Dock Street Theatre

City of Charleston-owned indoor proscenium theater in the French Quarter, on the site described as America's first purpose-built theater; the current structure was built as the Planter's Hotel in 1809 and converted to a theater in 1935. Seating is approximately 464-470 across orchestra and balcony, with some listings citing about 500. Phone 843-720-3968. It operates year-round for local arts groups and touring companies and also rents for private events. Music programming is chamber-scale rather than amplified rock: it is a core Spoleto Festival USA and Piccolo Spoleto venue (chamber music, recitals, opera), hosts Charleston Stage's season, and takes touring acoustic and theatrical concerts. Age policy is set per production. There is no dedicated venue parking - Church Street is narrow and metered; the Cumberland Street and Queen Street city garages are the nearest options. About 6 miles from Mount Pleasant over the Ravenel Bridge into the lower peninsula, roughly 15-20 minutes plus garage time.