If you’re looking to see a show, there are many historic and important theaters across Houston.

Many of these theaters feature award-winning performances that are recognized not only locally, but across the country. The theaters you will find in Houston range from small, intimate performance spaces to larger venues that host shows with bigger production values. Here are just a few of the many theaters you can find across Houston.

The Alley Theatre - Downtown Houston

Courtesy of the Alley Theatre

When it comes to live performances, few theaters are as notable as the Alley Theatre. It is one of the country’s leading not-for-profit theaters and has been nationally recognized for its shows. The theater has previously been awarded the Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theater, and productions that began there have been hosted around the country, including on Broadway and on international stages. The theater’s productions earn great acclaim, making this a jewel of Downtown Houston.

Midtown Arts & Theater Center - Midtown

Courtesy of Match

When it comes to the arts and theater performance, the Midtown Arts & Theater Center is among the newest spots in the city. However, it’s also one of the most impressive. In the heart of Midtown, just minutes from Montrose, this new theater is the product of local arts organizations who came together to establish the center. It includes four performance spaces, three rehearsal studios, 3000 square feet of gallery space, and even offices for artists. Visitors can find live readings, dance performances, and plays, among many other displays of creative arts.

Stages Repertory Theater - Hyde Park, Rice Military

Courtesy of Studio Red Architects

The historic Stages Repertory Theater began in the basement of a downtown brewery in 1978, and it later moved to its current home along Allen Parkway. Positioned just north of Hyde Park and east of Rice Military, Stages has now been producing shows for 40 seasons. The theater puts on both established and new shows that have been recognized by the likes of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Variety. Local residents will find not only a range of bold, contemporary plays, but also a series of community programs meant to educate locals, particularly underserved youth, about the performing arts.

Obsidian Theatre - Houston Heights

Courtesy of Houston Public Media

Previously a winner of the Houston Press Theatre Award for Best Musical, the Obsidian Theater has been hosting performances since 2010. Opened in the Houston Heights and subsequently awarded Best New Arts Venue of 2011, the black box theater presents plays and musicals in a stripped-down setting. Focusing on the performers themselves rather than on lavish productions, the Obsidian is an intimate space where guests can get close to the performance.

River Oaks Theatre - River Oaks

Courtesy of 365 Things in Houston

Although most of the theaters on this list are for live performances, there’s one historic movie theater that deserves a mention. The River Oaks Theatre was originally constructed in 1939. Along with much of the surrounding architecture that fills the area, the theater was built in an Art Deco style. It has switched ownership several times and survived despite a closing scare. In 2006, it avoided demolition when its River Oaks neighbors rallied to save the theater and surrounding shopping center. Thanks to the efforts of the community, the theater was saved, and today it remains an example of the Art Deco style that prevailed in the 1930s. It’s one of the city’s most unique theaters, not only because of its architectural style but because it hosts unique films that few other cinemas show. The River Oaks Theatre regularly features foreign language and independent films across its three screens and has played host to many world premieres.