"Spend a weekend in Staunton, Virginia, a seat of culture in the Shenandoah Valley."
- Southern Living
Reserved Seating Venues
Trinity Episcopal Church
214 West Beverley St, Staunton
SMF’s primary venue. The sanctuary dating to 1855 features stunning acoustics, numerous Tiffany windows, and a specially designed stage. Trinity also hosts its own “Sundays at 5” concert series all year long, presenting free concerts and special liturgies, guest artists and in house musicians. Info at trinitystaunton.org. Handicap accessible. Seats 500.
Blackfriars Playhouse
10 South Market St, Staunton
Only re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor playhouse in the world and home to the American Shakespeare Center. With thrust staging and intimate seating, the Playhouse was constructed in 2001 and has presented 6-8 Elizabethan performances year-round ever since. Blackfriars typically plays host to Sunday morning SMF concerts. Handicap accessible. Seats 295.
Augusta Stone Presbyterian
28 Old Stone Church Rd, Fort Defiance, VA
Constructed in 1747, Augusta Stone is the oldest Presbyterian church in continuous use in Virginia. Wonderful acoustics and intimate setting are ideal for Baroque music. The festival's preferred venue for smaller recitals in spring and fall. Located nine miles north of Staunton on Route 11 in the village of Fort Defiance. Seats 200.
Central United Methodist
14 N Lewis St, Staunton, VA
Originally founded in 1797, Central United Methodist is the oldest continuous Methodist congregation in Staunton and Augusta County. The semi-circular sanctuary with balcony provides great atmosphere for concerts, rehearsals, and lectures. Central Methodist hosts the popular "Meet the Composer" program in August. Handicap accessible. Seats 260.
First Presbyterian Church
100 E Frederick St, Staunton, VA
Historically significant (Woodrow Wilson’s father was minister here in mid 1800s), First Presbyterian has a spacious sanctuary with balcony, perfect for daytime concerts. SMF also constructs a temporary raised stage to improve visibility. The church hosts Waynesboro Symphony and events from Mary Baldwin University. Handicap accessible. Seats 400.
MBU at the Wharf
32 W Johnson St, Staunton, VA
This multi-use event, teaching and rehearsal space hosts a Nightcap in August. It also serves as a hub for activities in Mary Baldwin's graduate Shakespeare program. Ample parking and close to Trinity Church. The main level includes cabaret hall and bar. Seats 80.
National Valley Bank
12 W Beverley St, Staunton, VA
National Valley Bank was originally formed in 1865. The current building, a Beaux-Arts design built in 1903, was modeled on Rome’s Arch of Titus and most recently housed SunTrust Bank. Stunning visuals, including a Tiffany stained-glass skylight, and vibrant acoustics. Seats 100.
Silver Line Theatre Exchange
211 N Lewis St, Staunton, VA
As a warehouse-turned-theater located in downtown Staunton, Silver Line Theatre boasts a chic, urban lobby with glass garage door, bespoke bar with plate steel top, and four gender neutral and accessible restrooms. The lobby opens to a black box theatre — a flexible space ideal for performances of music, plays, and crossover arts events. Ample free parking. Seats 125.
