by John Pruitt, Channel 2 Action News Anchor

Did you know that there are more than three dozen theatre companies in metro Atlanta? They offer everything from comedy to the classics, cutting-edge drama and musicals to family plays.

The Alliance Theatre is the largest theatre company in the Southeast, and has gained a national reputation for its world premieres of plays like the Disney production of "Aida," now on Broadway and its outstanding productions of the plays of August Wilson, one of the nation's most-respected African-American playwrights.

Actors' Express has developed a strong following for producing exciting newer plays by young writers, as well as for its innovative productions of classic American musicals like "Oklahoma," and Steven Sondheim's "Company."

Seven Stageshas an international reputation for producing daring works by world artists.

The Horizon Theatre features regional premieres of some of the most highly praised plays from New York's Off Broadway theatre community, while Theatrical Outfit presents stellar productions of original work like the musical "Cotton Patch Gospel," which has toured around the world, and original adaptations of great novels like Charles Dickens' "Hard Times."

For comic improvisation and the hippest shows in town, try Dad's Garage, which is redefining the theatre experience and reaching out to new audiences in Atlanta.

You can see Shakespeare at two wonderful venues - the Georgia Shakespeare Festival, which features one of the strongest acting ensembles in Georgia, and Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern, where you'll experience Shakespeare in a relaxed atmosphere which offers fine productions and food, too!

Push Push Theatre offers the area's most intimate and relaxed setting for great plays.

Theatre Emory presents premieres and important work by emerging playwrights as well as the classics. Theatre Gael produces the finest Irish drama, while the Jewish Theatre of the South specializes in works with a Jewish theme. Jomandi Productions offers plays that explore the African American experience. Synchronicity produces insightful, innovative work.

A number of theatres have brought great plays to the suburbs: Marietta's Theatre In the Square, one of the area's longest operating and most successful theatre companies, Gwinnett County's Aurora Theatre, Roswell's Georgia Ensemble Theatre and ART Station in Stone Mountain.

But we also hope you'll take a look at other wonderful performing arts companies in our area: The Atlanta Ballet, is redefining dance here with innovative programs like their partnership this season with the Indigo Girls, who performed live on stage while the dancers interpreted their music.

The Atlanta Opera is gaining a huge following for its acclaimed productions. The Atlanta Symphony has never been more exciting - or accessible to newer classical music audiences - than since Robert Spano took the leadership baton. And you and your children will love the performances at the Center for Puppetry Arts.

Most of these theatres - and others - are members of Artscard, which gives you terrific discounts on tickets to theatre so you can enjoy live performances at a very reasonable price. Click on the link to become a member.

For a listing of what's playing across metro Atlanta, go to www.atlantaperforms.com.