The Yummiest Performing Arts in New Orleans

Hosch Helena School of Dance

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"Last year, I researched all the local ballet schools and came across Helena Hosch's School of Dance. I was impressed with their many award-winning students, and their teachers who were 100% committed and invested into the school. My girls were 5&3 when they joined and hardly missed a week. This school is all about quality, integrity and is absolutely authentic in its practice and teaching. The teachers for the young students are excellent-- as they also teach the advanced students. That says a lot of what they want to instill in the beginning technique. It is a family run school, but from what I saw, the teachers all belong to Helena's family, as well. There are moms who once attended Helena Hosch when they were young-- that also speaks volumes. This organization is not about collecting money. Each child is treated with special attention-- and are taught about discipline and confidence, artistry and responsibility. I wish we didn't have to move away, but military duty calls. Our family is so grateful for our time at Helena Hosch."

Fleur de Tease

★★★★☆ 3.9 (17)

"A very fun Burlesque show in New Orleans. We only decided to go about an hour before it started and all the formal tickets were already sold out. They meet Fridays at one of the hotels downtown. No sweat, the hotel clerk told us to just come get a drink at the bar and enjoy the show. My wife and I had a lot of fun! The show was fun and elegant. If you're able to, it's not a bad idea to pay the $25 for the ticket to reserve a table, but if they are all already reserved - just coming to the bar to enjoy the show is perfectly fine too (and easier in some ways since you can leave at your leisure).Great group in NOLA! Highly recommended if you like burlesque."

Off Broadway Dance Studio

★★★★☆ 3.5 (8)

"1. ForewordI'll begin by saying that several other parents who have dancers here have chosen not to write reviews in an effort to limit access and/or exposure of their children. I for a long time had the same reservations that they have and as any other parent would have, as we all go through great lengths to make sure our kids are protected. So, I wouldn't be sharing if I didn't have the utmost confidence in the staff's ability to watch over my little lady and maintain the same level of safety and mindfulness that they have shown for years. All that said, I'm happy to be the first to write a review that I believe will be more comprehensive and more representative of an experience that spans just of over half a decade.2. The BeginningMy daughter is nearing her 7th years now, she wasn't yet two when she was placed into her first leotard. We originally chose Off Broadway because they were the only studio we could find who took on students as young as she then was and who were open to taking kids who were only partially potty trained. By partially I mean she knew how to use it and would stop to go sometimes but if she was truly enjoying herself then all bets were off. Although this is the reason we began bringing her to OBDS, the reason she would continue to attend this studio was much more endearing. 3. The PatienceFor the first year and a half to two years, my daughter would cry every time I dropped her off for practice. This it not an exaggeration, she would cry EVERY...single... time. I was sure that I would be asked to stop bringing her until she had outgrown her dependency on me but that never happened. Each day Mrs. Jeanne or Mrs. Jeannette, would tenderly peel my little girl off of my leg or my arm or out of my hands and ease her into the day. Only they know how long it took to settle her down and actually begin the class. It didn't take long for me to heed the effort that was put forth to making her feel comfortable.4. The DevelopmentAs time went on the crying waned until it was gone completely. And for the first year or so dance and the recitals were more of an adorable pastime for me and vicarious rebirth for her mother. But at year two she was beginning to look like a dancer. She had picked up much of the movements and positions some of which she would even teach to me. I would often get corrected for "sickling" but one knows one is learning when one can teach it to another, especially when one is but four years old. This coming year she will try out for company and if she make it then anticipate that I have only began to witness her growth. 5. The RegimenIt can be difficult to find a safe and structured environment for kids to thrive in. And although you want the children to enjoy themselves like any other activity you put them in, you hope that they can pull something even broader from the experience, something even beyond the proper way to Tendu or Arabesque. The kids clearly love the staff at OBDS but they also respect them. And I believe that respect is in part garnered through the expectations that are placed upon them. They are to know what leotard to where and when, what behavior is and isn't permitted when they arrive, and how to properly prepare once they have walked through the door. This kind of rigor and precision isn't expected much nowadays and to be honest as a kid I wasn't a fan of it at all. However as an adult I now understand the overwhelming value it held then and that it holds still today. 6. The FamilyMost family ran businesses are family ran in name alone. OBDS is a family ran business that feels like a family ran business. Mrs. Jeanne celebrated her 35th year of the studio just this past May, 2019. She has been flanked by her two daughters Mrs. Jeannette and Mrs. Suzanne for as long as we have attended. They know the name of every student, collaborate on every dance, and converse with every parent. In all my time I've witnessed only professionalism and love. That's saying a lot when you have parents who constantly interrupt class, bring food or drink in the studio and many other foolish acts that a parent should know better than to do. I have even had some of that professional patience extended to me as I struggle to get daughter to class on time some days after switching to a new school. But traffic or not I know what expected of me just as my daughter knows what's expected of her. And the fact that it is a standard that's applied across the board no matter tenure is something I can't help but to respect."

