Performing Arts Guide

Ocala Civic Theatre & Performing Arts

Discover live theater, concerts, and performing arts in Ocala, Florida. From community theater productions to world-class concert venues, explore the cultural heartbeat of Marion County.

View Event Calendar
Where can you see live theater in Ocala?

Ocala offers multiple venues for live theater and performing arts experiences. Ocala Civic Theatre (4337 E Silver Springs Blvd) produces community theater productions of musicals and plays throughout the year. The Reilly Arts Center (500 NE 9th St) hosts concert performances, comedy shows, and traveling theater productions. Additionally, cultural organizations like Fine Arts for Ocala and venues at Circle Square Cultural Center provide diverse performing arts opportunities.

Whether you're interested in community theater productions, Broadway-style musicals, live concerts, comedy shows, or world-class performing arts, Ocala's theater and arts venues offer something for everyone. The city has cultivated a vibrant cultural scene with professional, semi-professional, and community-level performances throughout the year.

Beyond traditional theater, Ocala also has movie theaters for cinema experiences, including the historic Ocala Drive-In Theatre for a nostalgic outdoor movie experience.

Theater & Performing Arts Venues

Ocala Civic Theatre

Community Theater Since the 1960s

Ocala Civic Theatre is the heart of the Ocala community theater scene. This volunteer-driven organization has been producing theatrical performances for decades, featuring local talent and engaging the Marion County community through musicals, comedies, dramas, and contemporary plays.

Location:

4337 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL

Productions:

Ocala Civic Theatre stages 4-5 productions per season, typically running September through June. Their repertoire includes Broadway musicals, classic theater, comedies, and contemporary plays featuring both seasoned community performers and new talent.

Recent productions feature:

  • Classic Broadway musicals
  • Comedy productions
  • Contemporary dramas
  • Family-friendly shows
  • Comedy reviews and revues

Community Involvement:

Ocala Civic Theatre welcomes community participation as performers, crew members, and audience members. They provide opportunities for local talent to perform and entertain Marion County residents.

Visit Theater Website
Reilly Arts Center

Premier Cultural Venue

The Reilly Arts Center is Ocala's cultural hub and primary venue for professional and touring performances. This 555-seat theater in downtown Ocala hosts world-class entertainment including concerts, comedy shows, theater productions, and dance performances.

Location:

500 NE 9th St, Ocala, FL

Featured Programs:

Music Box Series

Rotating entertainment featuring live musicians, touring acts, and performance artists.

Comedy Shows

Regular comedy performances including "Sit Down for Stand Up" comedy events and "Dueling Pianos" shows.

Concert Series

Various musical genres from classical to contemporary, featuring national and regional touring artists.

Dance & Theater

Ballet performances, theatrical productions, and dance performances throughout the season.

Theater Features:

555-seat theater with professional sound and lighting systems, downtown location with easy accessibility and parking.

Visit Reilly Arts Center
Circle Square Cultural Center

Location:

On Top of the World community, Ocala

Circle Square Cultural Center hosts concerts, performances, and cultural events. The venue features live entertainment and is known for hosting variety shows and musical performances for the Marion County community.

Learn More
CF Theatre & Arts

Institution:

College of Central Florida

College of Central Florida offers theatrical productions, student performances, and arts programming. Their Webber Gallery and theater venues host exhibitions and performances featuring both student and professional artists.

Appleton Museum of Art

Location:

4333 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL

The Appleton Museum hosts art exhibitions, cultural events, and performances. Famous for Free First Saturday events and Director's Circle receptions. World-class art collections and rotating exhibitions.

Visit Appleton
Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO)

Mission:

Promote performing and visual arts

Fine Arts for Ocala is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing cultural enrichment to Marion County. They sponsor events, support local artists, and promote arts education throughout the community.

