Pamlico County Civic & Cultural Center

Discover Pamlico County at...
                                Pamlico-NC.com
                    The Online Magazine of Pamlico County North Carolina

                                           Cover    Contents    Advertisers

Pamlico County Civic and Cultural Center

Theater Purchase Finalized
Click here for details

Mission

The purpose of the Pamlico County Civic and Cultural Center is to enrich the cultural, civic and business environment of Pamlico County for all of it's residents by providing, and encouraging, uses of the facility for events which will contribute to its dedicated purposes.

The Old Theater

“The Old Theater” at the corner of Broad and Church Streets in Oriental first opened as a movie theater in 1945. It attracted patrons from throughout Pamlico County, many of them using the then-existent train service for their journey. It continued to serve as a social and entertainment center until the late 1950’s. After languishing for over thirty tears, the theater has returned to help fulfill the entertainment, cultural and civic needs of the County.

The Old Theater Corporation

The Old Theater Corporation, a nonprofit organization, was formed on May 8, 1992. It's responsible for the renovation of the Center and its management as a permanent home for theatrical productions, community affairs, business promotion and other civic uses. The controlling Board of Directors is composed of Pamlico County residents appointed jointly by the Pamlico County Commissioners and the Town Board of Oriental.

The Project

The Pamlico County Civic and Cultural Center Project began in the early 1990’s, bringing together the dream of a County Performing Arts and Civic Center and the reality of the then-dormant Old Theater. First priority was to again get the theater operational. The interior has been completely renovated to meet modern standards. This effort climaxed when the Center open to the public in 1995.

Although work continues on upgrading the Center’s interior systems, focus now is shifting to the beautification and remodeling of the exterior. This will include a major facelift to improve its functionality while enhancing its appearance.

This transition continues to be made possible by the generous support of large institutions, community businesses and service organizations, and individual benefactors along with the hard work of many dedicated people and a variety of fundraising activities. The Center also has received grants from the North Carolina Arts Council.

The Center In Operation

The Center is used for a wide variety of activities.

Pelican Players

As the Center’s resident Theater Company, Pelican Players produces four plays each year plus a summer theater workshop for students.

Sponsored Concerts

The Center offers a variety of concerts. Recent performances have ranged from the Pamlico Chorale to jazz to “big band” swing to concert bands.

Independent Performances

Individuals and outside organizations use the Center to present a variety of dramatic and musical events.

Arts Council

The Pamlico County Arts Council annual meeting is held at the Center followed by a musical performance.

Art Exhibits

The Center displays a continually changing collection of works by local artists.

Civic Festivals

The Center serves as a performance venue during various civic activities such as the Oriental Spirit of Christmas and the Croaker Festival.

Civic Events

The Center is available to government and civic organizations for meetings and forums of public interest..

Business Uses

The Center is available for business meetings and seminars appropriate to its theater arrangement.

Call (919)249-0477 to reserve tickets

Pamlico Civic & Cultural Center Purchase Finalized

Many people were reluctant to contribute financial support when work began five years ago to convert Oriental's old movie theater into a facility capable of presenting live plays and concerts. Much of this reluctance stemmed from the fact that the building had been leased instead of purchased. Today that's no longer a problem. On Thursday, June 5th, final papers were signed transferring ownership of the Pamlico County Civic and Cultural Center to The Old Theater Corporation, the nonprofit organization that was created in 1992 to develop and manage the facility.

“This transfer of ownership marks a major step towards making the Civic and Cultural Center a permanent fixture in Pamlico County,” stated Old Theater Corporation's president Elizabeth Valassis. “While we've had a good working relationship with the former owners, Hubert and Tom Smith, there's no worry now that the building might be diverted to someone making a higher offer.

“Our ability to purchase the building as this time is a reflection of the tremendous support we have received from individuals, businesses, and civic and governmental organizations throughout the county and beyond over the past five years,” Valassis continued. “Not only have we been able to raise enough money to cover the down payment, but we have completely overhauled the interior of the building. I can't say enough to thank our many contributors and volunteers who have made this possible.”

The purchase of the Pamlico County Civic and Cultural Center building, which is home for the Pelican Players and the forum for a variety of concerts and other activities, culminates a five year effort. The building was originally leased from the Smiths in 1992 with the option to purchase prior to the expiration of the lease. Funds for the purchase include $30,000 raised through a variety of fundraising activities, with the balance provided through a loan from Wachovia Bank.

“I want to offer special thanks to Gary Brinson, Branch Manager of Wachovia's Bayboro office,” said John Valassis, chairman of the Old Theater Corporation Building Management Committee. “He and other officers of the bank were most helpful in arranging the terms of the loan to meet everyone's concerns. He was a great help.”

Extensive renovations have been made inside the building at the corner of Broad and Church Streets in Oriental over the past five years. The stage was built along with adding the curtains and lighting necessary for dramatic productions. The heating/air conditioning, electrical and plumbing systems were completely overhauled. All of the seats were replaced. The basics for a new sound system have been installed, with more to come. The most recent and obvious changes have been the purchase of the Civic Center's own grand piano and the painting of the exterior of the building.

Charlie Carpenter, chairman of Old Theater Corporation's Fundraising Committee, noted that the building purchase will present the group with new challenges. “While folks throughout the County have been very supportive in the past, we are going to have to refine and intensify our efforts to generate financial support for the Civic Center. We don't want the need to pay off the mortgage to interfere with our plans to complete the renovation of the building. We still have the remodeling of the facade that needs to be done.”

“I am very excited about today's events,” exclaimed Evelyn Stephenson, Old Theater Corporation's Vice President and Board member since its inception. “I have dreamed of this day for a long time. It's a major step forward which reflects the maturation of our efforts to bring a wide variety of cultural events to Pamlico County. We have grown tremendously over the past five years.”

Other members of the Old Theater Corporation Board of Directors who also have contributed many hours of time and effort toward the success of the Civic Center are Mary Byrnes, Secretary; Janet Stobie, representing Pelican Players, and Weldon Howe, Treasurer.

[Back to Top]

Pamlico-nc.com [ Cover ] [ Contents] [Advertisers Index ] [Feedback]