.”

Lake Worth Playhouse

713 Lake Ave., Lake Worth, FL 33460

Lakeworthplayhouse.org

Lake Worth Playhouse first opened its doors in 1924. It occupies the former Oakley Theatre, the oldest building on the register of the Art Deco Society of Palm Beach County. It has a 300-seat mainstage theatre and a 60 seat black box theatre next door. Upcoming shows include “The Shadow Box” and “The Great American Trailer Park” — both opening Sept. 3.

GableStage at the Biltmore

1200 Anastasia Ave. #230, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Gablestage.org

GableStage at the Biltmore was founded in 1979 under the name Florida Shakespeare Theatre. In 1999, the company moved to its current home, the Biltmore Hotel. Its next show is Arthur Miller’s “The Price,” which opens Nov. 12.

Delray Playhouse

950 NW 9th St., Delray Beach, FL 33444

Delraybeachplayhouse.com

The Delray Playhouse is celebrating its 75th Anniversary season. The theater has 238 seats, and their season will start in December with four Main Stage Plays – “A Spider’s Web,” “Respect,” “Deathtrap” and “Same Time, Next Year.”  They also do a series called Playhouse Presents, which starts in October.