Family Fun Guide

 
Arts Education, Performance Groups & Performing Arts Centers

The arts are a vital part of our community. On every level — from amateur to professional — opportunities to experience and participate in the arts abound in the Triangle. The world-class university and college programming in our area makes the arts accessible to individuals and families in ways that other communities can only dream about. Here, performing and visual arts thrive, as much for our enjoyment as for our education.

 

Arts Education

The following organizations offer multi-disciplinary instruction in the fine arts.

ArtsCenter

300-G E. Main St., Carrboro

(919) 929-2787 (ARTS)

www.artscenterlive.org

Live entertainment, including theater and music for all ages. Offers classes, events and activities year-round.

Artspace

201 E. Davie St., Raleigh

(919) 821-2787

www.artspacenc.org

Artspace is a private, nonprofit visual arts center dedicated to presenting quality exhibitions and educational programs within an open-studio environment. The facility is open to the public and includes three galleries featuring changing exhibitions by regional, national, and international artists. Includes 25 artist studios. Tues-Sat., 10am-6pm and First Fridays, 10am-10pm.

ArtsTogether

114 St. Mary’s St., Raleigh

(919) 828-1713

www.artstogether.org

A nonprofit community arts school that offers classes in dance, creative drama, visual art, voice, music and theatre production for students of all ages and skill levels. Also offers preschool and summer enrichment programs.

Durant Road Musical Theatre

Falls River Town Center, Raleigh (corner of Durant Rd. and Falls River Ave.)

(919) 844-3228

www.kidslovemusic.com

Offers community theatre experiences for adults and performance experiences for children ages 5-18. Programs offered include a children’s show choir, piano lessons and drama workshops that range from short one-act plays to Broadway musicals complete with sets, props, costumes and music.

Durham Arts Council

120 Morris St., Durham

(919) 560-2787 (ARTS)

www.durhamarts.org

Offers various classes for children and adults, performances, exhibits and presentations. Also offers summer programs and day camps.

Explore! … Beyond School

3708 Benson Dr., Raleigh

901 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary

Impact Athletics, Towerview Ct., Cary

(919) 862-8866 for all locations

www.ExploreBeyondSchool.com

Explore! offers enrichment and instruction for all ages in its centers, including classes for homeschool students in the mornings. Explore! also brings programs to schools and institutions. Music, art, clay and technology instruction for all ages is offered year round, plus extensive summer camps, track out camps and winter workshops. Kindermusik is offered for ages 18 months and up; Mini Mozarts, a unique pre-piano curriculum is offered for ages 4-6, music including piano, guitar, violin and voice offered for ages 6 and up, art classes begin at age 4 1/2.

Garner Arts Association, Inc.

110 Pearl St., Garner

(919) 662-7771

www.garnerarts.org

A nonprofit arts association offering a variety of classes and workshops for children and adults.

Hats Off Theatre Co.

Southern Village, 610 Market St., Chapel Hill

919-475-0988

www.hatsofftheatre.com

Year-round workshops and summer camps for grades K-12. Offers instruction in acting, scriptwriting, puppetry, pantomime and improvisation.

Jordan Hall Arts Center

908 N. Harrison Ave., Cary

(919) 469-4069

www.townofcary.org

Offers painting, clay and crafts classes for children and adults.

North Carolina Museum of Art

2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh

(919) 839-6262

www.ncartmuseum.org

Ongoing exhibits, lectures, classes and special programs, concerts, café and films for all ages. Free guided tours, Tues.-Sun., 1:30pm. Museum hours: Tues-Thurs & Sat, 9am-5pm; Fri, 9am-9pm; Sun, 10am-5pm. Free admission; special exhibits, $.

North Carolina Theatre

1 E. South St., Raleigh

(919) 831-6941

www.nctheatre.com

Kids on Broadway Conservatory for the Performing Arts offers instruction and training in acting techniques, movement and dance and vocal presentation.

North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre

7713-51 Leadmine Rd., Raleigh

(919) 866-0228

www.nract.org

Offers performing arts classes in acting, directing, dance and music, as well as Teen Improv classes, a children’s improv company, and summer camp. Classes include Saturday morning workshops.

Page-Walker Arts and History Center

119 Ambassador Loop, Cary

(919) 460-4963

www.townofcary.org

Offers classes in arts and history, visual arts, writing, painting, video projects, sculpture and clown camp.

Pullen Art Center

105 Pullen Rd., Raleigh

(919) 831-6126

http://www.raleighnc.gov

Offers classes and workshops, exhibits and special events.

Raleigh Little Theatre Youth Programs

301 Pogue St., Raleigh

(919) 821-4579

www.raleighlittletheatre.org

Offers a variety of classes and camps in acting, voice and storytelling for ages 4 and up.

Sertoma Art Center

1400 W. Millbrook Rd., Raleigh

(919) 420-2329

http://www.raleighnc.gov

Offers classes, workshops, exhibits and special events.

Performing Arts Groups

The following groups stage public performances throughout the Triangle.

