Information
Landmark: Durham Performing Arts CenterCity: Durham
Country: USA North Carolina
Continent: North America
Durham Performing Arts Center, Durham, USA North Carolina, North America
Overview
The Durham Performing Arts Center, or DPAC, sits at 123 Vivian Street in the heart of downtown Durham, North Carolina, just steps from bustling cafés and bright marquee lights.DPAC opened its doors on November 30, 2008, quickly becoming a cornerstone of Durham’s push to breathe new life into its downtown streets.The center turned what was once a dusty, abandoned industrial lot into a lively arts space, breathing new life into downtown Durham and sparking its rise as a cultural and economic hub.DPAC spans about 103,000 square feet, with a sleek, modern look designed by Szostak Design-glass panels catching the light as you walk past.The sleek lobby greets you with a towering glass curtain wall, opening wide to Durham’s skyline and flooding the space with warm, golden light.The theater was built with the audience in mind, from the crisp acoustics to the precise sightlines that make sure every one of its 2,712 seats offers a clear view of the stage and sound so sharp it feels like you’re in the front row.The auditorium combines the close, warm feel of a small theater with room for grand productions, standing as one of the most advanced performing arts venues in the Southeast.There’s also a spacious lobby where guests can mingle before the show, enjoy a reception, or gather for community events, with room enough for the buzz of voices to fill the air.Backstage spaces built with modern gear, ready to handle Broadway-caliber shows-even down to the gleam of polished stage lights.Several spaces set aside for artists, production crews, and tech staff, from a bright rehearsal room to a quiet corner stacked with cables and gear.Top-notch lighting, crisp sound, and sleek stage gear ready to handle everything from a quiet solo act to a roaring rock show.With 2,712 seats, DPAC stands as the Carolinas’ largest performing arts venue, where the soft rustle of programs fills the air before the lights fade.Seats are spread over several tiers-orchesta up front, mezzanine above, and the balcony high enough to catch the glow of the stage lights.Wide aisles, roomy seats, and plenty of legroom make it easy for visitors to settle in and stay comfortable, even through a long evening’s performance.The venue provides accessible seating and helpful services so guests with disabilities can enjoy the event-right down to smooth ramps by the main entrance.DPAC packs its calendar with more than 250 shows a year, drawing over half a million people to its stage, from sold‑out musicals to jazz nights that fill the air with brass and applause.The programming strategy aims to reach a wide range of audiences, bringing in nationally touring Broadway hits-Hamilton, Wicked, The Lion King, Hadestown, The Book of Mormon, Chicago, Aladdin-along with other shows that light up the stage night after night.Regional audiences can enjoy world-class theater right where they are, without the long drive into a bustling city.Concerts at the venue span everything from pop and pounding rock to the sweep of classical strings and the smoky warmth of jazz.DPAC has hosted standout acts, from John Mellencamp’s gritty Midwestern sound to Brandi Carlile’s soaring vocals, and even The Decemberists with their vivid storytelling.The center often brings in top comedians from around the country and the world-names like Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Rock, and Jim Gaffigan-filling the room with laughing, cheering fans at lively stand‑up shows.Family-friendly hits like Sesame Street Live and Disney on Ice light up DPAC’s stage, drawing crowds from toddlers clutching popcorn to grandparents smiling in the aisles.Dance and special events fill DPAC’s calendar, from the vibrant swirl of the American Dance Festival to film nights, thought‑provoking lectures, lively community meet‑ups, and hands‑on educational programs.DPAC’s wide range of shows sparks cultural growth and draws people from all corners of the region, from jazz nights that fill the air with brass to plays that leave the crowd buzzing.Since opening its doors, DPAC has helped reshape Durham’s economy, drawing crowds that spill into nearby cafés and shops.It’s sparked a major revival downtown, pumping an estimated $127 million into the local economy by 2019-enough to fill every café and storefront with new life.It’s ignited more than $300 million in nearby investments-new restaurants with sizzling grills, hotels, shops, and fresh housing projects springing up.Visitor spending helps create local jobs, from hiring tour guides to keeping the corner café busy.We’re boosting Durham’s profile as a regional hub for culture, drawing visitors from all over North Carolina and nearby states-folks who come for the music, the food, and the buzz in the streets.DPAC’s presence has helped spark partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, and community groups, bringing arts education and outreach programs to life-like a mural project painted by students downtown.At DPAC, guests enjoy a full range of conveniences to make their visit smooth and enjoyable, from an on-site box office-open Monday through Saturday for tickets and friendly help-to 24/7 online ticketing that’s just a click away.Parking’s easy here-the venue has its own lot and works with nearby garages, so you can pull in without circling the block.You might find parking spots and shuttle rides set aside for special events, like a bus waiting at the curb with its engine humming.DPAC meets all ADA standards, with wheelchair ramps, accessible seating, assistive listening devices, and other accommodations to ensure every guest can enjoy the show.Concessions are open during events, serving everything from salty popcorn to cold sodas, with beer or wine offered where it’s allowed.Safety and Security: Trained staff watch the doors and hallways, ready to respond, while clear emergency steps keep both patrons and performers safe.DPAC has earned several prestigious awards for its top-notch theater operations and standout customer experience, including a steady spot in Pollstar’s national top five-an honor from one of the industry’s most respected publications.We received the IEBA Theater of the Year Award, honoring our exceptional venue management-every detail, from the warm glow of the marquee to the smooth flow of backstage work, helped make it possible.Billboard magazine nominated it for Theater of the Decade, a nod to its lasting influence and top-notch performances-like the night the stage glowed under a cascade of golden light.DPAC sits right in the heart of downtown Durham, just minutes from major highways and a quick bus ride away.The center sits just off I‑85 and I‑40, so you can be on the highway in minutes, hearing the steady rush of traffic as you leave.Buses run from local transit stops straight to the venue, and many visitors grab a ride-share-often spotting the glow of the venue lights as they pull up.Seasonal and Upcoming Programming (2025 Sample): *& Juliet* runs October 1–6, 2025-a modern Broadway smash with a bright, pop-driven score that snaps like a drumbeat.Hadestown comes to town November 29–December 1, 2025, bringing its Tony Award-winning twist on the Orpheus myth, with music that swells like heat off cobblestone streets.A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical runs January 7–12, 2025, bringing his story to life with the crowd‑pleasing hits you know by heart.Shucked, running March 4–9, 2025, is a fresh, funny musical that dives into the quirks of corn farming-right down to the rustle of dry husks.Beetlejuice, running March 18–23, 2025, brings the cult classic film to life on stage with all its weird charm and striped suits.Kimberly Akimbo, running April 29–May 4, 2025, is a darkly funny musical that dives into the messiness of family and the awkward sweetness of growing up.Back to the Future: The Musical, running May 20–25, 2025, brings the beloved film to life on stage, right down to the gleam of the DeLorean’s chrome.Some Like It Hot (June 17–22, 2025) brings the classic film to life as a quick-witted musical, complete with snappy lines and a splash of 1920s jazz.The Wiz runs August 5 through 10, filling the stage with bright lights and bold, brassy music.