Movie Theaters in Ocala

Epic Theatres

2033 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL

Features:

  • • Modern multiplex cinema
  • • First-run movies
  • • Stadium seating
  • • Full concessions
Regal Hollywood Ocala

3501 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL

Features:

  • • IMAX theatre
  • • RPX premium format
  • • Stadium seating
  • • Matinee deals
Ocala Drive-In Theatre

4850 S Pine Ave, Ocala, FL

Features:

  • • Nostalgic outdoor cinema
  • • Double features nightly
  • • Classic movie experience
  • • Weekend flea market

Types of Performing Arts in Ocala

Broadway Musicals

Ocala Civic Theatre produces Broadway-style musicals featuring talented local performers. These productions range from classic musicals to contemporary shows.

Live Concerts

The Reilly Arts Center hosts touring musicians and concert series featuring various musical genres from classical to contemporary rock and country.

Comedy Shows

Professional and community comedy performances, including stand-up comedy and interactive shows like Dueling Pianos at the Reilly Arts Center.

Dance Performances

Local and touring dance companies perform at Reilly Arts Center and other venues, including ballet companies and contemporary dance performances.

Theatrical Productions

From dramas to comedies, community and regional theaters present diverse theatrical works throughout the year, from Shakespeare to contemporary plays.

Movie Theater Entertainment

Multiple modern movie theaters and the historic Ocala Drive-In provide cinema entertainment options from current blockbusters to special event screenings.

Getting Tickets & Information

Ocala Civic Theatre

Visit the Ocala Civic Theatre website for current season information, show dates, and ticket availability. Most productions run for multiple weekends during the season.

Get Tickets
Reilly Arts Center

The Reilly Arts Center offers online ticket purchases through their website. Check their event calendar for upcoming concerts, comedy shows, and performances.

Get Tickets

Explore More Entertainment

Frequently Asked Questions

What shows are at Ocala Civic Theatre?

Ocala Civic Theatre produces a diverse season of musicals, comedies, dramas, and contemporary plays. Productions typically run September through June. They stage 4-5 productions annually featuring both well-known Broadway musicals and classic theatrical productions. Visit their website for current and upcoming show information.

Where is Epic Theatres in Ocala?

Epic Theatres is a movie theater chain with locations in Ocala. The main Epic Theatres location is at 2033 SW College Rd. Epic Theatres shows first-run movies in stadium seating with modern amenities. Note: Epic Theatres is a cinema, not a live theater venue - it features movies rather than live performances.

What is Fine Arts for Ocala?

Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO) is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to bringing performing and visual arts to the Marion County community. FAFO promotes local artists, sponsors cultural events, and supports arts education throughout Ocala and the surrounding area.

Where can you see live music in Ocala?

The Reilly Arts Center (500 NE 9th St) is Ocala's premier venue for live music, hosting concerts, performances, and the Music Box series featuring touring musicians. Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World also hosts concerts and live performances. Various local venues and restaurants feature live music regularly.

Is Ocala Civic Theatre the same as community theater?

Ocala Civic Theatre is the community theater of Ocala. It's a volunteer-driven community theater organization that produces theatrical productions featuring local talent, both amateur and professional performers, and community members. It's a grassroots theater company dedicated to serving the Ocala community.

What is the Reilly Arts Center?

The Reilly Arts Center is located at 500 NE 9th St in downtown Ocala. It's a 555-seat performance venue hosting concerts, comedy shows, theatrical performances, dance events, and the Music Box series. The Reilly is Ocala's cultural hub for live entertainment and performing arts.

Where can you see movies in Ocala?

Epic Theatres of Ocala (2033 SW College Rd) is the primary movie theater. Regal Hollywood Ocala (3501 SW College Rd) also offers first-run films with IMAX and RPX formats. Additionally, the historic Ocala Drive-In Theatre (4850 S Pine Ave) offers outdoor movie entertainment with double features.

Plan Your Entertainment Evening

Ocala's vibrant performing arts scene offers world-class entertainment for all ages. From community theater productions to professional concerts and comedy shows, there's something for everyone. Check event calendars, purchase tickets online, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of live entertainment in Marion County.

View All Events