Charleston's passion and support for the arts dates back to its earliest days. An exploration of the city's history reveals that in 1736, a group of local actors performed in "The Recruiting Officer" at the new Dock Street Theatre, the first building in the United States designed solely for theatrical purposes. Throughout the years, the city's residents remained loyal to the arts, even during the Civil War when legend has it, General Pierre Beauregard led theatergoers—interrupted by Union troops bombarding the city—in a rousing chorus of "Bonnie Blue Flag."
Today, locals and visitors alike are discovering a different kind of excitement in Charleston's arts community, with a year-round cornucopia of theater, music, and dance offerings. An international arts festival, Broadway shows, symphonies and dance companies from all over the globe are complemented by local actors, dancers and musicians.
Festivals
Undoubtedly, the biggest shot in the city's cultural arm occurred in 1977 when Pulitzer-prize- winning composer, Gian Carlo Menotti, selected Charleston as the American counterpart to his Festival dei Due Mondi (Festival of Two Worlds) held in Spoleto, Italy. Menotti selected Charleston, with its wealth of theaters, churches and other performing arts spaces, as the perfect counterpart. From its first season, Spoleto Festival USA was an instant success with its mix of opera, theater, music theater, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music, as well as the visual arts. In fact, many of the premieres created for the annual arts festival have gone on to successful runs in theaters and concert halls around the world.
Spoleto enchantment begins in late May, when Charleston becomes a cultural Mecca for 17 glorious days and nights. Thousands of visitors, both domestic and international, gather here to take advantage of the more than 120 performances by renowned artists, as well as emerging performers. Spoleto Festival USA has firmly established itself as one of the world's major arts festivals, presenting 100 world premieres and 93 American premieres since its inception in 1977.
Past premieres and commissions include the highly acclaimed Peter and Wendy by Lee Breuer, Creve Coeur by Tennessee Williams, The American Clock by Arthur Miller, The Mechanical Organ by the Nikolais Dance Theatre, Miracolo d'Amore by Martha Clarke, Empty Places by Laurie Anderson, Hydrogen Jukebox by Philip Glass and Allen Ginsberg, Praise House by Urban Bush Women, Three Tales by Steve Reich and Beryl Korot, and the world premiere of a Spoleto commissioned work, Tenebrae by Osvaldo Golijov.
An outdoor finale at Middleton Gardens brings upwards of 4,000 patrons together to feast upon sumptuous picnic fare and enjoy an evening concert performed on the plantation's Butterfly Lakes. Splendido!
Piccolo Spoleto, the official outreach arm of Spoleto Festival USA, was founded by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs in 1979. Piccolo, which means "little" in Italian, was originated to bring attention to the many artists and artisans from throughout the Southeast. Every theater, church, recital hall and park is booked during the 17-day event, with over 700 performances, many offered free of charge.
Charleston is home to two other notable arts festivals. Selected multiple years as one of the Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 events, the MOJA Arts Festival is a multi-disciplinary festival produced and directed by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the MOJA Planning Committee. The Festival highlights the many African-American and Caribbean contributions to Western and world cultures. MOJA's wide range of events include visual arts, classical music, dance, gospel concert, jazz concert, poetry, R&B concert, storytelling, theatre, children's activities, traditional crafts, ethnic food, and more.
Held annually in February, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) has grown to be the largest event of its kind in the nation, showcasing original paintings, carvings and sculpture by some of the most gifted artists in the wildlife art genre, as well as photography, gifts and collectibles, conservation exhibits, family activities, and more. A three-day celebration of nature that has earned a reputation for excellence, SEWE now hosts the world's foremost experts in wildlife and nature art, as well as conservation research and environmental education.
Theater While these festivals capture a lot of attention, make no mistake—Charleston's local arts community provides a year-round selection of offerings. The Footlight Players, South Carolina's oldest community theater group, began more than 75 years ago when a small group of Charlestonians presented a program of one-act plays for the community's enjoyment. Initially, plays were presented in rented theaters, with some performed al fresco, thanks to Charleston's invitingly pleasant evenings. Since 1986, the "Footies" have performed at 20 Queen Street, an old warehouse purchased originally in 1934 for storage and scenery construction, and remodeled in 1941 as an informal playhouse and workshop. The company has continued to produce six plays each season, focusing on new theatrical releases, family comedy/dramas and fun musicals.
On the newer end of the time spectrum is The Village Playhouse and Repertory Company located in Mount Pleasant, about a 10-minute drive from downtown Charleston. With its cabaret-style seating in a beautifully renovated building, the company is dedicated to bringing the very best drama, comedy and musical productions to Lowcountry residents and visitors, with a focus on relevant contemporary works and classic plays from the last century.
