When it comes to great theatre, New York City isn’t the only urban jungle with an appreciation for performing arts. Broadway may have planted its roots in NYC (and we love it for that), but these five cities offer completely unique theatre scenes to any thespian bitten by the travel bug.

Los Angeles

LA may be known for its ritzy Hollywood lifestyle, but its theatre scene is just as big and bold. As a city brimming with talent, it’s only fitting there be dozens of performing arts venues. Popular hotspots include Deaf West which utilizes American Sign Language in its unique productions, the Hollywood Fringe Festival which brings a plethora of visitors to witness innovative plays, and the Impro Theatre where audiences help shape improvisation.

What’s happening now? Theatre nerds in LA can catch classics like A View from the Bridge, get into the spooky spirit with The Unauthorized Musical Parody of Hocus Pocus, or check out the hilarious Undateable at Second City.

San Francisco

San Fran’s unique performing arts scene is known for being experimental and ahead of its time. It’s a blend of avant-garde playhouses like the Post Street Theatre, and lavished auditoriums such as the Orpheum. Theatre-goers can catch productions ranging from the latest bestselling tour to a thought-provoking revival of a Shaw play to a world-class opera.

What’s happening now? A Streetcar Named Desire plays the Shelton Theatre, The Makropulos Case graces the War Memorial Opera House, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch tours at the Golden Gate Theatre.

Boston

To theatre or not to theatre…that’s hardly Boston’s question. Warmer months in this metropolis brings free performances during Shakespeare on the Common. Numerous venues span across the city and include the extravagant Wang Center for Performing Arts, seating over 3,000; the Oberon, hosting vaudeville cabarets; and the Colonial Theatre which has hosted legends such as the Marx Brothers and Barbra Streisand.

What’s happening now? Shear Madness brings big laughs to the Charles Playhouse, while the One Man Star Wars Trilogy tours to the Capitol Center for the Arts.

Williamstown

This quaint and historical town is nestled amidst gorgeous Massachusetts mountain ranges. Though it may not boast glitzy, glamorous Broadway stages, it does boast a Tony Award-winning theatre festival — and that’s saying something. The Williamstown Theatre Festival ranks this city highly in terms of epic theatre scenes. It annually brings together top performers, playwrights, designers and directors from across the nation. The festival’s many workshops, programs, and performances also bring in tons of visitors each summer.

What’s happening now? Though the festival is a summer affair, there are various special events year-round. This October, Fun Home’s Michael Cerveris treats audiences to an evening of music. https://wtfestival.org/

Chicago

The Windy City is jam-packed with classical music, comedy sketches, and grandiose theatre. It’s home to major performing arts centers such as the Goodman Theatre, the Lyric Opera, Steppenwolf, and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.

What’s happening now? It’s been a star-studded theatrical season in thus far! Patti LuPone recently finished a run of War Paint at the Goodman, and Lin-Manuel Miranda just made a quick pitstop in the city to kick-off the latest production of Hamilton!

Think your city has an awesome theatre scene? Tell us in a comment below!