You might not think of mid-Missouri as a place for professional theater. However, surprisingly, there are three professional theaters that have entertained theater-goers for years. Although, there are more than three, we will highlight these three that have been very successful.
Rhynsburger Theater in Columbia
The Rhynsburger Theater is located on the campus of the University of Missouri. Through the fall and winter semesters, the Rhynsburger Theater serves as an academic theater where students put to practice what they have learned in the classroom. Notable alumni such as Tennessee Williams, George C. Scott, Tom Berenger, Chris Cooper, and Jon Hamm have honed their craft there. During the summer, the Rhynsburger Theater is transformed into the Larry D. Clark Summer Repertory Theater. Since 1969, professional actors, directors, and various crew members have performed two or three plays of which one is usually a musical. Theater-goers in mid-Missouri, including Naomi and myself, have long enjoyed these professional productions.
Maples Repertory Theater in Macon
The Maples Repertory Theater in Macon, a town with a population slightly over 5,000, has been doing professional theater in the Royal Theater since 2004. That may not seem like a very long time. However, the Historic Royal Theater has been open since 1889 performing live theater and vaudeville in the early years. The theater functioned as a movie theater in the late 1950’s.
Maples is a combination of modern and historic. 
You can find out what’s playing and buy tickets on their website, as you can with most theaters. But, when you walk through the doors, you get the feeling of going back in time. The theater has around 300 seats on a gentle sloping floor with some seats located in the arched balcony. There are really no bad seats. The intimate feeling is enhanced by the closeness of the seats to the stage. Professional actors from around the country perform in this historic small town atmosphere entertaining the audience with crowd pleasing plays and musicals. At intermission, you may choose to enjoy a delicious homemade dessert. The desserts must be purchased from the hostess before the show. Take advantage of this unique offering. You will not go away disappointed.
Arrow Rock Lyceum Theater
The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theater is perhaps one of the most unique theaters in Missouri. Since 1961, this theater has been entertaining audiences in a historic church. This church houses a 416 seat theater where professional actors from across the country perform in Broadway-caliber productions.
The theater is set in the Village of Arrow Rock, a national historic landmark. Arrow Rock is within close proximity of the Missouri River, making it a natural site for the filming of the 1973 movie of Tom Sawyer. Not only can one enjoy great theater, but you can also explore the town with it’s antique shops, cafes, bed and breakfasts, historic sites, restaurants, and museums. Come and make a full day of it culminating with a show.
These examples show that you do not have to visit a big city to experience quality professional theater. As you see, mid-Missouri has three theaters within easy travelling distance. Don’t miss out. Make plans to visit all three.
Let us know of other professional theaters that you are aware of that are located in mid-Missouri.