Michalopoulos Studios

★★★★☆ 3.5 (2)

"I was able to attend a private party at this working studio which is not open to the public. I'm guessing that the previous poster went to an event where the space was leased out. I don't think this space was ever a theater. I remember it being the Paul Prudhomme spice company back in the late 80s/early 90s when I worked in the FQ. It's an interesting space and the rooms are definitely works in progress but the art is beautiful and the courtyard (where the bulk of the party was) is gorgeous.What a great space! Go if you get an invite!"

Jefferson Performing Arts Center / EJHS Auditorium

★★★★☆ 4 (1)

"The Jefferson Performing Arts Society does an excellent production here. The theatre is not huge which makes the performance more intimate and, more importantly, visible!Although those who have seen the official Broadway production might say otherwise, I thought the performance was wonderfully executed- of course, it's easy to be amazed by how the actors handle the puppets. Half an hour in, I forgot there were even actors behind the the puppets! One piece of advice... RUN for the restroom during intermission if you plan on making it before intermission is over... there's only three stalls for the entire theatre."

Encore Studio of Dance, Tumbling, Music & Theatre

★★★★★ 5 (3)

"This place is great. They offer a variety of tumbling, dance and theatre. I am glad because we don't have drive all over for everything. I especially like the fact the end of year concert isn't all about ads and who can raise the most money. It's just about the children. My daughter has blossomed and made new friends since starting here. I can't wait to see how much more she learns."

New Orleans Volunteer Orchestra

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"Founded on March 17th, 2012, the New Orleans Volunteer Orchestra or N.O.V.O. has since given two performances, both entirely free. Composed entirely of volunteers running the gamut between local high school students and seasoned professionals, and self-organized by Loyola students, this orchestra looks to introduce players and hungry-eared listeners alike to the world of symphonic music through a mix of contemporary movie soundtracks and classical favorites of old for the affordable price of FREE.I wish I could have witnessed the very first performance, but I do feel very fortunate I got to witness the second and most recent one on November 9th, with the theme of "space". Starting with a suite of Star Wars music from Episodes 1-3, they moved on to play Holst's Mars and Jupiter, as well as a piece from Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Ravel.For lovers of orchestral music such as a myself, it was a real treat. Though shorter than a standard visit to a symphony, being entirely free and performed entirely by volunteers, you won't hear a single complaint from me about the duration. It also ended with a reception of complimentary food and drink where we were all even able to mingle with the orchestra members.My hats off to all those in the orchestra for adding such wonderful music to the world, purely for the joy of the symphony experience. If you ask me, New Orleans is a rare place where something like this would spontaneously appear and take root, and seems to represent another facet of what is so wondrous about this city and its immortal musicality.I highly recommend catching future performances and you can definitely do that by keeping an eye on them via their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NewOrleansVolunteerOrchestra as I now do.For the love of music! (standing ovation)"

Dancer's Pointe

★★★☆☆ 3 (2)

"Great dance school... amazing competition team. The choreography and costumes are always amazing!"

Orpheum Theater

★★★★☆ 3.8 (41) • $$

"Saw one of the greatest concerts of my life here in Khrungabin. This venue outside of the Saenger is the best venue to see a concert in the city. The acoustics are perfect and the lighting that came with the show fit the venue perfectly. I will remember this night for a long time."

Big Couch

★★★★☆ 4 (2)

"I heard about a movie trivia night happening here, and wanted to go. Couldn't find anything online to give me a sense of the place, so I asked a couple friends to join so we could check it out together.It's a mixed use space focusing on improv and theater, with a bar, area for art market and dance studio upstairs! What a delight! We took second place in trivia and look forward to future events and activities!"

The Historic Carver Theater

★★★★★ 4.7 (6)

"Stepping into the Carver Theater is like stepping into New Orleans history. I was so lucky that I recently had the opportunity to spend some time here, so I go to see all of the ins and outs of the renovation and, believe me, it is gorgeous. It feels like you are back in time when you are in this building.There is a main front room with a big floor and lots of space and a stage area that hosts performers, and in the back is a smaller area with a bar where small bands sometimes perform. As Helen said, they host all kinds of shows from stand up comedy to bounce nights and jazz performances. It's also a rentable event space that not a lot of people know about, so if you're looking to have a wedding reception in a unique place, this might be the spot for you."