African American Dance Ensemble

120 Morris St., Durham

(919) 560-2729

www.africanamericandanceensemble.org

Performances introduce audiences to the cultural richness of traditional African dance and music.

American Dance Festival

Campus of Duke University, Durham

(919) 684-6402

www.americandancefestival.org

Performances throughout the summer.

Broadway Dance Project

1105 Capital Blvd., Raleigh

(919) 835-0341

www.broadwaydanceproject.com

Carolina Ballet

(919) 719-0900 or (919) 834-4000

www.carolinaballet.com

Performances at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium and the AJ Fletcher Opera Theatre in Raleigh. Season tickets available.

Carolina Union Performing Arts Series

Frank Porter Graham Student Union Building, UNC-Chapel Hill

(919) 962-1449

http://carolinaunion.unc.edu

Offers music, dance and theater to the university and to the community.

CenterStage

Stewart Theater, North Carolina State University, Raleigh

(919) 515-1100 or 513-3030

www.ncsu.edu/centerstage

Performances include drama, dance, music, children’s programming and more.

City Ballet

7440 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh

(919) 844-9799

www.city-ballet.com

Offers classes and performances throughout the year, including Nutcracker performances in December.

Comedy Worx

431 Peace St., Raleigh

(919) 829-0822

www.comedyworx.com

Improvisational comedy played like a sport. A referee mediates two teams of comedians who compete for the biggest laughs and the most points by performing scenes and playing games based on audience suggestions. $. Family-friendly.

Duke University Performances and Broadway at Duke

Duke University, Durham

www.duke.edu/web/dukeperfs/tickets: (919) 684-4444 or www.tickets.duke.edu

Year-round theatrical productions, musicals and artistic presentations.

Duke University Union

www.duke.edu/web/duu

Sponsors and organizes concerts, speakers, film series, major attractions, special events and more.

Durham Symphony

(919) 560-2736

www.durhamsymphony.org

Orchestral concerts and other musical activities.

Garner Arts Association, Inc.

110 Pearl St., Garner

(919) 662-7771

www.garnerarts.org

Garner Arts Association Community Theater offers four or five performances each year. Two are for children.

Kazoom Children’s Theatre at Comedy Worx

431 Peace St., Raleigh

(919) 829-0822

www.carolinapuppets.com

Fast-paced puppetry, music and audience participation for preschoolers, ages 2-7.

North Carolina Symphony

2 E. South St., Raleigh

(919) 733-2750

www.ncsymphony.org

Founded in 1932, the North Carolina Symphony provides major orchestral concerts to all areas of the state. Also stages a yearly youth concerto competition, sponsors the Triangle Youth Philharmonic for high-school-aged musicians and presents a Young People’s Series in Raleigh.

North Carolina Theatre

One E. South St., Memorial Auditorium, Raleigh

(919) 831-6950

www.nctheatre.com

Each year, the North Carolina Theatre offers an exciting season of well-known Broadway musicals and shows, blending local talent with seasoned Broadway performers.

North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre

7713-51 Leadmine Rd., Raleigh

(919) 866-0228

www.NRACT.org

Offers year-round Mainstage and Children Performing for Children Series productions, as well as a children's company and an adult repertory company.  Home of Raleigh's Village Idiots comedy improv company and family-friendly shows.

The Opera Company of North Carolina

(919) 783-0098

(919) 834-4000 for tickets

www.operanc.com

Season or individual tickets for performances, geared toward families.

PineCone, the Piedmont Council of Traditional Music

(919) 990-1900

www.pinecone.org

Performs music from North Carolina’s heritage at NC State University’s Stewart Theatre, the Museum of History and the Garner Family Series. Performances include fiddle tunes, ballads, bluegrass, blues, gospel, swing, folk and more.

PlayMakers Repertory Company

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

(919) 962-PLAY (7529)

www.playmakersrep.org

Each season offers five to six shows of classical and modern work.

Rags to Riches Theater for Young Audiences

103 Spring Rd., Durham

(877) 956-9891

www.rags-to-riches.org

Touring theatre for adults and children. Offers a six-show repertory, with a special show in December.

Raleigh Boychoir

(919) 881-9259

www.raleighboychoir.org

Offers 15-20 performances annually. Home season includes the Fall Concert, the traditional Carols of Christmas, and a Spring Concert. A year's schedule is filled out with engagements ranging from family oriented events at the NC Museum of Art to festivals, celebrations and performances with the North Carolina Symphony. Also offers summer camp.

Raleigh Dance Theatre, Inc.

(919) 834-1058

www.raleighdance.org

A performance-training company for advanced, pre-professional ballet dancers. RDT also provides training for young dancers.

Raleigh Little Theatre

301 Pogue St., Raleigh

(919) 821-4579 for information; (919) 821-3111 for tickets

www.raleighlittletheatre.org

Indoor and outdoor theaters house dramas, comedies and musicals throughout the year in the Main Stage Series, City Series and Family Series. Offers entertainment, education and community programs year-round.

