From making major contributions to the world of music to producing too many literary legends to count, Mississippi has long been a state rich in the arts, and that includes the performing arts. Whether you’re looking to catch a local thespian group or a world-class ballet, these 7 theaters will definitely make the experience one to remember.

1. Russell C. Davis Planetarium, Jackson

Between the state-of-the-art digital projection system to being equipped with the widest screen in Mississippi, this 190-seat giant hemispheric theater combines entertainment and education like never before. A trip to the theater at Russell C. Davis Planetarium means much more than a movie. It’s a chance to roam with the dinosaurs, go to the depths of the ocean, or high into the heavens – the options are endless.

2. Ethel Holden Brownstone Center for the Arts, Poplarville

After years of planning, this multi-million dollar dream finally became a reality in 2013. The premier performing arts facility features theatrical lighting, a full orchestra pit, and seating for 850. And even though it’s only been a short time since its completion, the Brownstone has already hosted a number of reputable performers, including the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and renowned physicist Michio Kaku.

3. MSU Riley Center, Meridian

Where better to enjoy live entertainment than in one of the south’s best venues? Located in downtown Meridian, this fully restored Grand Opera House theater boasts a variety of events, with upcoming performances including everyone from Jewel to Clifford the Big Red Dog.

4. Saenger Theater, Hattiesburg

Thanks to a $3.75 million renovation several years ago, the Saenger Theater has come a long way since being placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The costly renovation returned the theater to its original grandeur, and that includes proudly displaying its original Robert Morton Pipe Organ, one of only a few remaining organs of its kind in the United States. This longtime Hattiesburg fixture has become the city’s top spot for everything from films and plays to ballets and operas.

5. Roxy Theatre, Newton

From its inception in 1934 up until 1978, this theater served as the local movie house. The historic Roxy was eventually donated to the city of Newton and now serves as headquarters for the Newton Theatre Company, a group known for remarkable live performances.

6. The Lyric Theatre, Oxford

From a stable to a theater to office spaces and then back to a theater; the Lyric has undergone numerous transformations since it was first built in the late 1800s. The structure was originally a stable, which just so happened to be owned by William Faulkner’s family. By the 1920s it had been converted to a theater for the performing arts and eventually evolved into Oxford’s first movie theater. Fast forward to 2007, at which time the Lyric underwent an extensive restoration and was reopened as a theater. Today, the venue is known for hosting some of the best concerts around, and even made Huffington Posts’ list, "The One Thing You Must Do In Every State."

7. Duling Hall, Jackson

It’s hard to believe that this popular event venue was once something else. It’s even harder to believe when you learn that that "something else" was an elementary school. Built in 1928, the former school now houses shopping, restaurants, and, of course, an amazing event space that has earned the title of "the best live music venue in Jackson," which can definitely be attributed to the intimate setting and out-of-this-world acoustics.

What are your favorite theaters in the state? Add to the list in the comments section below.