Where to catch performances in Athens and Atlanta

In Athens

Morton Theatre
195 W. Washington St., www.mortontheatre.com
This historic venue dabbles in dance, music, theatre, poetry and even pageants, and is the frequent home of Black Theatrical Ensemble productions. The ballerinas, actors and singers reluctantly give up the limelight every weekend to Athens First United Methodist Church for Sundays @ the Morton.

The Classic Center
300 N. Thomas St., www.classiccenter.com
When the Athens Symphony Orchestra and big-name bands such as Wilco aren’t selling out this 2,050-seat theatre, the center hosts Broadway favorites such as “Cats,” “Hairspray” and “Chicago.” For tickets, call (706) 357-4444.

In Atlanta

Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring St. NW (at 18th), Atlanta, www.puppet.org
If you think puppets are just for kids, you haven’t visited this performance gem in Midtown Atlanta (or watched the infamous puppet sex scene in “Team America”). The wildly talented staff stages youngster faves such as “Charlotte’s Web,” along with more adult productions such as their creepy “Tales of Edgar Allan Poe.” For tickets call, (404) 873-3391.

14th Street Playhouse
173 14th St., Atlanta, www.14thstplayhouse.org
This mainstay of the Atlanta art’s district has a decidedly contemporary bent, performing everything from “My Boyfriend the Stripper,” to “Menopause the Musical.” If you’re still hungry for culture after your play, cross the street to the High Museum, which is also part of the Woodruff Arts Center. For tickets, call, (404) 733-4738.

Atlanta Ballet
1400 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta, www.atlantaballet.com
Get your fill of pirouettes and tutus at the Fox Theatre and The Ferst Center for the Arts at Georgia Tech where the 77-year-old dance company performs crowd-pleasers like “The Nutcracker,” “Giselle,” and other classic ballets. For tickets, call the Ticketmaster Arts Hotline (404) 817-8700.

Don’t forget to flash that student ID whenever you’re buying tickets to a performance. The arts community often takes pity on starving students.