While promoting a ping pong movie in March 2026, actor Timothée Chalamet made the following gaffe when talking about the decline of cinema: “I don’t want to be working in ballet, or opera, or things where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though like no one cares about this anymore.’ … All respect to all the ballet and opera people out there.”
I think I get what he was trying to say, when compared to blockbuster movies, but also … WHAT?!
I LOVE live theater. It’s inspiring to watch local talent blow the roof off with their performances. Plus, there are even more talented folks working hard behind the scenes. For about $20-30, you can see friends and neighbors acting and singing in well-known productions and more niche stories. It’s affordable entertainment that supports local communities and people with creative passions and dreams.
The same goes for ballet classes and performances, orchestras and concert bands, and other artistic endeavors.
If you’re looking for live theater and opera productions and classes, ballet studios and performances, orchestras, ensembles and concert bands in Akron, Ohio, I’ve got the list for you.
Timothée may not want to work in these avenues, and that’s okay. But you, a friend or kiddo can sign up for classes or volunteer for performances. Plus, I fully believe there’s a live performance suited for everyone to enjoy. Pick a random listing below and buy a ticket – see what you discover! Or, pick something you haven’t been to in a while or a group that’s the complete opposite of what you usually gravitate toward. You never know what you’ll be inspired by.
One more note before we get to the goods: Many of these organizations are nonprofits. So they need your support. Whether you want to be in the spotlight, start a new hobby, enjoy the show or simply throw a few dollars to a local organization, they will appreciate you and your contribution.
Now on with the show!
Ballet Classes, Dance Lessons & Performances
In Akron, Ohio
- Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival (Akron)
- This event honors the legacy of the legendary founding Artistic Director of Ohio Ballet through free public performances by a variety of Ohio dance companies. They also offer dance workshops.
- Ballet in the City (Merriman Valley, Akron)
- This organization focuses on creating connections between burgeoning and professional dancers internationally, while engaging ballet enthusiasts of any age.
- Stage Center (North Hill, Akron)
- This dance store provides dance shoe fittings and dancewear for all genders, age and experience levels.
- Dance Institute at The University of Akron (University Park, Akron)
- The institute offers programs for early education (ages 3 to 5), beginning dance classes (ages 6 to 8), a la carte classes and pre-professional track (ages 7 and up), and adult classes.
- National Center for Choreography — Akron (University Park, Akron)
- NCCAkron supports working dance artists as they experiment, engage in the creative process, and advocate for their work and for the field. They also publish books and podcasts to elevate the voices of artists to advocate for dance as a more central part of our culture.
- Martell School of Dance (Wallhaven, Akron)
- The school offers professional dance education for children and adults, from ballet to tap and lyrical to clogging.
- Sheena’s Platinum Movements (Wallhaven, Akron)
- This dance studio is YPAD certified (Youth Protection Advocates in Dance) and offers ballet, tap, modern dance and jazz lessons for children of all abilities and backgrounds.
In Greater Akron
- Ballet Excel Ohio (Cuyahoga Falls)
- One of the oldest youth ballets in the country, Ballet Excel Ohio provides professional level training and performance opportunities to talented young dancers. They also educate young audiences in the art of ballet through performances.
- DanceWorks Dance Studio (Cuyahoga Falls)
- The studio offers affordable classes in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop and acro as well as competition teams.
- Studio West Performing Arts (Fairlawn)
- The studio offers group dance classes for beginners, private dance lessons and national dance competitions for a variety of dance styles.
- Tutu School Akron (Fairlawn)
- They encourage kids to explore their imagination and develop motor skills through music and movement.
- Ohio Conservatory of Ballet (Portage Lakes)
- The conservatory is one of the most highly prestigious ballet schools in the state.
- Meneer School of Dance (Munroe Falls)
- The school teaches children ages 2 to 18 in ballet, jazz and tap. It’s home to Ballet Theatre of Ohio.
- Ballet Theater of Ohio (Munroe Falls)
- They offer ballet lessons for all ages. Shows are at Akron Civic Theatre.
- Hudson Conservatory of Ballet (Hudson)
- The conservatory offers a range of styles of dance classes for ages 1.5 to adult.
In Northeast Ohio
- Canton Ballet (Canton)
- This non-profit school of dance and pre-professional company offers instruction for all ages and skill levels.
- Cleveland Ballet (Cleveland)
- A resident company of Playhouse Square, they focus on nurturing the next generation of ballet enthusiasts through their academy, community impact program, and accessible programs like “Pay What You Can.”
- The Movement Project (Cleveland)
- This organization offers performances, education and outreach. They also host Cleveland Dance Fest and run The Dance Hub, a gathering space for the dance community.
