The Diana Wortham Theatre has begun construction on a new performance arts complex which will transform the single-stage venue into a three-venue arts complex – The Diana Wortham Center for the Performing Arts.

Back in 2015, the theatre started The Next Stage capital campaign, raising over $3.1 million to fund this renovation project. This will help fund the new center, which will be comprised of the existing Diana Wortham Theatre, the new Tina McGuire Theatre, and the new Henry LaBrun Studio.

Henry LaBrun Studio lobby walkway | Architectural rendering courtesy of Clark Nexsen.

The Tina McGuire Theatre, which will be located behind the box office west of the main stage, will feature a multi-use black box theatre with comfortable, tiered seating for 80 to 100 people. And, the new Henry LaBrun Studio, which will be southwest of the box office, will be a multi-use space seating 60 to 80 people for classes + events during the day, and a performance venue at night. This renovation will add 180 seats total to the space. 👏

In addition to the two new venues + updated theatre, the renovation project includes new offices for staff, an upgraded lobby with more seating + new concession area. The outdoor entrance will be transformed into a gathering space with a busker stage and seating for patrons, designated dining areas for White Duck Taco + Marble Slab Creamery, and an additional access area to the Henry LaBrun Studio.

Pro-tip: Diana Wortham Theatre will remain open for events scheduled all throughout the spring and summer – the refurbishment of the existing theatre is already complete – featuring an updated sound system, LED lights + Hearing Assistance Technology.

The two new spaces were named to honor two longtime patrons (Tina McGuire and Henry LaBrun) who have contributed to the theatre’s growth throughout its 27 years. By expanding into a three-venue arts complex, the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts will meet the needs of the broader community even better than before – by allowing more access to programming, developing new community partnerships, and adding educational offerings + space rental services to our community.

Excited for this renovation? So are we.

Click the buttons below to share with a friend who will want to see the finale of The Next Stage campaign. The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts officially opens in September at 18 Biltmore Ave. ⬇️

I’m excited to see the Center for the Performing Arts once it’s completed this fall. I think it’ll make a great community gathering space for families, individuals + professionals.

And, for all you spatial thinkers… here is a visual of where these additions will be.

Screenshot of The Next Stage blueprint via dwtheatre.com

What do you think about this renovation project? Comment below + let us know.

–Audra