Heat, heat and more heat has been the story of the summer. When temperatures soar, finding things to do can sometimes mean sticking to indoor activities, with movies often serving as a reliable option. But many people overlook another way to enjoy a great story: live theater.
There are plenty of theaters in and around Annapolis, whether you’re looking for a matinee, an evening out or a show under the stars. We’ve compiled a list of local theaters, along with what’s playing now and what’s coming soon.
Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre
The Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre is a community favorite, celebrating 60 years of theater under the stars.
Three shows remain this season. Currently on stage is “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” which runs through July 25. The musical follows hitmaker Carole King from her youth in Brooklyn through her rise to musical stardom.
Up next, from Aug. 6 to Sept. 5, is Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein.” The musical follows the grandson of Victor Frankenstein, who inherits his family’s estate and soon finds himself stepping into the mad-scientist shoes of his ancestors.
The season concludes with “Where the Stage Meets the Stars,” running Sept. 11-20. The cabaret celebrates ASGT’s 60th anniversary with songs and dances from past productions and a look ahead at shows still to come.
Tickets can be purchased here. All performances take place in the theater’s fully outdoor venue, just minutes from Annapolis City Dock.
The Talent Machine Company
The Talent Machine Company brings young performers to the stage with “Curtains: A Musical Comedy Whodunit,” running July 10-19 at Anne Arundel Community College.
Set in 1959 Boston, the show begins when the leading lady of a troubled musical dies on opening night. Lieutenant Frank Cioffi, a detective with a passion for theater, steps in to solve the mystery before the production closes for good. As secrets emerge and suspicion spreads, the show blends comedy, mystery and big musical numbers into one fast-moving production.
The cast features teen performers ages 14-18. Beyond the stage, the award-winning children’s theater group helps young people build performance skills, confidence, resilience and empathy through musical theater.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Classic Theatre of Maryland
Formerly known as the Annapolis Shakespeare Company, Classic Theatre of Maryland is located on West Street between downtown Annapolis and Annapolis Town Center.
The theater is currently presenting “Tartuffe” outdoors in the courtyard at Reynolds Tavern. The comedy uses satire to explore greed, hypocrisy and blind faith. Performances take place Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. through Aug. 25. A $25 food and beverage minimum applies per person.
“Guys and Dolls” is also running on the theater’s main stage through July 26. The musical takes audiences to the vibrant streets of New York, where gamblers, showgirls and con men navigate love, luck and high-stakes bets.
The production concludes the theater’s 2025-26 season, with one final Cabaret Series performance scheduled for Aug. 17-18.
Compass Rose Theater
Compass Rose Theater is a nonprofit professional teaching theater company that presents live productions and offers workshops, classes and summer camps.
Its final summer camp begins the week of Aug. 17, and spaces are still available.
Although the 2025-26 season has ended, Compass Rose has already announced its 2026-27 lineup. “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” opens the season Sept. 18 and runs through Oct. 4.
The remainder of the season includes “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Nov. 20-Dec. 5; “Almost, Maine,” Jan. 15-Feb. 7; and “Godspell,” March 5-21.
Tickets can be purchased here.
The Colonial Players of Annapolis
For 77 years, The Colonial Players of Annapolis has presented a wide variety of productions in the heart of downtown Annapolis. Its 180-seat theater-in-the-round is located on East Street, just steps from the Maryland State House.
The Ten-Minute Play Festival is currently on stage through July 26. The two-hour-and-15-minute production, which includes an intermission, features eight brand-new plays covering everything from pirates and aliens to scandals and existential crises.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Tickets are also available for their 78th season. The lineup includes “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” “Our Town,” “When the Hurlyburly’s Done,” “Much Ado About Nothing” and more.
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