Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Providence Performing Arts Center

    4.3 (185 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Providence Performing Arts Center Performing Arts Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Providence Performing Arts Center

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Taylor S.

    I always love going to shows at PPAC! My friend had two extra tickets to see The Outsiders today. When my friend and I checked in, they upgraded our seats to row H! We were 7 rows from the stage, crazy!!! I have never sat so close before. Such a kind gesture. The customer service at PPAC has always been exceptional.

    Bar lounge area
    Rosanna P.

    Came to see Wicked and I have anxiety in busy and crowded places but was immediately put at ease when my medical accommodations were being met by this place and the check in process was smoother than anticipated. Drinks were not strong but that's okay. Seats are bot comfortable but it's such a beautiful place to watch anything! And the cookies are the best cookies I've ever had!!!

    Kim S.

    We saw Clue tonight, it was very entertaining! The butler was phenomenal. The show was quick, a little under 90 minutes so there is no intermission.

    Me and dad at the show
    Harper T.

    the show was AWESOME the theater was beautiful and the bathrooms are well organized. SO AWESOME

    Meg M.

    We have been a few times for a girls night out at the theatre! Every time is great! This time we saw hades town and it blew me away! The theatre is stunning!

    Holly K.

    Wow!! What a beautiful theatre! Stepping inside makes you feel like you are stepping back in time to the gilded age. Love that this spot isn't too big, yet there are plenty of great seating options. I recently signed up for season tickets to their Broadway Series and am looking forward to heading in more often. There are a lot of parking options around here, I made the mistake of parking in the deck directly across from the theatre and it is very pricey if you decide you want to extend your time after the show and don't do it originally. It is wonderful that there are so many great restaurants walking distance to PPAC so you can park, walk to dinner, and then walk over for your show. They have beer, wine, and some cocktail options. As well as some snacks. The price point is what you'd expect for a venue like this. All the employees/volunteers were very friendly and they make it easy to check-in and find your seats. They could certainly have more bathrooms and it is a bit wild at intermission. We recently saw a comedian there and will be attending later this month for A Beautiful Noise. They seem to get everything here that you would expect a performing arts center to show. I look forward to visiting again soon.

    My only allowed photo from the front row due to an unpleasant theatre employee welding his power of no photos or videos
    Lynn A.

    Front row seats for Earth Wind and Fire, in the pit. Everyone from third row back allowed to take photos and videos. Not us. We had a horrible older theatre employee feeling his importance stopping us and anyone in first or second row. Why pay all this money to be treated like second graders. We left early. Won't be back

    Chicago
    Lynn B.

    PPAC is a fabulous venue. I love the ornate decor in the lobby and on the ceiling of the theater. The membership package is a great deal from a cost perspective, plus it includes parking right down the street at the Clifford Street garage that is not usually as backed up as the one across from the theater. The drinks and snacks are pricey, but that's how it goes when you go to live theater.

    This is a picture of the Balaban and Katz Uptown Theater, between To Lawrence and Broadway St.
    Thomas B.

    I am a big fan of old movie palaces, this is a picture of the grand lobby. Of the Chicago Balaban and Katz Chicago Theater, of what it looked like in 1925. I finally did the Chicago Theater Marquee Tour, took over 150 photos. The you have a picture of the beautiful grand lobby of the Chicago Balaban and Katz Uptown Theater. I never been inside the theater once, it is restored I will be there. These two movie palaces was designed by Chicago architects Rapp and Rapp. And the Provident For The Performing Arts aka Lowe's Theater, also designed by architects Rapp and Rapp.

    Exterior
    David S.

    I really, really love PPAC! It's set in a centrally located part of the city with a lot of pre-venue and post-venue spots for food and night life. The venue itself is small, seating just over 3,000. That means getting in is relatively painless, there isn't a bad seat once you're in, and exiting is quick. All in all a great experience. The staff are readily available to aid in any way possible. They offer some concessions/drinks inside. I enjoy parking on Fed hill near the pineapple and doing dinner up there first, then taking the stroll down past the Dunk and over to PPAC. It's about 1/2 mile walk each way. A lovely jaunt! Definitely make this venue a priority, you won't regret it!

