Curtain Calls & College Pride: A Theatre and Comedy Guide for Baylor Bears in Waco, Texas

Waco may be best known as the home of the Baylor Bears, where Saturdays are packed with roaring crowds and Big 12 action at McLane Stadium. But when the stadium lights dim, a different kind of spotlight beckons. From iconic musicals to A-list comedians and a growing local arts scene, Waco and its neighboring cities offer top-tier entertainment for students, alumni, and visitors alike. Whether you're looking to belt out Broadway lyrics or laugh until your stomach hurts, this guide highlights the best in theatre and comedy just a short walk—or drive—from Baylor University.

🎭 Historic & Local Theatres Near Waco

Waco Hippodrome Theatre – Downtown Waco

Built: 1914
Capacity: Approx. 600 seats
This beautifully restored vaudeville house now functions as a hybrid cinema, concert venue, and live performance space. With century-old charm and a diverse events calendar, the Hippodrome is a Waco landmark that hosts touring musicals, comedians, and indie film screenings.

Temple Civic Theatre – Temple, TX

Founded: 1965
Capacity: Around 228 seats
Just 45 minutes south of Waco, this intimate venue delivers high-quality community theatre. The Temple Civic Theatre frequently stages classic and contemporary plays as well as youth productions.

Bass Concert Hall – Austin, TX

Opened: 1981
Capacity: 2,900 seats
Located about 90 minutes south of Baylor's campus, Bass Concert Hall at UT Austin brings Broadway national tours and top comedians to Central Texas. This venue is one of the best-equipped theaters in the state.

🎶 Broadway Buzz: Musicals Making Waves in Texas and Beyond

Wicked Tickets

Since debuting on Broadway in 2003, Wicked has enchanted audiences with its reimagining of the witches from The Wizard of Oz. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and standout numbers like "Defying Gravity" and "Popular," it's become one of the highest-grossing Broadway shows of all time. The production has won three Tony Awards and continues to tour globally.

&Juliet Tickets

This high-energy pop musical asks what might have happened if Juliet had lived—and wrote her own story. Featuring chart-topping hits by songwriter Max Martin such as "Since U Been Gone" and "Roar," &Juliet made its Broadway debut in 2022. It won a Tony for Best Costume Design and offers a fresh, empowering spin on classic Shakespeare.

Les Misérables Tickets

Victor Hugo's legendary tale of justice and redemption found musical form on Broadway in 1987. Les Misérables has captivated millions with soaring ballads like "On My Own" and "Do You Hear the People Sing?" The show won eight Tony Awards and remains one of the most performed musicals worldwide.

🎭 Mini-Musical Highlights

Blue Man Group Tickets
● Debut: 1991 (Off-Broadway)

Style: Percussion-heavy, non-verbal, immersive
Global Reach: Over 35 million people have seen the show worldwide

● Appeal: Family-friendly and visually stunning.
Chicago - The Musical Tickets
● Debut: 1975, revival in 1996

Famous Songs: "All That Jazz," "Cell Block Tango"
Awards: 6 Tony Awards

● Claim to Fame: The longest-running American musical in Broadway history.
Mamma Mia Tickets
● Debut: 2001 (Broadway)

Based On: Songs by ABBA
Major Hits: "Dancing Queen," "Super Trouper"

● Legacy: Over $4 billion in global ticket sales.

Hamilton Tickets

Lin-Manuel Miranda's cultural juggernaut premiered in 2015, combining hip-hop, R&B, and traditional musical theatre to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton. It won 11 Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. With hits like "My Shot" and "The Room Where It Happens," Hamilton continues to redefine Broadway for a new generation.

Hadestown Tickets

Blending Greek mythology with American folk and jazz, Hadestown retells the love story of Orpheus and Eurydice. The musical opened on Broadway in 2019 and swept the Tony Awards with eight wins, including Best Musical. Anaïs Mitchell's poetic lyrics and the show's innovative staging make it a must-see.

Beetlejuice - The Musical Tickets

This cult favorite premiered in 2019 and quickly found a devoted fan base. Based on the Tim Burton film, Beetlejuicecombines spooky flair with campy humor and catchy songs like "Say My Name" and "Dead Mom." It earned eight Tony nominations and is known for its visually inventive set design.

Shucked Tickets

One of Broadway's freshest offerings, Shucked opened in 2023 with a corn-fed sense of humor and a big-hearted storyline. Featuring music by country talents Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, this show mixes small-town charm with laugh-out-loud lyrics. It won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor and has gained traction for its originality.

Dear Evan Hansen Tickets

First opening on Broadway in 2016, Dear Evan Hansen explores themes of anxiety, identity, and social media through its titular character. With powerful ballads like "Waving Through a Window" and "You Will Be Found," it won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Its emotional impact has resonated with a new generation of theatre fans.

The Book of Mormon Tickets

Created by South Park's Trey Parker and Matt Stone, this irreverent musical debuted in 2011. It follows two Mormon missionaries as they attempt to share their faith in Uganda. The show has won nine Tony Awards and is known for balancing shocking humor with genuine heart.

😂 Stand-Up Acts Bringing Laughs to Central Texas

Jim Gaffigan Tickets

Jim Gaffigan's clean, observational humor—often focused on food, parenting, and laziness—has made him a household name. He's been nominated for multiple Grammys and performed at Madison Square Garden. His iconic "Hot Pockets" bit is just one of many in his long list of comedic hits.

Matt Rife Tickets

Matt Rife rose to fame through his quick-witted crowd interactions and viral stand-up clips. With roots in MTV's Wild 'N Out, he's built a large Gen Z following. His blend of relationship commentary and sharp improv has made him one of the most in-demand comedians on tour.

Leanne Morgan Tickets

Leanne Morgan brings Southern charm and hilarious maternal wisdom to the stage. Her hit Netflix special I'm Every Woman has introduced her storytelling-style comedy to new audiences. She covers marriage, parenting, and middle age with warmth and relatability.

Gabriel Iglesias Tickets

Better known as "Fluffy," Gabriel Iglesias mixes high-energy impressions, storytelling, and hilarious personal anecdotes. He's one of the few comedians to sell out Dodger Stadium and has headlined specials like Stadium Fluffy and I'm Not Fat…I'm Fluffy. His wide appeal makes him a hit with multi-generational audiences.

🎟️ TicketSmarter Discount for Baylor Bears Fans

Cheering on the Baylor Bears isn't the only way to show your school spirit—why not take it to the theatre too? TicketSmarter is offering Baylor fans 5% off all listed musicals and comedy shows in this guide. Just use promo code BEARS5 at checkout to score your deal and make your next night out more memorable.

🐻 Final Bow: From the Sidelines to the Spotlight

From the dazzling ballads of Wicked to the laugh-out-loud genius of Gabriel Iglesias, Waco and the surrounding region offer a wealth of performing arts for Baylor Bears looking to expand their playbook. Whether it's a weekend trip to Austin for Hamilton or a local night at the Hippodrome, the curtain is always rising on another unforgettable experience. So rally your friends, trade your jerseys for playbills, and let the stage light up your Baylor pride.