The first theatre in the colonies, Dock Street opened in 1736 and was lost in the fire of 1740. The Planters Hotel opened on the site in 1809 and thrived until the 1860s, when it was damaged during the war and left derelict. The preservation of the hotel in the mid 1930s included a reconstructed theatre. The theatre has been in constant use since 1937 and is a major venue for Spoleto Festival USA each spring. Pre-booked tours are arranged when possible.

Charleston Stage Company is South Carolina's largest professional theatre company and resides at The Historic Dock Street Theatre. Charleston Stage offers popular Broadway musicals, award winning dramas and world premiere original works. Find out more about Charleston Stage at www.charlestonstage.com. Many other production companies perform at the Dock Street Theatre. Please call the number listed for further information.