Old Marquer Theatre

New Orleans, United States

4.5

16 reviews

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Telephone:
+1 504-298-8676
Website:
oldmarquer.com
Address:
2400 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70117
Marigny
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.8 miFrench Market Station
0.9 miDumaine Station
1.1 miToulouse Station
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Good for Kids
No

Today

Today –
Local time (New Orleans) 00:31 Wednesday, 16 July 2025

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Tuesday –
Wednesday –
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Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Closed permanently in 2016.

Formerly known as the Shadowbox, the Old Marquer hosts a huge variety of shows, with new shows each week. We show all kinds of performance art: theatre of all kinds, burlesque, poetry, live music, and lots of comedy. Comedy styles that appear include stand up, sketch, and improv — provided by local and national groups. Show styles vary from classical all the way to the fringe of the New Orleans theatre scene.

We also host art shows, films, and festivals.

History

Established in 2010.

First opened as the Shadowbox on March 26, 2010, and renamed the Old Marquer in 2015, the theatre has quickly grown into one of the busiest spots along the bustling St Claude art corridor, and is one of almost half a dozen theatres in the area. The Old Marquer has been an official venue for the New Orleans Fringe Festival, as well as for the Hell Yes comedy festival. Performers have appeared on our stage from all over the country including the Amazing Acro-​Cats from Chicago, members of Second City, the Upright Citizens Brigade touring company, and countless comedians from across the south.

The Old Marquer has been home to dozens of award winning shows, and our reputation continues to grow.

Old Marquer Theatre also recommends

Byrdie’s

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Coffee & Tea

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Art Galleries

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Tea Rooms

Old Marquer Theatre says,

«A great little coffee and tea shop/​gallery/​studio right down the block from The Shadowbox.»

The New Movement

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Specialty Schools

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Comedy Clubs

Old Marquer Theatre says,

«A great place to catch a comedy show or take some classes. Their shows are usually $ 5, and they have some terrific performers.»

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16 reviews of Old Marquer Theatre

