Whether you’re new to Rochester or you’ve lived here all your life, you might have some questions about the local arts scene. In fact, Rochester has a thriving performance arts scene. Whether you like music, dance, or drama, the city has a lot to offer. In fact, you might even find some great opportunities to participate in performing arts, whether you act, sing, dance, write, or play an instrument. The team at Tom Kadlec Kia has put together this list of some of the local institutions offering performance arts in the area.
Rochester Civic Theatre
The Rochester Civic Theatre has been a Rochester institution since 1951 when a group of actors decided to put on a show at the Izaak Walton League Cabin. Their first play ran for just one weekend, but it was a success. Later that year, the group created the theater and began a three-show season. Today, the group runs a downtown theater with 300 seats.
The Rochester Civic Theatre is also the city’s longest-running community theater and continues to offer a variety of shows each year. The 2022 to 2023 season includes shows such as Roald Dahl’s: Willy Wonka, Murder for Two, A Christmas Carol, The Miracle Worker, and Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
Location: 30 Civic Center Drive, Rochester
Rochester Repertory Theatre Company
The Rochester Repertory Theatre also offers seasonal shows. Auditions are held throughout the year for these shows, so the entire community can participate in putting on these shows. In the summer of 2023, the theater will be putting on a production of A Raisin in the Sun. The theater started in 1984 as a 90-seat black box venue, which is essentially a very plain performance space. Today, the company uses a variety of professional theater artists and volunteers.
Location: 103 Seventh St. NE, Rochester
Rochester Symphony
If you live for music, the Rochester Symphony should be on your list of local performers to see. The organization started in 1919 and was originally called the Rochester Orchestra. The earliest ensemble to perform was the Lawler-Dodge Orchestra, which was made up of volunteers passionate about their craft. In fact, some of the early orchestra ensembles performed music to appear in silent movies. Today, you can still catch a symphony and enjoy live music by passionate artists.
Location: 1530 Greenview Drive SW, Suite 120, Rochester
Rochester Civic Music’s “Down by the Riverside” Concert Series
Rochester Civic Music puts on several concert series each year. One of the most popular is “Down by the Riverside.” The concert series features a variety of musical genres, and most of the music is original by artists from the region. The summer concert series is completely free and runs from July to August. Come to Mayo Park on Sunday nights to enjoy the live music for yourself. The shows provide the perfect opportunity to relax outside and enjoy the summer weather.
Rochester Pops Orchestra
If you haven’t heard enough music yet, you don’t want to miss the Rochester Pops Orchestra. This orchestra was formed in 2014, so it’s a relatively new group. It consists of about 70 musicians who perform a variety of music, from oldies and country to jazz and Broadway tunes. The orchestra puts on a different show each season, which means you’ll have several reasons to see them each year.
For the spring of 2023, the group is putting on Rochester’s Got Talent. The season runs from October to May, and the schedule includes a fall concert in October, a Christmas concert in December, a winter concert in February, and a spring concert in April or May.
Absolute Theatre
Absolute Theatre is a theater that aims to hone the craft of theater and entertain, inspire, and challenge audiences and actors. For instance, the theater held a 24-hour play festival in September.
In April 2023, the theater is putting on Bright Star, directed by Suzie Hansen, with musical direction by Aynsley and Jon Scheffert. The musical was actually written and composed by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, and it tells a rich story about the American South set in the 1920s through the 1940s.
Location: 15 First St. SW, Rochester
Just for Kix
Just For Kix is a dance studio for young dancers just learning dance techniques. If you want to help your child get involved in the Rochester performing arts scene, dance is a great way to do it. Dancers build confidence and skills in class sessions. Dance lessons are available for hip-hop, ballet, lyrical, and contemporary dance. Children of all ages and skill levels are welcome.
Location: 7842 College St., Rochester
The Dance Lab
The Dance Lab offers dance instruction for children, teens, and adults. Whether you’re interested in ballet, jazz, pointe, lyrical, or modern dance, you’ll find a variety of classes available to help you perfect your technique. You’ll also learn about personal expression, dance history, and art appreciation. At The Dance Lab, anybody can become an artist.
Location: 2625 Highway 14 W., Suite CD, Rochester
Dahl Dance
Dahl Dance provides lessons for adults in person and online. You can learn ballroom, Latin, tango, and swing dance in a social environment. The studio got its start in 2005, and it has since partnered with local organizations and celebrities to improve the local performing arts scene. Whether you’re serious about learning to dance or you want to take a few casual lessons, Dahl Dance will help you achieve your goals.
Location: 1800 75th St. NE, Rochester
Check Out Rochester’s Art Scene in Style
The performance art scene in Rochester has a lot to offer, whether you adore dancing, watching plays, or listening to live music. If you’re ready to explore your Minnesota city, there’s no better way to do it than in a new car, truck, or SUV. Check out Tom Kadlec Kia to look for a car that helps you get where you want to be safely and comfortably. We’re happy to help you figure out what kind of car is best to help you get around Rochester and enjoy your favorite hobbies.
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