    Awesome seeing To Kill a Mockingbird

    See all

    7 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Emily C.
    16
    122
    170

    29 days ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 3
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Holly K.
    3301
    1998
    7345

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lynn A.
    25
    69
    52

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of David S.
    1487
    391
    1431

    2 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ade B.
    311
    689
    1566

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Holly W.
    104
    1360
    3658

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 13
    Thanks 0
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vivian C.
    169
    2209
    26882

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Providence Performing Arts Center

    What's a good place to eat nearby?

    Gracie’s, Rosalina, Veggie Fun (vegan), malted Barley

    View All 2 Questions

    Review Highlights - Providence Performing Arts Center

    In the past I have usually paid quite a bit to see shows like Wicked, Lion King, and Kinky Boots....

    Mentioned in 11 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Trinity Rep

    Trinity Rep

    3.8(89 reviews)
    0.2 miDownCity

    Thursday nights are for theater & this production was truly unforgettable! Primary Trust tells a…read morepowerful story about how even the smallest acts of kindness can profoundly change a lonely person's life & it does so with such heart. This was one of the best performances I've seen in a long time - deeply moving, beautifully acted & emotionally resonant from start to finish. Taavon Gamble was absolutely spectacular - his performance was nuanced, captivating & left a lasting impression. The entire cast & production team brought incredible energy & authenticity to the stage, making the story feel both intimate & universal. If you see one show this year, make it Primary Trust at Trinity Repertory Company. It is the kind of theater experience that stays with you long after the curtain falls. Highly recommend.

    I went to Trinity Rep over the weekend with 3 of my friends to watch Primary Trust. This was an…read moreexcellent show. Story line, actors really made us feel like we were there in each scene. The space is nice, laid back vibe. From entering to being helped to our seats to exiting the theatre everyone was so nice. We definitely enjoyed the show. The parking is a bit pricey and the drinks are also pricey for a small glass with more ice than drink. The selection is also limited. They have a few snacks and a small area outside the theatre room where you can sit while you wait for the show to start.. I love coming to this theatre for shows. I just wish they would work on the pricing to drink ratio

    Photos
    Trinity Rep - Stage

    Stage

    Trinity Rep - Stage

    Stage

    Trinity Rep

    See all

    WaterFire Providence - Star bridge. The event was very busy just after sundown.

    WaterFire Providence

    4.1(211 reviews)
    0.4 miCollege Hill

    We knew we were going to be in the area around the time of WaterFire so we made sure to find a…read moreplace to stay and spend the night here. We had never been to anything like this or even really heard that much about it so we were interested to see what it was. WaterFire started about 30 years ago as an art installation that was meant to bring more people to the area and it definitely works. They light the braziers along the rivers, pipe beautiful music through the air and have volunteers on boats going from spot to spot, tending the flames and refilling the wood. There are tons of people there. Just walking and enjoying being outside and being together. The vibe is so relaxed and so peaceful but yet busy and exciting at the same time. It's kind of hard to describe unless you see it for yourself. We headed out around dusk when there was still light in the sky and it was a little chilly but I soon forgot about that. Words can't really express how you're just sort of drawn into the piece and beauty of this whole thing. I feel like this review can't even do it justice. We walked around for over an hour but our dog did start to get cold even though we had her in her jacket, so we headed back to where we were staying for a little while. Once it was dark and we were all warmed up, we headed out again because it was just so enjoyable to be there that we really wanted to come back. The second time we wandered through the street fair area and looked at some of the tables and street vendors. I got a really cool ring that was made out of a an old ornate spoon. There were also food vendors but everything was pretty busy so we ended up getting food on the way back to our hotel. There were families and groups of friends and couples, all just soaking in the magic and ambiance and ultimately we drifted back towards the water again because that is where the real magic is. We sat for a long time watching people float by in gondolas and watching the volunteers slowly push the boats through the canals, adding wood to the flames causing them to rise up. Everyone was friendly and in a good mood and strangers were chatting with each other. There was a real sense of community and peace. This was honestly one of the most romantic evenings I've had with my husband in a long time as well. We nuzzled noses and shared a few kisses to the music and the flame. If you are anywhere near Providence during WaterFire, don't even think about it just go. It's totally free! You don't need tickets or even to plan really. You can just enjoy the fire light and the music and being together in a beautiful place. It's absolutely unforgettable.