No registration required
Place rating: 5
New Orleans, LA
I’d been meaning to check out a show here for a while and finally had a chance this past weekend. Quaint home style theater. Very nice people. I saw the Christmas monologue show and thought it was pretty funny. I will definitely be back again.
Place rating: 5
New Orleans, LA
This is in no way a judgement but, bring back the name «Shadow Box Theater»! I know it’s in the old pharmacy building, but the new name is hard to spell in a Google search ;-)
I’ve been to about 6 – 7 shows here and never had a disappointing night. Typically, the shows run $ 20 or $ 10 for students. They have a cash bar and sell popcorn. Being a little tipsy for the show is encouraged!
I’ve seen everything from splatter shows where you leave dripping in fake blood, to burlesque, to live cat shows to most recently Antigone. They utilize the space well, no bad seat in the house. I love the simplicity of the theater and their use of local actors/​tech.
I wish they offered season tickets!
Place rating: 5
Helena, MT
Classic black-​box theatre that’s at the forefront of the St. Claude revival. It’s a featured location for the New Orleans Fringe Festival and hosts a variety of theatrical events through out the year, from classic stage plays to burlesque, and camp musicals to the avant garde. A great local theatre.
Place rating: 4
Trumbull, CT
I had a fun time, last night, at The Shadowbox Theater.
As it’s name implies, it’s basically a black box theater space, converted from a storefront. As such, it has the usual torn curtains, miss-​matched seating, and chipped paint that typifies most small neighborhood performance space. That’s the downside. Don’t let that stop you.
I saw a one-​man show by Paul Oswell, called Narrowing My Horizons”, and it was wonderful. Clever writing and careful comedic timing made this show something that was worth coming out to see. Shows like this, in spaces like this are how theatre lives. Sharing a space with a performer, and experiencing what they have to offer, is far more rewarding than staying home and watching the latest Cable Channel blockbuster, or viral video. Besides, you can watch that stuff anytime.
Come out to the theater. You won’t regret it.
Place rating: 3
New Orleans, LA
The Shadowbox Theatre is not my kind of place. I found myself there a few months ago when I attended an entertaining improv show, but it is unlikely that I will return.
The first thing I noticed about the location was the lack of parking. I realize plenty of people are fans of this neighborhood, but it isn’t my cup of tea. Having to drive around aimlessly looking for a spot is not fun.
The next thing that was a bit odd was that the cover was charged at the door and my money was immediately placed in a guy’s wallet. He swore that was legitimate, but it was a bit off putting.
Next up was the bar. The selections were very basic and the beer I purchased was warm.
The showroom was filled with rows of old school wooden auditorium style seats that reminded me of my high school theater room. They were comfortable and served their purpose. Because the room is relatively small, the front rows put you very close to the performers and there isn’t really a bad seat in the house.
The show I attended was a lot of fun, but the venue is not really for me.
Place rating: 4
New Orleans, LA
Pleasantly surprised by this cute little theater set-​up on St. Claude. Great place to catch a new local play — and they have a sweet little side room where you can buy wine, beer and candy.
Place rating: 4
New Orleans, LA
3.5÷5 slam on
so i only have been here for the nola slam events, and it’s a nice cozy space. i like the back/​waiting/​bar area. parking’s on the street around, so keep that in mind, and if you’re not sure if the event will be full, best to come early. i was on a waiting list for the last slam but it all worked out.
Place rating: 4
New Orleans, LA
Cute converted corner store that makes a lovely intimate theater space. I saw a moody multi-​media theater piece here and the only distraction was that during the quieter spaces I could really hear the traffic on St. Claude.
The box office space was furnished like an eccentric aunt’s living room (and I mean that as a compliment) and was a comfortable space to wait for the show to go on. The seating in the theater was comfortable and felt sturdy. (That seems a weird thing to state until I mention that the last venue where I saw this theater company my chair lost a leg in the middle of the performance.) And the staff was all really nice.
Place rating: 5
New Orleans, LA
Back in the day, Yours, Truly, was an aspiring actress in New York City, dreams of a starring role on the Great White Way constantly dancing in my head (and preventing me from pursuing less grand, but far more lucrative endeavors).
So, the Great White Way never happened. Along the way, however, I enjoyed my time acting in off-​off (way the fuck off) Bway productions. These took place in anything from an abandoned church in Fort Green, Brooklyn to places that remind me a hell of a lot of The Shadowbox Theatre. Only, much more broken down and filthy. And without a comfy lobby where they sold booze. And, sigh, the productions I was in were sadly not in the same league.
Shadowbox rocks! Look at their repertoire. I won’t be so patronizing as to give anyone a hard sell on these shows, but the production I saw was truly incredible, from sound to lighting, to acting. The theater itself is beautiful, clean with good sight lines, yet at the same times retains that slightly gritty, slightly arty vibe. It’s extremely approachable, which is a great, great thing because it seems these days in American, live theater is a dying art. Since Unilocal isn’t a drama critic site, I’m just going to keep it to that.
What else do you need to know? Besides that ticket prices are incredibly low, as are the drinks (beer/​wine/​soft drinks and water). Support!
Place rating: 5
New Orleans, LA
The Shadowbox Theatre is a great venue on St. Claude. There are some great shows that play here — New Movement comedy shows, Acro-​Cats, and other stuff I’m sure… They also house classes in comedy and music. There is theater seating using everything from old theater seats to folding chairs and benches. The lounge area is much nicer than other small venues in the city (cough cough La Nuit) where you have to leave the theater to go get your drink. They usually offer beer, wine, and soda for a reasonable price during the shows which is always appreciated. The best part about this venue though is that awesome old drug store sign out front shining like a beacon.
Place rating: 5
New Orleans, LA
This is a great theatre. You can see a variety of things here. Sometimes improv, sometimes scripted sketch shows, sometimes a play. Some of the regular improv shows are building nice followings there. Also there are a number of improv classes held here, and occasionally a free class for newbies. While these are held here, they are separate from the theatre ownership. But a great open space for classes, plain black theatre walls, clean bathroom, chairs a plenty.
Thanks to the owner for turning a junky furniture store into a comfortable, clean, versatile little theatre in a cool part of town!
Place rating: 5
New Orleans, LA
Super cute place. The only other comedy shows I’ve been to were at La Nuit, and that place sucked, frankly. Wait no, I actually saw comedy once at John Paul’s, and that place is awesome.
Anyway, I was at Shadowbox last night, and the comedy was actually pretty damn good. Usually I’m pretty nervous at comedy shows because I feel pressured to laugh and I feel really nervous for whatever poor fuck is up there trying to be funny, but that didn’t really happen last night. The acts were funny, the seating was cool (despite the fact that I almost busted my ass while stupidly trying to climb over a chair), and the people were nice enough. Oh and I’m pretty sure those seats are from the old Colton school across the street.
Yeah, so it’s a neat place. Charming even. And they sell beer and wine, which is always a plus. And it helps that they’re like 2 blocks from my house.
Place rating: 5
Metairie, LA
This is a great theatre to check out some exciting new stuff. Awesome comedy shows and really great plays from up and coming groups. Not to be missed. The Shadowbox will be huge.
Place rating: 5
New Orleans, LA
A great little theater in the marigny party of New Orleans. Houses high quality shows with lots of variety, excellent ownership, and a nice place to experience a show.
Place rating: 4
Sacramento, CA
Super neat little venue! I’ve wanted to check it out forever, perhaps before they even opened, and finally got a chance to visit tonight (and take my very first improv class!)
It reminds me a bit of La Nuit, if you’ve ever been there, at least in terms of size. The Shadowbox Theater is a bit… nicer, though.
Place rating: 4
New Orleans, LA
An intimate little theater, holds about 50 people. It’s relatively new and I think they still have a few kinks to work out (the online ticketing was overbooked for the show I went to). They have reasonable prices for booze ($ 2 beer bottles and $ 3 wine). Overall the place looks quite promising as far as attracting interesting shows and events (kitty cat circus anyone?).
Protip: get there early so you can get an good (or at least elevated) seat. Depending on what the show is, where you sit might make a big difference.