Music and Performing Arts in New Hampshire
Historic Theaters
New Hampshire is home to several historic theaters that have played a significant role in the state’s cultural landscape.
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The Music Hall (Portsmouth): Designated a National Historic Landmark, this 1903 theater is currently undergoing a restoration that has uncovered hidden gems like hand-painted murals and a gilded proscenium arch. It hosts a variety of live music, dance, theater, and film events, including the annual “Telluride by the Sea” film festival.
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The Palace Theatre (Manchester): This grand theater opened its doors in 1915 and was modeled after its namesake in New York City. It boasts superb construction, a stunning décor, and an interior that was once cooled by fans blowing air over blocks of ice. The Palace has hosted legendary performers such as Harry Houdini and the Marx Brothers.
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The Colonial Theater (Keene): Listed on the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places, this theater presents a diverse range of performances, from films and ballets to plays and concerts.
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The Scenic Theatre (Pittsfield): Home to the Pittsfield Players, this theater was originally built in 1914 as a meeting place for Civil War veterans. It features a slanted floor for optimal movie viewing and has a rich history of hosting patriotic organizations and movie screenings.
Additional Performance Venues
In addition to these historic theaters, New Hampshire offers a variety of other performance venues:
- Capitol Center for the Arts (Concord)
- Verizon Center (Manchester)
- Meadowbrook Musical Arts Center (Gilford)
- Hampton Casino Ballroom (Hampton Beach)
- Hopkins Center (Dartmouth College, Hanover)
- The Redfern Arts Center (Keene State College, Keene)
- Leddy Center for the Performing Arts (Epping)
Theater Companies
New Hampshire is also home to several renowned theater companies:
- Seacoast Repertory Theatre (Portsmouth)
- Pontine Theatre (Portsmouth)
- The Player’s Ring (Portsmouth)
- New Hampshire Theatre Project
- Actors’ Circle Theatre (Peterborough)
- Peterborough Players (Peterborough)
- The Majestic Theatre (Manchester)
Events and Festivals
Throughout the year, New Hampshire hosts numerous music and performing arts events and festivals, including:
- Telluride by the Sea Film Festival (Portsmouth)
- New Hampshire Music Festival (Gilford)
- Manchester Folk Festival (Manchester)
- Keene Arts Festival (Keene)
- Sunapee Summer Concerts (Sunapee)
Arts Education
New Hampshire is committed to arts education, with several colleges and universities offering degree programs in music and theater. These institutions include:
- University of New Hampshire
- Plymouth State University
- Keene State College
- Dartmouth College
- Saint Anselm College
Conclusion
New Hampshire offers a rich and diverse music and performing arts scene, with a variety of historic theaters, performance venues, theater companies, and arts education opportunities. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, there’s always something to experience and enjoy.
