The Best Community Theaters in Marin County

Every county has its own community of dancers, actors and drama enthusiasts, but it’s no secret that Marin has some of the best thespians around. From classic musicals, to rib-cracking comedies, to innovative adaptations of familiar favorites, there’s something for all tastes. Whether you’re looking for a night out with friends or a fun show to take the kids to, there’s always a good performance waiting right around the corner.

The 2025 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Mountain Play (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Community Theater picks see below.

Our 2025 Arts & Entertainment category sponsor is MarinArts. View the rest of the Arts & Entertainment category here.

We’ve broken it down by region: Southern and Central Marin.

Southern 

Mill Valley

Central

Ross – San Anselmo

Southern Marin

142 Throckmorton Theatre

Mill Valley

Photo courtesy of AJ Brady

Art and community are at the heart of everything the 142 Throckmorton Theatre does. Take in the historical atmosphere and the gorgeous wall-to-ceiling murals as you find your seat in what they proudly call “a people’s theatre.” On any given day, you might find yourself enjoying a comedy, a classic musical or a festival. They offer more than just shows, however, also hosting workshops, dance classes, chorus and more, including after-school programs.

142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, 415.383.9600

Marin Theatre

Mill Valley

Photo by Marin Theatre

With a history dating back to 1966, the Marin Theatre Company has grown into an award-winning titan of the Bay Area. They’ve done everything from beloved variants of Pride and Prejudice to dark and satirical commentaries on current events. You might find a story written by one of the company’s own national playwrights or a performance put on in collaboration with the local high school, showcasing just how deeply the group invests in the Marin community. For theatrically inclined youth, the company also offers summer camps for second through 12th graders.

397 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 415.388.5208

Mountain Play

Mill Valley

Mountain Play

As we wait to learn the fate of our beloved Mountain Play’s future, y’all still voted this historical and cultural gem set amongst the Redwoods, Readers’ Choice, again. Stay abreast of the status at mountainplay.org.

Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre, Mill Valley, 415.383.1100

Tam Valley Players

Mill Valley

A volunteer theater troupe delighting Tam Valley audiences for over 15 years, Tam Valley Players stages original murder mysteries and the long-running Rhubarb Revue comedy show. Their interactive performances, like 2025’s Murder on the Bocce Courts, blend humor, intrigue, and community spirit in a lively dinner-theater setting.

305 Bell Lane, Mill Valley, 415.388.6393

Central Marin

Ross Valley Players

Ross

actor on stage
Photo by Ross Valley Players

There’s no theater more welcoming of newcomers than Ross Valley Players. Evocative and transformative, there’s always something fresh on the stage. The company’s Alternative Works productions are focused on elevating local creatives who otherwise might have flown under the radar, bringing in new actors and writers with every season (auditions are always open). An evening of Ross’ Alternative Works is bound to offer high quality, never-before-seen material performed by some of the most passionate and talented thespians in the county.

30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross, 415.456.9555

The Playhouse in San Anselmo

San Anselmo

A staple of the San Anselmo community, the Playhouse in San Anselmo is a 221-seat auditorium that puts on a variety of shows, including local amateur shows, traveling company shows and children’s shows. The old building began as a gymnasium for the nearby seminary but has been transformed into a quaint playhouse that serves the town.

27 Kensington Rd, San Anselmo, 415.456.8555

Arts & Entertainment Sponsor

MarinArts

MarinArts three women

MarinArts

MarinArts is a nonprofit organization that has been proudly promoting the arts and cultural events in Marin County for over ten years. They provide a FREE platform for arts organizations, artists, and venues to share their events through our online calendar.

Fun Fact: Their website is accessible in 11 languages — including Spanish, French, and Vietnamese — helping you connect with a wide and diverse audience.

MarinArts | San Rafael, CA | 415.578.3856 | marinarts.org