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Barn Dinner Theatre: Established in 1962, it is the oldest continuously operated dinner theater in North Carolina. 120 Stage Coach Trail, Greensboro. 292-2211 or www.barndinner.com.

Broach Theatre: Since 1987, Greensboro's Broach Theatre has built a loyal audience. 520 S. Elm St., Greensboro. 378-9300 or www.broachtheatre.org.

Carolina Theatre: In its 80th year, the Carolina Theatre is home to the Greensboro Ballet, Community Theatre of Greensboro, Greensboro Opera and other performing arts groups. 310 S. Greene St. 333-2605 or www.carolinatheatre.com.

City Arts Drama Center: The City Arts Drama Center offers classes and performance opportunities in video production and theater for all ages. Production companies within the Drama Center include the Greensboro Children's Theatre for grades four through nine; the Livestock Players Youtheatre, which produces plays and musicals with young people from ninth grade through age 20; the 3rd Stage Theatre Company, open to actors 16 and older, which presents a traditional season of comedies, dramas and the occasional musical; Greensboro Playwright's Forum, which aids playwrights in getting published and produced; and Greene Pictures, a community-based motion-picture production company. 335-6426 or www.greensboro-nc.gov.

Community Theatre of Greensboro: The city's first theatrical troupe back in 1949. 200 N. Davie St. #9. 333-7470 or www.ctgso.org.

Crosslove Theatre: Founded in 2004, it produces plays and musicals with a Christian theme. 4010 Walker Ave. Greensboro. 253-2017 or www.crosslovetheatre.com.

National Black Theatre Festival: In odd-numbered years since 1989, Winston-Salem has played host to the National Black Theatre Festival. www.nbtf.org.

N.C. Shakespeare Festival: September 2008 marks the 31st season of the festival, based in High Point. 220 E. Commerce Ave., High Point. www.ncshakes.org.

Open Space Theatre: The Open Space Theatre presents live stage shows, musicals, dramas and comedies in an intimate space with cafe-style seating. Upcoming productions include "Blood Brothers," a musical by Willy Russell, Sept. 25-Oct. 11; "Blithe Spirit," a comedy by Noel Coward, Nov. 6-22; and "Sander's Family Christmas," a musical by Connie Ray and Alan Bailey, Dec. 11-21. 4609 W. Market St. 292-2285 or www.osctheatre.com.

Triad Stage: This company opened its renovated downtown venue in 2002 and was named one of "America's 50 Best Regional Theatres" by the Drama League just more than a year later. The company frequently brings in actors from New York or other metropolitan areas for its shows. 232 S. Elm St., Greensboro. 274-0067 or www.triadstage.org.

Regional troupes

Also performing in the Piedmont:

Gallery Players: The Gallery Players performs at the Paramount Theater in Burlington. 227-0060 or 222-8497 or www.galleryplayersonline.com.

High Point Community Theatre: High Point Community Theatre performs at High Point Theatre, 220 E. Commerce Ave. 882-2542 or 887-3001 or www.hpcommunitytheatre.org.

Kernersville Little Theatre: Established in 1976 with a grant from the Urban Arts Council of Winston-Salem, Kernersville Little Theatre has no "home" but performs in available spaces throughout Kernersville. 993-6556 or www.kltheatre.com.

Little Theatre of Winston-Salem: Now in its 74th season, productions are in several venues. The office is at 610 Coliseum Drive, Winston-Salem. 748-0857 or www.littletheatreonline.com.

RSVP Community Theatre: RSVP Community Theatre's roots go back to 1986, when it was a part of the Randolph County Schools. In 1998, it became part of the Randolph Arts Guild. 629-0399 or www.rsvptheatre.org.

Theatre Guild of Rockingham County: Many of its productions are in cooperation with Rockingham Community College. 627-0228 or www.tgrc-nc.com.

Triad Stage: Drama happens downtown at the theater at 232 S. Elm St., Greensboro. 272-0160 or www.triadstage.org.

Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance: Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance recently moved. 1047 Northwest Blvd., Winston-Salem. 768-5655 or 274-0350.

Broadway classics

The "Best of Broadway" series at the Greensboro Coliseum brings big-budget musicals and plays to the Triad. Upcoming plays include "Annie," Dec. 12-13; "Ain't Misbehavin'," Jan. 16-17; "Mamma Mia!" Feb. 3-8; and "Jesus Christ Superstar," March 13-14. Tickets are available at the box office at 1921 W. Lee St., Greensboro, at Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com or by calling 373-7575.

College performances

Call or visit these Web sites for schedules and information about local college productions:

Greensboro College Theatre Department: 217-7220 or www. theatre.gborocollege.edu

Guilford College Theatre Studies Department: 316-2000 or www.guilford.edu/academics/departments/theatre

Guilford Technical Community College's Theatre Company: 334-4822 or www.gtcc.edu/services/theatre

Elon University Department of Performing Arts musical and theatrical performances: 278-5610 or www.elon.edu. Click on news/cultural events.

UNCG Department of Theatre: 334-4032 or www.uncg.edu/the

N.C. A&T Theatre Arts Program: ticket office: 334-7749, theater manager: 334-7519 or www.ncat.edu

Bennett College Theatre Arts: 507-2100 or www.bennett.edu

High Point University Fine Arts Center Box Office: 841-4673 or www.highpoint.edu

Wake Forest University Theatre: 758-5295 or www.wfu.edu/theatre

Winston-Salem State University Fine Arts Department: 750-2520 or www.wssu.edu

N.C. School of the Arts School of Drama: 770-2866 or www.ncarts.edu/drama

Salem College Pierrettes: 917-5493 or 721-2636 or www.salem.edu

Davidson County Community College Prism Series: 224-4730 or www.davidson.cc.nc.us/prism