Lafon Performing Arts Center

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"I went to see Alice: Dreaming of Wonderland, and oh my goodness, it was so cute. I didn't realize the venue was associated with the local school system, or that there would be so many families, but the actors all interacted with everyone. The venue looks clean and well maintained."

Algiers Music and Artist Studio

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"Lovely new black owned music and arts venue! Enthusiastic owners and lovely staff. The Gumbo Man came and the gumbo was awesome! We came to see an amazing music trio of piano, bass and drums for "Wine Down Wednesdays"."

The Murder Mystery Co

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (5)

"Fun times, hocky improv but if you go with a good attitude and with your extrovert-mind, you will have fun. You make friends with your table. Worth it with groupon. Food is ok."

New Orleans Dance Academy

★★★★☆ 4 (1)

"New Orleans Dance Academy is located on magazine street. Different dance artists use this studio for rehearsals. Mostly ballet classes and rehearsals. Komenka Ethnic Dance and Music Ensemble practices here We learn choreography from all around the world There is a main studio and a back studio Lots of mirrors. Small changing room and only one small bathroom."

The SWAMP House

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (4)

"Great bar with good music and good drinks. Beautiful back yard and stage on the bayou. Definitely a place to have a good time."

Saenger Theatre

★★★★☆ 4.3 (124)

"The Saenger Theatre has been on FIYAH this Fall offering entertainment for all age groups! In the past few months I've visited three different times with my dad (Earth, Wind, and Fire), my cousin and aunte (The Lion King) and my five-year-old nieces (Disney Jr). This nearly 100 year old theater is a beautiful part of New Orleans history. From the Roman grandiose architecture, marble floors, and the star lined ceiling. You definitely step back in time walking into its doors. The venue is intimate yet perfect for all ages. The staff members are warm, welcoming, and friendly. A few tips:1. Uber-- the parking is pricey, a hassle, and cost varies with each event. 2. Arrive 15-20mins before showtime! The shows start on time. Depending on the act the auditorium doors may be locked until after the first song or scene, etc.. 3. Order your drinks and snacks at your seat. I normally grab one drink first, then head directly to my seat, scan the QR code place my order, drink/snacks I'll be delivered to you before or during intermission. 4. Speaking of intermission, it only last 15 minutes and everyone in the theater simultaneously will have to go to the restroom (lol), beat the line by going to the lavatory a few minutes before intermission. Trust me there are three or four restrooms, and they all have massive lines. 5. This tip maybe more if a personal preference, but I always get the aisle seats, because the rows are 20 or so seats deep...if you have an emergency or need to get up, the aisle is more convenient. 6. There are only small snacks; think candy bars, gummy bears, raisins, and ham sandwiches. Plan to dine before or after the show...but there are 4 full bars."

The Dinner Detective

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (3)

"I have honestly not laughed this hard in so long, like since way before the pandemic started. About a month ago, I was bored and sitting at home, so I literally just searched for dinner theater New Orleans, and this place came up. They only come two Saturday evenings a month, and I was too late for one, one was quickly booked up, so I ended up with one in May. I do not regret coming. You pick your meal when you pay for your ticket online and you have three options.Parking was easy, it is located in a conference room in a hotel near the airport. You enter through the front entrance of the hotel, and it is very obvious where you need to go. Check in, and they will tell you which table you are sitting at. You chat it up with the others at your table, get a feeling. You are all wearing name tags, but don't put your real name, put a fake name. Some people playing parts are in the audience. It is a guessing game as to who is real, and who is acting. It was hilarious. I plan on going back."

Mudlark

★★★★★ 4.5 (2)

"You hear a lot of talk in this town about what is or is not "real" New Orleans. Well this is as real as it gets. A small house that has been converted to a live theater. The Mudlark seats about 20. It can get a bit hot but you are suffering right along with the actors. Get there a bit early to snag one of the few uncomfortable chairs. But it's totally worth it for the intimate experience of a New Orleans tradition. This is a must do for any tourist that wants to actually experience life in the Big Easy"

Anthony Bean Community Theater & Acting School

★★★★★ 4.5 (2)

"Located on the second floor of the building occupied by St. Matthew United Church, Anthony Bean has created his own little piece of theater paradise. It's a quaint operation with a big heart.Bean put a lot of work into the effort, building a box office, providing refreshments including wine, a crawfish spinach artichoke dip, and hot dogs, chips, etc. for the kiddos. :-) The menu mixture threw me off for a minute until I thought about young theater-goers.The theater puts on good productions which normally win praises from people who truly appreciate seeing local talent at work. Bean's dedication to providing that venue for local actors and playwrights, who are mostly African-American, has been a joy to follow. His acting school component provides an opportunity for amateur thespians to learn and sharpen their skills.Most impressive is the effort the Anthony Bean Community Theater has put into the little things which make the theater experience enjoyable. The chairs are nicely covered, the surrounding curtains and risers make you forget that you are on the second floor of an old school, and (best of all) the lighting and sets are very good."

