The Theater Rudolstadt has a rich tradition and is deeply rooted in the area. It was founded in a cultural heyday of the princely city on the Saale in 1793. Even Johann Wolfgang von Goethe directed his artistic fortunes from Weimar at that time, provided good, sophisticated entertainment and met Friedrich Schiller here for the first time. In the meantime, the stage has made a name for itself both regionally and nationally, not least due to the combination of its own acting ensemble and an orchestra of more than 40 musicians, which is unique in Germany. Thanks to close cooperation, the range of productions is nevertheless much broader, extending from drama and children's and youth theater to opera, operetta, musicals and ballet.

The theater has several venues: While the big productions can be experienced in the "Großes Haus" with its 260 seats, the small "Schminkkasten" with gastronomy invites to lighter, mainly comedic plays and musical-literary programs. The children's and youth theater also has its own venue: the "theater tumult". At the magnificent Heidecksburg Castle, the summer theater is an experience for the whole family. As the crowning finale of the season, it attracts thousands of spectators to Rudolstadt every year.

The orchestra of the house, the Thuringian Symphony Orchestra Saalfeld-Rudolstadt, can also look back on a glorious history. Founded in 1635 as the princely court orchestra, the orchestra is present with regular concerts in Rudolstadt, Saalfeld and the region. In addition to the classical symphony concerts, the Thuringian Symphony enriches the audience with regular castle concerts, theater concerts, opera galas swimming pool concerts and many other concert formats more. 

The main building is currently under renovation. The interim venue is located about 100 meters away in the Theater im Stadthaus. The reopening is planned for the 2023/24 season.