5 Best Performing Arts Venues in Northeast Coast, Florida

Built in 1922, this historic downtown theater fell into disrepair and was closed for decades before being brought back to life with a $12-million restoration project. Today, it's a busy hub with a packed schedule of musicals and concerts produced in-house.

One of the last remaining movie palaces of the 1920s—and listed on the National Register of Historic Places—this theater was totally restored in the 1980s to preserve its Spanish-style courtyard, grand balconies, ornate and colorful proscenium arch, and coffered ceiling. The theater was designed by New York City's R.E. Hall, who was responsible for building dozens of these now rare extravaganzas across the country. Today, the theater, which has seen hundreds of luminaries—from Elvis Presley to Elvis Costello—perform on its stage, hosts concerts, dance productions, and special events, as well as a classic-movie series each summer.

Northeast Florida's major presenter of professional, national, and international touring attractions is responsible for bringing Broadway shows—among other things—to the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. The 2023 season will mark the 57th year of programming by the FSCJ Artists Series.

In 1918, the building that now holds this theater was a Ford dealership that sold Model Ts. After that, it evolved into the Aladdin Theater, a vaudeville house, and then did a turn as a movie theater before returning to live theatrical productions in 1989. The performance schedule features touring professional productions, concerts, and shows geared to children.

One of the oldest continuously operating community theaters in the United States presents outstanding productions ranging from Shakespeare to children's programs. Located in the historic San Marco neighborhood, the art deco venue was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.