Live Theater in Northern Kentucky

Northern Kentucky has more live theater than a single venue or a single kind of show. There are volunteer community theaters, an independent professional-minded company, a university season and The Carnegie's musical-theater program. Here is what is on stage now and what is next.

Footlighters at the Stained Glass Theatre

802 York Street, Newport

Footlighters is an all-volunteer nonprofit that has been producing theater for more than 50 years.

On stage: "1776," September 10 through 27, 2026.

Next: "The Bridges of Madison County," November 5 through 22.

Tickets: $25 general admission, $23 for students, and $23 for groups of 10 or more when purchased in advance.

Worth knowing: Free lot parking is available near Seventh and York and on Eighth Street, with nearby street parking as well.

Falcon Theatre

636 Monmouth Street, Newport

Falcon stages contemporary plays, darker comedy, reworked classics and other less-traditional programming.

On stage: "Eureka Day," September 11 through 26.

Next: "Tinderbox," November 6 through 21.

2026-27 performances start at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $28 for adults and $15 for students with ID. Thursdays are $5 off.

Village Players at 8 North Center for the Arts

8 N. Fort Thomas Avenue, Fort Thomas

Village Players has a full community-theater season and also develops local work through New Works.

NKU School of the Arts

Fine Arts Center, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights

NKU's stages include Corbett Theatre and Stauss Theatre. The 2026-27 season is called "American Snapshots."

Tickets: $21 for adults, $17 for seniors, faculty, staff and alumni, $11 for students, and $6 for children 10 and younger.

Worth knowing: The box office is cashless. Lots D and I are designated for many events.

The Carnegie

1028 Scott Boulevard, Covington

The Carnegie combines theater, galleries and arts education in one historic building.

Coming up: "Carrie: The Musical," October 23 through November 1.

Tickets: $18 to $50.

There are two performances on Halloween, October 31, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

First Show Free: New households with no prior ticket-purchase history at their address can receive up to two complimentary tickets to one eligible 2026 performance, subject to availability. For "Carrie," the eligible dates are October 23 at 7:30 p.m. and October 31 at 2 p.m.

Pick by what sounds good tonight

Intimate Newport musical: Footlighters.

Contemporary or less-traditional play: Falcon Theatre.

Fort Thomas community theater: Village Players at 8 North.

University season of plays, musicals and dance: NKU School of the Arts.

Covington musical plus gallery and arts programming: The Carnegie.

Know another local stage?

Tell us about an active Northern Kentucky theater or recurring local theater program that should be included. We will verify its current season before adding it.

Know a spot we missed? Use the Community Pick box to suggest it and we will review it for the guide. It is free to be listed. If something here is out of date, tell us and we will fix it.