Discover World-Class Theater in Southern Indiana

Derby Dinner Playhouse

While Broadway might get all the glory for high-end productions and musicals, Southern Indiana provides plenty of theatrical glitz and glamor much closer to home. This region allows residents and visitors alike to enjoy works by some of the finest thespians Indiana has to offer. And Southern Indiana has access to downtown Louisville’s arts and theater options. 

Don’t Forget the Derby 

Derby Dinner Playhouse in Clarksville is one of the oldest dinner theaters in the country and continues to entertain theater goers of all ages with sellout shows. A popular stop for tour buses, an evening at the playhouse includes buffet-style dining, a live orchestra and unobstructed views from any seat in the house. The venue also holds family-friendly matinees, holiday-themed programming and acting classes. Celebrating 50 years in business, the playhouse is showing no sign of slowing down, offering eight main-stage shows a year. 

Cyndi Chaney

The Little Theater That Could 

A few blocks away, Clarksville Little Theatre is doing its own work to bring show business to the community. This small but mighty performance art theater staged its first performance in the ’40s and remains an asset to locals. Open auditions are held for its shows, but those who prefer a place in the audience can purchase general admission tickets starting at $18. 

New Albany’s Rising Stars 

For a chance to watch budding actors on stage, the 800-seat auditorium at New Albany High School offers a unique experience for student-led performances. 

Amanda Simmons, director of theater arts, is fairly new to the role but has been well aware of the school’s reputation for high-quality entertainment. 

“It has a rich history of producing some of the most solid and beautiful shows that you’re going to see,” Simmons says. “Not only do we have students in leadership positions, but we have adults at the top of their fields helping us, guiding the students and designing the show.” 

Floyd Central High Sets the Stage 

The longstanding theater program at Floyd Central High School has been around since the ’60s and is now run by director Brooklyn Chalfant. Last year, Floyd Central was one of only two schools in the country to win the 2023 Outstanding School Award from the Educational Theatre Association. Chalfant credits a supportive administration, hardworking students and invested alumni for the program’s success. The school’s goal is to help students gain a love, appreciation and respect for the arts. Plus, its busy schedule gives residents plenty of opportunity to witness star talents. 

“We stage a large-scale musical in the fall and spring in our main-stage auditorium as well as multiple one-acts, cabarets and children’s performances throughout the year in our smaller theater,” Chalfant says.