Charleston Stage, one of South Carolina's largest arts organizations, was founded by Playwright Julian Wiles in 1978. At the Historic Dock Street Theatre, Charleston Stage has presented over 150 productions and played to a collective audience of over one million strong. Charleston Stage employs 20 full-time staff members, guest artists, scores of actors, dancers, singers and musicians and TheatreWings High School Apprentices.
In its 30-year run, Charleston Stage has premiered more than 30 new plays and musicals, including shows that celebrate the rich culture and history of Charleston and South Carolina. Recent world premieres include Gershwin at Folly, which tells the story of the genesis of Porgy and Bess, and The Seat of Justice, which explored South Carolina's pivotal role in the landmark Brown v Board of Education Supreme Court decision. Other performance venues for Charleston Stage include the Sotille Theatre on George Street and the American Theater on King Street.
Looking for a less traditional theater venues? The Have Nots at Theatre 99 may be just the thing. Charleston's only improvisational theater company is composed of a trio of actors who describe themselves as "irreverent and unapologetic." Always good for a laugh, these improv shows are held at Theatre 99 on Meeting Street every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night.
Music and Ballet
Those who want to explore more than Charleston's theatrical offerings need to look no further than the Charleston Symphony Orchestra (CSO), the largest year-round performing arts organization in South Carolina. Formed in 1936, CSO boast 46 full-time professional musicians who perform a demanding concert schedule on-stage and throughout the community. The illustrious list of guest artists over the years has ranged from Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zuckerman to Marvin Hamlisch and Judy Collins. It's not unusual to see a sold-out audience at any of the orchestra's presentations, which include masterworks, chamber music, starlight pops and small fry concerts.
Again this year, the Charleston Concert Association brings a thrilling schedule of extraordinary musical performances to Charleston, the city where the first concert series in the New World was held in 1731. This season features musical artists from Russia, Canada, and Germany, as well as great performers from Chicago, New York, Monterey and San Francisco. All performances are held at the Gaillard Auditorium in downtown Charleston.
Not to be outdone by its fellow arts organizations, the Charleston Ballet Theatre has distinguished itself as the "primary jewel in Charleston's artistic crown." Now celebrating its 20th year as a professional company, Charleston Ballet Theatre presents diverse works in an eclectic range of styles. The CBT has consistently received regional and national accolades for its vitality and professionalism, and has earned its place as an integral part of Charleston's cultural life by setting a standard in its artistic integrity and overall commitment to the community by sharing the art of dance with school children, dancers-in-training, and local, regional and national audiences.
Art Museums The Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston's only fine art museum, was established in 1858. The Gibbes provides a distinguished collection of historic and contemporary works, as well as a year-round schedule of fascinating art exhibitions, programs and family events. The museum offers residents and visitors access to an interesting collection of over 10,000 American works, including paintings, prints, drawings, photography, sculpture and miniature rooms. The Gibbes is also known for its premier collection of miniature portraits and an engaging collection of Japanese woodblock prints.
Located on Meeting Street in the heart of the historic downtown area, the Gibbes Museum of Art has an active membership of over 3,000 and maintains a full schedule of special events, programs, studio art classes and exhibitions that appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds. The Gibbes is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. The museum is closed on Monday.
French Quarter Art Walks
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the French Quarter Gallery Association is made up of over 30 galleries, all located in Charleston's historic French Quarter, located between South Market and Tradd streets, and Meeting Street and the waterfront.
The oldest visual arts organization in Charleston, the French Quarter Gallery Association sponsors a series of French Quarter Art Walks each year. These popular walks encourage art lovers to stroll the cobbled streets and gas-lit alleyways to discover the works of well over 500 artists representing a diverse variety of styles and mediums, from traditional to contemporary.
The walks are held from 5 to 8 p.m. the first Friday in March, April, May, June, October and December. Maps are available at the Visitors Center or at any of the participating galleries. For more information please visit www.FrenchQuarterArts.com.
For a guide to Arts and Antiques shopping in Charleston, click here.
Bocci's - a great Italian restaurant in historic downtown Charleston. USA Today has called Bocci's one of the leading Italian restaurants in the United States. Bocci's is ably managed by Kelly Cooper who sees that the young attractive staff knows exactly what they're talking about when they describe the excellent menu as well as nightly specials and ensures that the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
Spring Island - It was the first of its kind. It is the last of its kind. A 3,000-acre maritime forest surrounded by 3,500 acres of pristine marsh, tidal creeks and A-Class rivers, 33 fresh water and salt water fishing ponds. All this for fewer than 400 families. A 1,200-acre nature preserve sets the tone for the life here, on one of the most spectacular islands on the waterways between Savannah and Charleston.
