Charleston's major cultural venue is the Dock Street Theatre, 133 Church St. (tel. 843/965-4032; www.charlestonstage.com), a 463-seat theater. The original was built in 1736 but burned down in the early 19th century, and the Planters Hotel (not related to the Planters Inn) was constructed around its ruins. In 1936, the theater was rebuilt in a new location. It's the home of the Charleston Stage Company, a local not-for-profit theater group whose season runs from mid-September to May. Dock Street hosts performances ranging from Shakespeare to My Fair Lady. It's most active during the Spoleto Festival USA in May and June. The box office (tel. 843/577-7183) is open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm and a half-hour before curtain, and Sunday from 10am to 3pm.
The Robert Ivey Ballet, 1910 Savannah Hwy. (tel. 843/556-1343), offers both classical and contemporary dance, as well as children's ballet programs. The group performs at various venues throughout the Charleston area, with general-admission prices of $20 for adults and $15 for children.
Charleston Ballet Theatre, 477 King St. (tel. 843/723-7334; www.charlestonballet.com), is one of the South's best professional ballet companies. The season begins in late October and continues into April. Tickets are $22 to $40.
Charleston Symphony Orchestra, 14 George St. (tel. 843/723-7528; www.charlestonsymphony.com), performs throughout the state, but its main venues are the Gaillard Auditorium and Charleston Southern University. The season runs from September to May.