    Last night, the Waterfire theme was Clear Currents. A yearly event that brings kayak enthusiasts…read moreto the river and basin with brightly lit paper fish figures. One of the Chinese dragon boats from the Pawtucket Dragon Races made an appearance as well. The event was very well attended, with many areas of the Riverwalk at capacity during peak times. Foot traffic jams made it difficult to navigate freely around the basin area. Lots of vendors and food trucks located around the RISD campus gave the event an even more festive flair. A great way to bring downtown Providence alive !

    Photos
    WaterFire Providence - Crafts

    Crafts

    WaterFire Providence - Basin with Fish Kayaks

    Basin with Fish Kayaks

    WaterFire Providence

    See all

    Veterans Memorial Auditorium - Beth and myself at Brit Floyd ..meet and greet

    Veterans Memorial Auditorium

    3.8(53 reviews)
    0.7 miDowntown

    This is a great theater, especially for comedy shows. I like that it is a little smaller than PPAC,…read moreit is more manageable and no bad seats in the house. It is a beautiful theater. There is a good amount of parking in the area, but definitely need to plan ahead to walk up the hill if you don't use their parking lot. Their parking lot is expensive in my opinion, so I always try to find street parking or use the mall garage. They get really great shows here too. My only complaint is that the shows NEVER start on time.

    Great historic theatre in Providence! We most recently saw The Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge…read morehere and it was a sold out show. Even with a full house, there was no line to get in. We were greeted kindly by the ticket scanners and the ushers, and were led to our seats. There are adequate restrooms on both floors and we experienced very little wait time there as well. Our seats were awesome - Front row of the balcony all the way on the left, and the view was perfect. Taking a star off because the sound wasn't very balanced in this part of the venue, but it was still a great show. Seats here are comfortable, the theatre is beautiful, and there is a lot of street parking as well as a lot close by to the theatre. Vets is smaller than its sister theatre, PPAC, and a little more manageable. Great place for a concert or a theatre performance.

    Photos
    Veterans Memorial Auditorium - Brit Floyd sound check

    Brit Floyd sound check

    Veterans Memorial Auditorium - Brad Williams-Comedian

    Brad Williams-Comedian

    Veterans Memorial Auditorium - Waiting for David Spade!

    See all

    Waiting for David Spade!

    95 Empire

    95 Empire

    4.6(11 reviews)
    0.2 miDownCity

    Great place to catch a Live Pro(v) wrestling. Nice little setup in downtown Providence, with other…read moreamenities as well.

    Perishable Theatre is an incredible demonstration of what happens when sheer will, passion for the…read morearts, dirty hard work, and a rare genetic disease intersect (for reals! See below). The shows are great (and getting better!), they have a slew of weekly events (improv! dance dance party party!), they offer affordable classes (playwriting! acting! belly dance!), AND they are a centrally-located studio rehearsal option for other performing artists. Jingle Belles and a Few Balls, their yearly fundraiser, is a well-cherished holiday tradition in Providence: a burlesque-heavy variety spectacular with a kooky theme - what else can get you in the holiday spirit but some breasts donning glittery Santa Claus pasties? Their tagline is 'Rhode Island's Research & Development Theatre' because they are one of the only theatres in Rhode Island that present original works from nation-wide sources. That's awesome, AND I think this label often gets them unfairly dismissed as a playground for the avant-garde theatre set. Although they do a fair share of experimental stuff, I have seen some incredible, super-audience friendly performances at Perishable. I've been attending shows at the theatre for the past five years, and the quality of performances increases steadily with each season. 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch', performed this past April, was seriously some of the best theatre that I have seen in Providence. The theatre is a black box with handicap access, tickets are affordable to the masses, the bathrooms are clean and spacious (there's two one-at-a-timers), and you can bring in drinks from the AS220 bar next door (bonus!). Free parking can be a pain if it's a busy night downtown, but parking behind the library is usually a good, free bet on any night of the week. The staff of the theatre is small, but VERY dedicated and includes Amy Lynn Budd - director of the theatre arts school and momma of the burlesque scene in PVD. As part of Perishable's season, Amy Lynn is presently working on the third iteration of her biographical play called 'The Thing That Ate My Brain....Almost', a wacky Ed Wood-esque horror flick/comedy detailing her experiences living with a rare and nearly-fatal genetic illness called VHL. Amy Lynn's play is a great example of the kind of the bizarrely gripping tales of humanity you'll see onstage at Perishable. From such a small budget and rather limited space comes some really well-done theatre. I would caution more conservative patrons to do some reading about a show before you attend - there is no denying that some of their work can be, well....weirder than your average community theatre. If you're looking for safe, stick to PPAC. If you're down for a little theatrics - get to Perishable!

