The City Center is the heart of Birmingham's cultural community. City Center. Dance, music or theater.....it's all downtown. Listings by ActiveCulture. Click here for a calendar of events.
DANCE
Alabama Ballet
205-322-4300
The Alabama Ballet is the state’s premier professional ballet company. The company performs main-stage productions of classical and contemporary works in Birmingham and also tours throughout the Southeast. Inquire about the ballet school for young students and pre-professional training for serious students.
Alabama Dance Council
205-602-3599
A statewide, nonprofit organization for the Alabama dance community, the council promotes the study, performance, and enjoyment of dance in all forms. In January, the organization hosts the annual Alabama Dance Festival at venues throughout the city.
Alabama School of Fine Arts Dance Department
205-252-9241
The dance department develops artists through a curriculum of classical ballet, choreography, and exposure to other dance forms and styles. The program prepares students for university-level dance programs and the professional dance world. Admission is by audition. Grades 7-12.
Birmingham Ballet
205-979-9492
Birmingham Ballet offers training and performance opportunities for talented young dancers, as well as performances. The company stages annual productions of Peter Pan in July and The Nutcracker in December, as well as a variety of performances throughout the year. The company offers an intensive dance training program in July.
Dance Excellence - The Preparatory Dance Program of the Alabama School of Fine Arts
205-252-9241
Dance Excellence provides the serious dance student an opportunity to pursue the study of classical dance. The program provides an excellent stepping stone for students auditioning for the Alabama School of Fine Arts. Ages 5-13.
Umdabu Dance Company
205-283-3795
The Umdabu Dance Company is a Birmingham, Alabama based dance theater dedicated to the preservation and presentation of traditional and Contemporary South African history and cultural; particularly that of the Zulu people.
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MUSIC
Alabama Operaworks
205-326-0863
Local professional opera vocalists educate and entertain. In addition to Operawork's seasonal performances, the organization sponsors the District Metropolitan Opera Auditions and has educational programs in the schools.
Alabama Symphony Orchestra
205-251-6929
Box Office: 205-251-7727
The Alabama Symphony Orchestra welcomes and rewards listening ears with a variety of music, including classical masterpieces and pops superstars. The symphony orchestra performs symphonic music of the highest quality and also provides outreach and educational programs.
Birmingham Art Music Alliance
205-322-6737
An autonomous non-profit organization dedicated to presenting concerts of recently created art music by member composers as well as guest composers.
Birmingham Chamber Music Society
205-322-6737
205-252-7548
Founded in 1936, the society brings professional touring ensembles from around the world to Birmingham for their yearly concert series.
Birmingham Music Club
205-322-6737
205-252-7548
The music club promotes artists from around the country and world. Its Classically Inclined Series has something for everyone: orchestral music, choral music, chamber music, and solo performers. The club offers educational programs and annual scholarships to Alabama music students.
Birmingham Music Cooperative
1807 Third Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35203
205-322-6737
205-252-7548
The nonprofit cooperative represents four music groups: Birmingham Art Music Alliance; Birmingham Chamber Music Society; Birmingham Music Club; and Opera Birmingham. The co-op handles the administrative functions of each organization.
Magic Flutes of Alabama
205-252-9241
Alabama's first professional flute choir in sponsored by the Alabama School of Fine Arts Foundation.
Opera Birmingham
205-322-6737
205-252-7548
Alabama's largest professional opera company produces concert recitals and two fully staged operas each season.
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THEATER
The Alabama School of Fine Arts Theatre Department
205-252-9241
The theater department produces two large-scale productions each year in the fall and spring with smaller productions performed throughout the year. Students are prepared to pursue advanced degrees in the theater at the university level.
Birmingham Broadway Series
205-328-8222
Enjoy top-notch touring productions direct from Broadway. Outreach opportunities for students are available. BBS offers Broadway productions that are available to the masses at an affordable price.
Birmingham Children's Theatre
205-458-8181
Founded by the Junior League of Birmingham in 1947, Birmingham's only full-time professional theater is one of the largest children's theatres in the country. Operates a three-theater complex in Birmingham and produces for national tours.
Birmingham Festival Theatre
205-933-6397
Birmingham's oldest organization dedicated to producing theater for adults. The all-volunteer group produces both contemporary and classic stage material, using the widest available number of directors, actors, and technicians. They are located in the Five Points South entertainment district above The Golden Temple.
Broadway Across America
205-910-3832
A subsidiary of Live Nation, the world’s largest diversified promoter, producer and presenter of live entertainment events. Live Nation produces and promotes live music events as well a touring Broadway shows.
Centerstage Productions
205-222-0003
Offers at least four productions per year, including musicals, dramas, and comedies.
Red Mountain Theatre Company
205-324-2424
After 28 years and over 100 productions, Summerfest Musical Theatre changed its name to Red Mountain Theatre Company on April 28, 2007. Originally created in 1979 by James Hatcher as part of UAB’s Town and Gown Theatre, Summerfest has grown to become one of the only year-round professional musical theatre organizations in Alabama. Red Mountain Theatre operates out of its own unique Cabaret Theatre located in the heart of downtown and main stage productions are performed in the historical Virginia Sanford Theatre.
Terrific New Theatre
205-328-0868
The theater is located in the Dr. Pepper complex and focuses on the newest and best in theater. Founded in 1986, TNT in committed to provided theater for a culturally and socially diverse audience.
Theatre Downtown
205-251-1206
Founded in 2006 by Billy Ray Brewton and Cindy deSa with performances held at the Martha Sykes Studio Theatre located at The Virginia Samford Theatre. For more information, call
UAB Department of Theatre
205-934-3236
The UAB Department of Theatre offers several types of performance experiences for the UAB undergraduate theatre student. These range from fully mounted main stage productions in the Odessa and Sirote theatres, Actor Showcase presentations directed by faculty, and student-generated one act plays and scenes.
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