Jefferson Performing Arts Society

★★☆☆☆ 2.4 (5)

"The best place for kids to enjoy a kid's production during the summer months. This was my first time here and I had a great time with my family watching the great talents the lined the stage. It was an Adams Family production that truly bought back the memory of the old show many grew to love. I would recommend this establishment for children's entertainment. I can only rate it from that experience and I enjoyed it."

Zeitgeist Multi-Disciplinary Arts Center

★★★★★ 4.6 (20) • $

"I went to a showing of the silent film "Metropolis" here, last summer. I had never been before. You can get a membership, so that you can be key up to date for different events.Although I have never had the opportunity to attend, I know that the Brown! improv comedy troupe also performs here frequently. They have books for sale about local art and films. This is a great little art space and I look forward to going back."

Dance Quarter

★★★★★ 4.6 (9)

"This is such a great rentable space with lots of light and big windows and mirrors. Most people rent this spot to practice dancing, but I recently had a photo shoot here it was the perfect area to convert into a quick studio.They let you rent the rooms by the hour and I love the open area of the room, the abundance of natural light and all of the space we had to work with. The staff here has always been nothing but kind to me whenever I have found myself here. There is a small kitchen space downstairs with a few snacks and coffee, if you plan on being here for a while."

Mahalia Jackson Theater For The Performing Arts

★★★★☆ 3.5 (56) • $$

"I love this theater. This is the 1st one I went to here in New Orleans. I have not had a bad seat in this house. I have been in the balcony and on the main floor, house right, left and center. Some seats near the front, you may have to strain your head a bit up, but it really is not bad. All of the employees have been friendly. Restrooms are clean, if not a bit on the small side. Parking is centrally located. Louis Armstrong park is in front so you can walk around a bit if you are early. Food and beverage are a bit on the high side price wise."

Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts

★★★★☆ 4.2 (13)

"I am a sucker for a good targeted ad, so when I saw one for a local theater production of Matilda the Musical at the Kenner Rivertown Theater, I knew I had to come and bought a ticket for a Sunday matinee. No regrets. Well the regret is not knowing about this before. Small theater, local actors in the play, clean everything! No dedicated parking lot, but it is too easy to find parking on the side streets. Ushers are very friendly and helpful. I am so very glad I came and look forward to coming to future shows."

Opera on Tap @ The Rusty Nail

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"Opera on Tap only happens 4 times a year and it's great! You get to listen to both professional and student singers while having cocktails. The repertoire changes each time and ranges from the great arias to musical theater. Bonus, smoking is banned in the bar during performances to save the singers' throats.Next performance is this Wednesday, April 8th from 7-9!"

Nocca Riverfront

★★★★★ 4.5 (2)

"I don't know about you, but my high school wasn't 1/10 as cool as this NOCCA. I daresay at that time, there wasn't anything that came close.Oh, I had unrealistic dreams of going to the Fame high school in NYC, of course. Yep. Just dreams. And truth be told, in the grand scheme of things, my HS had a decent music and theater program going on.BUT IT WAS NO NOCCA.Ahem. Since I don't go to this damn school, I can't give a firsthand review of that, just to note that the programs they offer are truly fantastic- culinary, music-both classical *and* jazz, creative writing, theater and more *swoon* And it's public! I saw a production of Balm in Gilead at NOCCA in their black box theater, and although the production was put on by a group not affiliated with NOCCA, I was truly impressed with this state-of-the-art theater overall. Acoustics & lighting were spot-on (har) and there are excellent sight lines. My only issue was that the seats are hard and uncomfortable. I mean *really* uncomfortable, as in torture devices. And it's not like I don't have enough cushion of my own, just sayin'."

