Durham Performing Arts Center | Durham

Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) — Detailed Overview

Location and Establishment

The Durham Performing Arts Center, commonly known as DPAC, is located at 123 Vivian Street in downtown Durham, North Carolina. Officially opened on November 30, 2008, DPAC was developed as a key cultural anchor in Durham’s urban revitalization efforts. The center transformed a former industrial brownfield site into a vibrant arts venue that has helped energize downtown Durham as a cultural and economic hub.

Architecture and Facility Features

DPAC encompasses approximately 103,000 square feet and boasts a contemporary architectural design crafted by Szostak Design. Its sleek lobby features a prominent glass curtain wall that offers expansive views of Durham’s cityscape, blending urban aesthetics with welcoming natural light.

The theater’s design prioritizes audience experience, with carefully engineered acoustics and sightlines ensuring that all 2,712 seats have clear views of the stage and excellent sound quality. The auditorium balances the intimacy of a smaller venue with the capacity to host large-scale productions, making it one of the most sophisticated performing arts centers in the southeastern United States.

Additional features include:

A large lobby space for pre-show gatherings, receptions, and community events.

Modern backstage facilities equipped for Broadway-caliber touring productions.

Multiple support spaces for artists, production crews, and technical staff.

State-of-the-art lighting, sound, and stage equipment to accommodate diverse performances.

Capacity and Seating

DPAC’s seating capacity of 2,712 makes it the largest performing arts venue in the Carolinas. The seating is arranged across multiple levels, including orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony sections. Comfortable seating, ample legroom, and wide aisles contribute to visitor comfort during lengthy performances. The venue also offers accessible seating and services to accommodate guests with disabilities.

Programming and Performances

DPAC’s calendar is rich and varied, hosting over 250 performances annually that attract upwards of half a million attendees each year. Its programming strategy is designed to serve diverse audiences, offering a mix of:

Broadway Shows: DPAC regularly presents nationally touring Broadway productions, including renowned hits like Hamilton, Wicked, The Lion King, Hadestown, The Book of Mormon, Chicago, and Aladdin. This access allows regional audiences to experience world-class theater without traveling to major metropolitan hubs.

Concerts: The venue welcomes a wide range of musical genres, from pop and rock to classical and jazz. Notable performers such as John Mellencamp, Brandi Carlile, and The Decemberists have performed at DPAC.

Comedy Acts: The center regularly hosts nationally and internationally acclaimed comedians, including Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Rock, Jim Gaffigan, and others, drawing enthusiastic crowds for stand-up comedy events.

Family and Children’s Shows: Family-friendly productions like Sesame Street Live and Disney on Ice are staples at DPAC, offering entertainment that appeals to all ages.

Dance and Special Events: DPAC serves as a venue for dance festivals such as the American Dance Festival, as well as film screenings, lectures, community gatherings, and educational programs.

The diversity of DPAC’s offerings fosters cultural enrichment and broad community engagement across the region.

Economic and Community Impact

Since its opening, DPAC has played a transformative role in Durham’s economic development. It has become a catalyst for significant downtown revitalization, including:

Generating an estimated $127 million in economic impact as of 2019.

Sparking over $300 million in additional investments nearby, including new restaurants, hotels, shops, and residential developments.

Supporting local employment both directly and indirectly through visitor spending.

Enhancing Durham’s reputation as a regional cultural destination, attracting visitors from across North Carolina and neighboring states.

DPAC’s presence has also fostered partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations, supporting arts education and outreach programs.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

Visitors to DPAC benefit from a comprehensive range of amenities designed to ensure a pleasant and convenient experience:

Box Office and Ticketing: On-site box office open Monday through Saturday for ticket purchases and customer service, with online ticketing available 24/7.

Parking: The venue offers on-site parking and collaborates with nearby lots and garages to accommodate patrons. Some special event parking and shuttle services may be available.

Accessibility: DPAC is fully ADA compliant, providing accessible seating, assistive listening devices, wheelchair ramps, and accommodations for guests with disabilities.

Concessions: Food and beverage concessions are available during events, offering snacks, drinks, and alcoholic beverages where permitted.

Safety and Security: The center maintains professional security staff and emergency procedures to ensure the safety of all patrons and performers.

Notable Accolades

DPAC has received multiple honors recognizing its excellence in theater operations and customer experience, including:

Being ranked consistently among the top five theaters nationally by Pollstar, a leading live entertainment industry publication.

Receiving the IEBA Theater of the Year Award for outstanding venue management.

Earning nominations for Theater of the Decade by Billboard magazine, reflecting its sustained impact and high standards.

Access and Transportation

DPAC is situated in downtown Durham, making it easily accessible via major highways and public transportation. The center is near Interstate 85 and Interstate 40, allowing convenient regional access. Local transit services provide bus routes connecting to the venue, and ride-sharing options are commonly used by visitors.

Seasonal and Upcoming Programming (2025 Sample)

& Juliet (October 1–6, 2025) — A contemporary Broadway hit with a pop-infused score.

Hadestown (November 29–December 1, 2025) — Tony Award-winning musical retelling the Orpheus myth.

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical (January 7–12, 2025) — A jukebox musical celebrating the life and songs of Neil Diamond.

Shucked (March 4–9, 2025) — A new comedic musical about corn farming.

Beetlejuice (March 18–23, 2025) — A stage adaptation of the cult classic film.

Kimberly Akimbo (April 29–May 4, 2025) — A dark comedy musical exploring family and youth.

Back to the Future: The Musical (May 20–25, 2025) — The beloved film adapted for the stage.

Some Like It Hot (June 17–22, 2025) — A comedic musical based on the classic film.

The Wiz (August 5–10, 2025) — A vibrant retelling of The Wizard of Oz with an African American cultural perspective.

Summary

The Durham Performing Arts Center is a premier cultural landmark that combines architectural elegance, superior technical capabilities, and a wide range of programming to serve both local residents and visitors. Its role in enriching the cultural fabric of Durham and contributing to the city’s economic revitalization is profound. DPAC stands out as a model of how performing arts centers can serve as engines for urban transformation, community engagement, and artistic excellence.