Angels Camp, CA…While Calaveras County draws creative entrepreneurs from all over the map, this community is ripe with people who have studied and mastered their craft, then chose Calaveras as their home to carve out their own theatre niche in the Sierra Nevada foothills. As the region’s tourism economy evolves, people born and raised here or people from outside the county find new opportunities to bring their vision to the local arts and cultural scene. Come see everything from our take on one of Shakespeare’s masterpieces to well-known crowd pleasers to original, independent scripts turned into full, mainstage productions!

Shakespeare on the Vine at Brice Station Vineyards

• Where:  Brice Station Winery 3353 E. Highway 4, Murphys, CA, 209-728-9893
• When:  July 25th to August 17th, 2024, 7:00 PM

Tara Kayton is a creative artist who returned to her Calaveras home where she was born and rasied after working in professional theatre in New York and earning a Master’s Degree in Theatre from Yale and a Certificate in Shakespeare Studies from Oxford. This will be the 10th amazing summer for her theatre company’s, Shakespeare on the Vine, partnership with Brice Station Vineyards, and starting in mid-June, the venue will be extra busy as the Shakespeare team begins rehearsals for the summer showings of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, Twelfth Night.

Picnics are encouraged, Brice Station Wines are available for purchase on site, and there will be catered dinners for purchase on select nights. Check their website for those details. They also recommend bringing something warm for cool summer evenings, and chairs – unless you get there early enough to grab one of their plastic seats for the night.  Don’t miss the experience of seeing live theatre on the hilltop this summer at Brice Station.  Click here to get your tickets now and think about staying in Arnold at Arnold Black Bear Inn or Meadowmont Hotel.

Murphys Creek Theater

Murphys Creek Theater, Inspecting Carol. Photo | Emily Graham

• Where:  Murphys Creek Theatre, 580 South Algiers St., Murphys, CA, 209-728-8422
• When:  August – December, 2024, 7:00 PM

Todd Thomas, the artistic director for Murphys Creek Theatre and longtime Calaveras resident, devotes hours to developing educational, summer workshops for children interested in live theatre, the New Play Festival – Quill to Act, that showcases playwrights’ original works, and a beautiful and meaningful performance season for audiences of all ages.

Nestled in the charming town of Murphys, California, Murphys Creek Theatre is home to this hidden gem that has been captivating audiences for decades.  A professional, regional theatre with a mission to provide high-quality, professional theatre experiences to the local community and beyond, MCT has become a beloved destination for theatre-goers and performers alike. A devoted community makes the Murphys Creek Theatre special as well as its unique location. Situated in the heart of California’s gold country, the theatre is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and rich history. Visitors can explore nearby wineries, hike through picturesque trails, or simply soak up the small-town charm of Murphys.

Founded in 1994, Murphys Creek Theatre has a long history of producing a diverse range of plays. With a focus on showcasing local talent and fostering new voices in the theatre world, the theatre has become a hub for creativity and artistic expression. From well-known classics to premiere productions, they have something for everyone. Whether you are a theatre buff or just looking for a fun night out, Murphys Creek Theatre is the perfect destination. There isn’t a bad view in this 132-seat house which provides an up-close and personal experience that is hard to come by in larger venues. It’s a unique and immersive experience that is truly unforgettable. Stay at the Victoria Inn or Murphys Historic Hotel located one block from the theatre and make it a weekend getaway!

Fourth Wall Entertainment Troupe

The Metropolitan Theatre. Photo courtesy The Metropolitan theatre

• Where:  Metropolitan Theater, 59 Main Street, San Andreas, CA, 95249 209-754-5555
• When:  Year round

Providing interactive theatrical experiences by producing quality entertainment through drama, dance, music, comedy and culture, Fourth Wall Entertainment Troupe performs quality and whimsical live theatre performances at the historic Metropolitan theater in downtown San Andreas.  This summer, the cast is excited to bring three new plays – Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in June, Slaughter on Safari in July, and Beauty and the Beast in August.

Located on historic Main Street in San Andreas, the Metropolitan was originally a hotel in 1859. In 1926, fire destroyed the building and a movie theater replaced it sometime in the early 1950’s. The current owners of The Metropolitan have transformed the building into an event space and a home to live theatre entertainment company, Fourth Wall Entertainment Troupe.

Interactive theatrical experiences that include music, dinner, dancing and drinks make a Fourth Wall experience special. Unique works are written and performed by local artists, and this small community comes together to celebrate its history and culture through its appreciation of the arts. And a great big plus is that they are serving amazing, local wines grown and crafted right here in Calaveras. Don’t forget to book your room in historic Angels Camp at the Best Western Cedar Inn & Suites or Wyndham’s WorldMark Resort located 10 minutes away right on Highway 49.