- Ohio Contemporary Ballet (Shaker Heights)
- This organization offers classes for all ages, workshops, and outreach programs. Live performances are held in Cleveland and Akron.
- Cleveland Ballet Theatre (Warrensville Heights)
- The school offers dance training for children of all skill levels and backgrounds, outreach programs, and workshops.
Opera Performances
In Akron, Ohio
- Opera Lyric Theatre at The University of Akron (University Park, Akron)
- Undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Music produce a selection of opera scenes and a fully staged opera or operetta, along with spring performances for area schools.
In Northeast Ohio
- Ohio Light Opera (Wooster)
- As the resident professional company of The College of Wooster, they produce traditional operetta and musical theater performances through their festival season and special events.
- Opera Western Reserve (Youngstown)
- This organization produces and presents high-quality opera performances featuring professionals from northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania. They also offer free educational opportunities for local schools and students.
Orchestras, Ensembles & Concert Bands
In Akron, Ohio
- Akron Pops Orchestra (Akron)
- The orchestra offers free community concerts throughout Akron and outreach and scholarship programs. The group was originally formed by a group of area physicians and now has musicians from all walks of life.
- Metro Parks Ensemble (Akron)
- This all-volunteer group performs outdoors at various Summit Metro Parks locations throughout the spring and summer.
- Tuesday Musical (Highland Square, Akron)
- The organization offers accessible live performances and meaningful education programs for children and adults. This includes masterclasses, teaching residencies, workshops, scholarships, and free student tickets.
- Akron Symphony Orchestra (Northside District, Akron)
- The symphony offers live performances and programs throughout the year at locations like EJ Thomas Hall and Jilly’s Music Room, along with educational programming and online resources.
- Concert Bands at The University of Akron School of Music (University Park, Akron)
- Watch performances by the Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, Concert Band & Summer Symphonic Band. View a calendar of events.
- Most of the bands are for students, but community members can join the Summer Symphonic Band.
- Miller South Jazz Band & Dance Ensemble (Sherbondy Hill, Akron)
- Instrumental music concerts, along with visual art, dance, theatre, and vocal performances, are held by The Miller South School for the Visual & Performing Arts.
In Northeast Ohio
- Cleveland Orchestra (University Circle, Cleveland)
- This ensemble holds performances at Severance Music Center in Cleveland and Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls. Along with the main orchestra, they have a youth orchestra and a handful of choruses.
- Cleveland Winds (Cleveland)
- Based at Cleveland State University, this wind ensemble is made of professional performers, music educators, and exceptional amateur musicians. They provide world-class performances of the wind ensemble masterworks.
Community Theaters & Stage Workshops
In Akron, Ohio
- Akron Civic Theatre (Downtown Akron)
- From touring shows to local productions, there’s always something to enjoy on stage. It’s one of five remaining atmospheric theaters in the U.S. So the next time you’re there, be sure to look up at the twinkling stars and moving clouds.
- Millennial Theatre Project (Downtown Akron)
- This theatre company bridges the gap between youth and adult community theater with a strong focus on inclusivity. Licensed productions and unique works are hosted at The Knight Stage, directly next to Akron Civic Theatre.
- Phoenix Performing Arts (Downtown Akron)
- The organization provides accessible performing arts opportunities to youth of all ages and backgrounds through classes, workshops, intensives, and live performances.
- Goodyear Theater (East End, Akron)
- Developed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for the welfare of its employees, this theater now hosts touring musicians and comedians, local stage productions, and more.
- Weathervane Playhouse (Merriman Valley, Akron)
- The playhouse produces plays and musicals and offers educational programming for all ages. They also host an annual 10 Minute Play Competition and TheatreFest to promote the art of playwriting, present new works, and introduce area audiences to the short play form.
- Akron School for the Arts (Northwest, Akron)
- Firestone CLC’s four-year collegiate model visual and performing arts program offers avenues for students on stage and behind the scenes. Productions are held at Firestone Theatre.
- E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (University Park, Akron)
- Patrons can get individual or season tickets to the Broadway in Akron series, hear from various speakers, watch live music, and enjoy other various performing arts productions.
In Greater Akron
- Porthouse Theatre (Cuyahoga Falls)
- This is Kent State University’s summer professional theatre at Blossom Music Center, which offers live productions and training opportunities for developing theatre artists.
- Dynamics Community Theater (Tallmadge)
- The theater offers three full-length performances per season that appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds. Beginners and stage veterans are welcome to audition.
- North Canton Playhouse (North Canton)
- This center for the performing arts’ mission is to provide entertainment, enrichment, education and to encourage theatrical arts throughout Northeast Ohio. Productions include musical theater, riveting dramatic plays, holiday favorites and cult-classic thrillers.
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