    Photos
    95 Empire - Perishable Theatre's new mural!

    Perishable Theatre's new mural!

    95 Empire
    95 Empire - Dance Studio on 95 Empire's 3rd floor.

    See all

    Dance Studio on 95 Empire's 3rd floor.

    The Wilbury Theatre Group

    The Wilbury Theatre Group

    4.6(5 reviews)
    1.2 miValley

    Our friend who lives in Providence discovered the Wilbury Theatre Group completely by accident, as…read moreshe was looking for activities for us to do during our visit. We managed to catch the opening night showing of Once while we were in town and really enjoyed ourselves. I believe it's first-come-first-served seating, so I do recommend coming early if you want a specific seat. We were a little bit late and arrived about 15 minutes before the show and somehow managed to get the last 3 seats together. The show was great - it felt like very intimate, which was a completely different experience to my first time seeing Once, which was on Broadway in a huge theater.

    An award-winning, not-for-profit professional theatre company, The Wilbury Theatre Group engages…read morethe community in thought-provoking conversation through new works, reimagined classics and adventurous playmaking. The theater's leadership group is idealistic, ambitious, and stubborn in their mission to create theatre that entertains, enlightens, and inspires. I volunteer as an usher and I have enjoyed many of the thought provoking productions that make you think...many out of the box. The director of the group, Josh Short has the vision to bring to Providence, many plays and productions that provide a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, with performances that tackle a wide range of contemporary themes and incubate new ideas through clear storytelling and artistic innovation. They have many levels of tickets, with some of them being offered as "pay what you can", to allow all people to enjoy good theater. Their new setup at the Waterfire Arts Center on Valley street, provides a solid venue with great facilities and parking for all patrons, including a bar and a nice roomy lobby.

    Photos
    The Wilbury Theatre Group
    The Wilbury Theatre Group
    The Wilbury Theatre Group

    See all

    Everett Company, Stage & School

    Everett Company, Stage & School

    4.5(2 reviews)
    1.4 miMount Hope

    Fr-Fr-Fr-Friday Night Live - Love It!…read more I have been bringing my kids to see the Friday Night Live (Improv Show) for almost two years since we picked up the Groupon. My kids are 16-13-10-8 and a great time is had by all. The crew are hilarious. Starts at 7pm and is only $5 per person - you can't beat it for a great way to end your week and start your weekend.

    I love the Everett…read more The space is an old carriage house. It's right on the corner of North Main but tucked away enough that one feels like entering into your own performing arts Narnia when you walk across the stone footpath and through the big, beautiful wooden door or out the back into the garden. The company is multi-cultural, multi-generational, and clearly loves performing. It's hard to explain - even as an audience member, you feel the community here. The founder is always in the audience. Many of the core company are from the neighborhood. It's just awesome to walk in the door and feel the love. I've attended 2 types of performance so far - Friday Night Live with the family ($5! Improv! Perfect family-friendly way to kick off the weekend!) and an original show, The Freedom Project, which was a bold, original, multi-media show tackling issues of race and incarceration in America. Especially for the families out there looking for weekend entertainment for the whole family, Everett is a must-visit.

    Photos
    Everett Company, Stage & School
    Everett Company, Stage & School - Everett Staff

    Everett Staff

    Everett Company, Stage & School - Freedom Project by Everett

    See all

    Freedom Project by Everett

    Providence Performing Arts Center - theater - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...