Occupying an entire city block, the Shaw Center for the Arts forms an integral part of downtown Baton Rouge’s skyline, and of the Capital City’s creative scene. Alongside Louisiana culture bearers including the LSU Museum of Art, the LSU School of Art’s Alfred C. Glassell Exhibition Gallery, and multiple dining spaces, the Shaw Center houses the Manship Theatre, a nucleus of the Capital Region’s performing arts scene. Since opening in 2005, the theatre has established itself as a vital part of the city’s arts and culture landscape, with a focus on turning audiences into communities.
The Manships’ Vision
Named for Douglas L. Manship Sr., the theatre honors a family whose legacy has shaped Louisiana journalism and media. Charles Manship Sr., purchased Baton Rouge’s first daily newspaper, The State-Times in 1909, and founded The Morning Advocate in 1925. For the century that followed, and succeeded by his sons, Charles Jr. and Douglas Sr., the Manships championed integrity, education, and community enrichment. Douglas Sr.’s pioneering role in Baton Rouge media and lifelong passion for the arts served as the catalyst for the creation of the theatre that bears his name.
Decades later, the Manship family’s passion for the arts is still sustaining patrons and performers alike. “As a jazz vocalist and ukulele artist, the Manship has been like an incubator for me,” said artist Ashley Orlando. A regular at the venue, both onstage and in the audience, Orlando draws inspiration from the acclaimed musicians she’s had the opportunity to see at the Manship. “The theatre expands my perspective, sharpens my instincts, and continues to elevate my own artistry,” said Orlando.
As the premier non-profit performing arts venue in the Capital Region, The Manship Theatre has held true to its audience-driven mission of curating performances with purpose. Supporting the theatre enables the Manship team to deliver diverse arts and cultural experiences while delivering high-quality educational programs that include field trips, summer camps, and master classes.
The 125,000 square-foot, six-story Shaw Center for the Arts combines new construction with adaptive reuse of a Baton Rouge landmark—the circa 1922 Auto Hotel. The center’s performing arts spaces include the 325-seat Main Stage Theatre, the 150-seat Hartley/Vey Studio Theatre, and a multi-purpose Workshop Theatre with seating for 125. Taken together, this combination of performance venues enables the Manship Theatre to present more than 200 events to over 30,000 attendees each year.
Show Your Support
Supporting the Manship Theatre with a ticket purchase, membership, or donation is not only a way to champion the performing arts in Baton Rouge. It’s also an opportunity to present your business or organization to a diverse and engaged audience. There are many ways to support Manship Theatre.
Donate: One-time donations of any amount are recognized in program listings, with a dedication if requested. (Note: donations may also be made anonymously.)
Become a Member: Committed to remaining accessible to all, Manship Theatre offers eight membership levels ranging from a $30 Film Club membership (includes free popcorn and a $2 discount on all film ticket purchases), to the $12,500 Diamond Sponsorship (advance access to performances, ticket concierge service, reserved seating, early registration for summer camps, and more). For details on all membership levels, visit manshiptheatre.org/become-a-member
Rent our Spaces: Looking for an unforgettable setting for your next event? Take a tour of the Manship Theatre’s event spaces. In addition to the Main Stage Theatre and the Harley/Vey Studio Theatre, the Manship also offers a second floor loft space, the Gallery at Manship, the Jones Walker Foyer and Bar, and the Josef Sternberg Memorial Conference Room.
Sponsor and Attend the 2026 Red Carpet Gala: Be a part of Manship’s annual Red Carpet Gala, featuring a performance by LeAnn Rimes on April 16. Sponsorships for the gala range from $2,500 to $25,000, and provide a unique opportunity to support Manship’s mission while taking part in one of Baton Rouge’s finest live concert events. Several sponsorship tiers are available and include orchestra-level seating. To purchase tickets and learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit manshiptheatre.org/red-carpet-gala.
The Manship Theatre is a nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible.