Crescent City Aerial Arts

★★★★★ 4.5 (8)

"Since we started the Yelp Gets Physical series, I've been able to get a taste of a variety of different activities that not only incorporate exercise, but a really unique skill or activity. When we hosted our YGP at Crescent City Aerial Arts (CCAA), I was rundown from a recent trip and could feel myself getting immensely sick. Alas, my Yelp community has a way of bringing me to life, and made it through, but didn't get to do many of the activities...so I swore I would return of my on volition. I'm also the type of person that will blow off a gym membership, but will commit to going to a $25 class or series (both of which you can sign up for). I conveniently signed up and paid online for the Intro to Aerial Arts. My friend was also able to drop-in on the class as well. Michael was our instructor and had been one of the instructors when we did the YGP. We began with some stretches and exercises to help prep our bodies for the silks. This class focused strictly on the silks introducing us to the terminology, how to distribute your body, beginner positions in the silks, and how to make it look good. While my long-limbed buddy and me were still trying to figure out how to make our gangly parts look as poised as Michael's, by the end of the class we felt much more confident in our postures in the silks with his coaching and tips. Michael then did a demo of what we would learn in the next class. This sneak peak was a little intimidating but incredibly inspiring. I usually also judge an exercise class by how I feel a few days later, and while I was a little sore nothing was so sore that I'd not want to go back. I think my friend and I will both do the beginner class one more time, and then move on. Michael also spoke about showcases, which I'd be very interested (if I do manage to find my footing in the silk game) to be a part of."

Actor's Theatre of New Orleans

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"Per a recommendation from one of my most favorite Yelpers, this update is provided! The theater is located behind the AMC Theater/Target on Veteran's in Metairie. In fact, parking in the Target structure works best. The theater is located on the 2nd floor of the WTIX building, where the driving school is co-located. The furnishings of the theater are reasonably nice but could be updated, especially the floors, furniture and restrooms. The theater is small enough to make it feel quite personal, but large enough that you don't feel that guests are smushed in.I like this venue and appreciate having "Arts" in Metairie as well. Kudos to the Actor's Theatre of New Orleans for putting this together in a seemingly limited space."

Jefferson Performing Arts Center

★★★★☆ 4 (9)

"On the south side of Airline Drive, next to the minor league baseball stadium is this building. I had seen it before, but never really paid attention to it, or was curious as to what it was. Well, I was wrong for not being curious, and I am sorry.It has no dedicated parking lot from what I can see, but I parked in the lot for the stadium next door. I came on a Saturday as a friend got tickets for the LPO to play the soundtrack while Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone was playing. AMAZING. Our seats were house left, in the box. Some of the view was blocked by a wall, but it was wonderful. Everything was beautiful. The walls, the carpet, the seats. Again, it was amazing. There was a souvenir table with all things Potter, a small bar with snacks. I really can not recommend this place enough.There is an elevator for handicapped, a sloped walkway for handicapped. The seating for handicapped is tricky.I look forward to coming back and seeing future shows here. You do not have to pay for parking, and get first class entertainment without the hassle of going downtown. AMAZING!"

Art Street

★★★★★ 4.5 (2)

"Some of the best unknown musicians in New Orleans play here. It is the real deal!Street musicians from Royal St are the best!"

Two Friends Improv Theater

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"Absolutely hilarious! I love this group and all that they do! I've been fortunate enough to catch a couple of their shows when they have travelled to Baton Rouge. If you have a chance to see them live, do it! Also check out their workshops and everything they are doing in the New Orleans area. There are many reasons to get involved in improv comedy and you don't have to be funny! Give it a try, watch a show, and support local theater :) Thanks for being so awesome!"

New Orleans Opera Association

★★★★☆ 4 (5)

"The New Orleans is the 1st city of opera in the United States with the first opera being staged in 1796. The NOOA stages 3-4 operas a year and has just moved back to its pre-Katrina theater. While not world-class, the operas are imaginatively staged and the principals are often up-and-coming stars."

Creative Dance & Music Studio

★★★★★ 4.7 (9)

"Time to update the review, since it has been 3 years. My little one is now a dance pro (well, maybe not, but she loves going to dance each week). The staff is always helpful and friendly. They recently merged the 2 former studios into one massive, awesome studio at the corner of Manahattan and Lapalco. Next to PJs, which will become a weekly habit now. The new space has 2 dance rooms, 2 music rooms, and a huge parent seating area.All in all, a great place for kids dance (and music) lessons on the Westbank!"

Contemporary Arts Center

★★★★☆ 3.7 (34) • $

"I've only been to the CAC for parties, bands, and events. Honestly I've never found most of the art here very interesting but I'm not really into modern/contemporary art as I much prefer the more classical approach. This place is a great party and event venue and I've had lots of good times here.Admission:$5 General Admission$3 for Students & SeniorsFREE to CAC Members"