Raleigh Symphony Orchestra

(919) 546-9755

www.raleighsymphony.com

Offers critically acclaimed classical, family (children’s) and pops concerts. Education programs for young people.

Theatre in the Park

107 Pullen Rd., Raleigh

(919) 831-6936

www.theatreinthepark.com

Season includes four main-stage productions, classes, workshops and independent productions. 

Young People’s Performing Company

120 Morris Street, Durham

(919) 560-2745

Offers year-round performance-oriented drama classes for children grades K-12.

Performing Arts Centers

 

 

Whether you want to catch a concert, see a show or watch a play, the following venues are home to hundreds of engaging performances every year.

Alltel Pavilion at Walnut Creek

3801 Rock Quarry Rd., Raleigh

info: (919) 831-6400

tickets: (919) 834-4000

www.alltelpavilion.com

Award-winning outdoor amphitheatre offers a variety of concerts and festivals each year. Performances include rock, country, folk, hip-hop and more. Celebrating its 16th anniversary season, Alltel Pavilion features 7,000 reserved seats with room for another 13,500 fans on the festival lawn. At each show there is a special designated Family Zone reserved for families and friends that enjoy an alcohol- and tobacco-free concert experience. Owned by the City of Raleigh and operated by Live Nation, the Pavilion also has a strong commitment to the community helping area nonprofit groups raise over a half-million dollars each summer.

Koka Booth Amphitheatre at Regency Park

8003 Regency Parkway, Cary

(919) 462-2052

www.boothamphitheatre.com

Outdoor performing arts facility accommodates 7,000 patrons. Located among 14 acres of hardwoods and pines, next to Symphony Lake.

ArtsCenter

300-G E. Main St., Carrboro

(919) 929-2787 (ARTS)

www.artscenterlive.org

Live entertainment, including theater, music, classes, events and activities for adults and kids.

Progress Engery Center for the Performing Arts

S. Wilmington and South Streets, Raleigh

(919) 831-6011

www.raleighconvention.com

Home to NC Symphony and NC Theatre, as well as Broadway on Tour productions. Progress Energy Center includes Memorial Auditorium, Meymandi Hall, Fletcher Opera Theatre and the Kennedy Theatre.

Carolina Theatre

309 Morgan St., Durham

(919) 560-3030

www.carolinatheatre.org

A beautifully restored 1926 performance hall offering drama, music, dance, comedy and more. Two state-of-the-art cinemas show independent films and host film festivals.

Dean E. Smith Center

Bowles Dr., Chapel Hill

The home of UNC Tarheels’ basketball. Occupies almost eight acres and has a seating capacity of 21,750 for basketball games. Also hosts concerts, special shows and more.

Durham Arts Council

120 Morris St., Durham

(919) 560-ARTS (2787)

www.durhamarts.org

Offers performances, exhibits and presentations for children and adults. Also offers CenterFest, an annual street festival. Professional and amateur artists and arts organizations produce music, theatre, dance, visual, media and literary art.

Forest Theatre (UNC)

Country Club Rd., Chapel Hill

Outdoor performance theater.

The Garner Historic Auditorium

742 W. Garner Rd., Garner

(919) 661-4602

Renovated auditorium seats 512.

Hayti Heritage Center

804 Old Fayetteville St., Durham

(919) 683-1709

www.hayti.org

Anchor programs include Artsquest Summercamp, Black Diaspora Film Festival, Bull Durham Blues Festival, Heritage Arts for Youth, Spirit of Hayti Gala, and concerts, exhibits, workshops, children’s events and a gallery showing African American artwork.

Memorial Hall

UNC Campus, Chapel Hill

(919) 962-1449

http://carolinaunion.unc.edu

Hosts performances that are part of the Carolina Union Performing Arts Series, as well as NC Symphony performances, visiting artists and more.

Page Auditorium

Duke University, West Campus, Durham

(919) 684-4444

www.tickets.duke.edu

Home to Broadway at Duke, American Dance Festival, rock concerts, symphony and jazz performances, ballet, modern dance and more.

Paul Green Theatre

UNC Campus, Chapel Hill

(919) 962-7529

Hosts the PlayMakers Repertory Company.

Pullen Art Center

105 Pullen Rd., Raleigh

(919) 831-6126

www.raleighnc.gov

Hosts outdoor concerts, festivals, visual art gallery and other special events.

RBC Center

1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh

info: (919) 861-2300

tickets: (919) 834-4000

www.RBCcenter.com

Home of the Carolina Hurricanes and NC State University's men's basketball. Also hosts concerts, motorsports, ice shows, circuses, conventions and much more.

Sertoma Art Center

1400 W. Millbrook Rd., Raleigh

(919) 420-2329

www.raleigh-nc.org/parks&rec/sertoma/sertoma.htm

Hosts outdoor concerts, festivals and other special events.

Stewart Theater

Talley Student Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh

info: (919) 515-3927 (for information)

tickets: (919) 515-1100 (for tickets)

www.ncsu.edu/arts

Hosts annual CenterStage performance series, PineCone Traditional Music series and other dance, music and theatre events.


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