Three Venues for Performing Arts on Nantucket
October 10, 2023
Nantucket, a picturesque island off the coast of Massachusetts, has a thriving performing arts scene with various opportunities to enjoy live theater, music, dance, and other cultural performances. There are also ample opportunities to enjoy performing arts on Nantucket throughout the year at local festivals, outdoor concerts, art galleries or the Nantucket Athenum, the island’s public library.
Many of the venues for Performing Arts on Nantucket are seasonal so there is a more limited selection during off-season when there is a drop in the local population. This makes it even more important for the local residents to support the performing arts on Nantucket so make sure they have the revenue to remain open year-round.
In the meantime, check out the upcoming shows at these local venues where you can enjoy the revolving cast of wonderful performers locally.
Best Places to Enjoy Performing Arts on Nantucket
1. Dreamland Theatre
Address: 17 South Water St
Town: Nantucket , MA
Activity: Theater
Description: Dreamland is a historic theater in the heart of Nantucket Town that hosts a wide range of cultural events, including live theater productions, concerts, dance performances, and film screenings. It is said to be the hub for performing arts on the island.
The Dreamland Stage Company offers-theatrical productions year-round with plays appropriate for all audiences, especially children. Their focus is promoting theatre and art education for the island community.
“Performance art is about joy, about making something that’s so full of kind of a wild joy that you really can’t put into words.” – Laurie Anderson
2. Theatre Workshop of Nantucket
Address: 62 Centre St
City/State/Zip Code: Nantucket, Ma 02554
Activity: Theater
Description: Theatre Workshop of Nantucket has been entertaining, educating, and inspiring both artists and audiences, young and old, since 1956. Combining the contributions of local talent, visiting artists, and cultural organizations, the theater stages a variety of high-quality theatrical performances each season.
“I think performance art comes from a simple place of wanting to express things beyond just sound.”
– Amanda Palmer
3. White Heron Theatre Company
Address: 5 N Water St
City/State/Zip Code: Nantucket, MA 02554
Activity: Repertory Theatre
Lynne Bolton and Earle Gister are responsible for the establishment of the White Heron Theater company in 2005. The outfit is a non-profit organization that supports the work of local actors as well as providing performances for the local Nantucket audience.
“Performance art can involve the audience with taste, smell and sounds not available with electronic media and not practical with conventional theater. This is due to the usually small audience.” – Jack Bowman
Enjoying Performing Arts on Nantucket
During the off-season the restaurants on the island that do remain open, become one of the primary sources for performing arts on Nantucket. Check out our listing for Live bands, Music, and Dancing to find these venues.
If you are looking for more options to available shows that might not be available in Nantucket, you can always catch the fast ferry to Hyannis and you have more options when it comes to theaters during the Fall and Winter months.