Broadway is considered by many to be the epicenter of American theater. But just a few hours north of New York City, theaters across upstate are producing shows guaranteed to make you laugh, cry or see the world just a little bit differently.

Some are tucked in unlikely spaces, like an old carousel or a re-purposed airplane hangar. Some shows feature top-notch talent straight from New York City stages; others might put your next-door neighbor center stage. Companies are producing classic musicals, cutting-edge plays and Broadway try-out productions.

Here’s a list of 30 theatrical companies either in the Southern Tier, or located a four-or-fewer-hour drive away.

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