Julia Santen Gallery - Original vintage poster art. A glimpse of European advertising at the turn of the 20th Century. Covering the walls of the gallery are large splashes of color inviting you to the Moulin Rouge, offering you champagne and brashly selling you cigarette papers. The gallery’s selection includes the Belle Epoch, Art Nouveau, art Deco and contemporary periods.
Charleston's passion and support for the arts dates back to its earliest days. An exploration of the city's history reveals that in 1736, a group of local actors performed in "The Recruiting Officer" at the new Dock Street Theatre, the first building in the United States designed solely for theatrical purposes. Throughout the years, the city's residents remained loyal to the arts, even during the Civil War when legend has it, General Pierre Beauregard led theatergoers—interrupted by Union troops bombarding the city—in a rousing chorus of "Bonnie Blue Flag."
An outdoor finale at Middleton Gardens brings upwards of 4,000 patrons together to feast upon sumptuous picnic fare and enjoy an evening concert performed on the plantation's Butterfly Lakes. Splendido!
While these festivals capture a lot of attention, make no mistake—Charleston's local arts community provides a year-round selection of offerings. The Footlight Players, South Carolina's oldest community theater group, began more than 75 years ago when a small group of Charlestonians presented a program of one-act plays for the community's enjoyment. Initially, plays were presented in rented theaters, with some performed al fresco, thanks to Charleston's invitingly pleasant evenings. Since 1986, the "Footies" have performed at 20 Queen Street, an old warehouse purchased originally in 1934 for storage and scenery construction, and remodeled in 1941 as an informal playhouse and workshop. The company has continued to produce six plays each season, focusing on new theatrical releases, family comedy/dramas and fun musicals.
Charleston Stage, one of South Carolina's largest arts organizations, was founded by Playwright Julian Wiles in 1978. At the Historic Dock Street Theatre, Charleston Stage has presented over 150 productions and played to a collective audience of over one million strong. Charleston Stage employs 20 full-time staff members, guest artists, scores of actors, dancers, singers and musicians and TheatreWings High School Apprentices. 
Looking for a less traditional theater venues? The Have Nots at Theatre 99 may be just the thing. Charleston's only improvisational theater company is composed of a trio of actors who describe themselves as "irreverent and unapologetic." Always good for a laugh, these improv shows are held at Theatre 99 on Meeting Street every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night.
Again this year, the Charleston Concert Association brings a thrilling schedule of extraordinary musical performances to Charleston, the city where the first concert series in the New World was held in 1731. This season features musical artists from Russia, Canada, and Germany, as well as great performers from Chicago, New York, Monterey and San Francisco. All performances are held at the Gaillard Auditorium in downtown Charleston.
The Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston's only fine art museum, was established in 1858. The Gibbes provides a distinguished collection of historic and contemporary works, as well as a year-round schedule of fascinating art exhibitions, programs and family events. The museum offers residents and visitors access to an interesting collection of over 10,000 American works, including paintings, prints, drawings, photography, sculpture and miniature rooms. The Gibbes is also known for its premier collection of miniature portraits and an engaging collection of Japanese woodblock prints. 
The oldest visual arts organization in Charleston, the French Quarter Gallery Association sponsors a series of French Quarter Art Walks each year. These popular walks encourage art lovers to stroll the cobbled streets and gas-lit alleyways to discover the works of well over 500 artists representing a diverse variety of styles and mediums, from traditional to contemporary.
Bocci's - a great Italian restaurant in historic downtown Charleston. USA Today has called Bocci's one of the leading Italian restaurants in the United States. Bocci's is ably managed by Kelly Cooper who sees that the young attractive staff knows exactly what they're talking about when they describe the excellent menu as well as nightly specials and ensures that the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
Spring Island - It was the first of its kind. It is the last of its kind. A 3,000-acre maritime forest surrounded by 3,500 acres of pristine marsh, tidal creeks and A-Class rivers, 33 fresh water and salt water fishing ponds. All this for fewer than 400 families. A 1,200-acre nature preserve sets the tone for the life here, on one of the most spectacular islands on the waterways between Savannah and Charleston. 
Julia Santen Gallery - Original vintage poster art. A glimpse of European advertising at the turn of the 20th Century. Covering the walls of the gallery are large splashes of color inviting you to the Moulin Rouge, offering you champagne and brashly selling you cigarette papers. The gallery’s selection includes the Belle Epoch, Art Nouveau, art Deco and contemporary periods.
