News Summary
Greenville’s beloved theatre company, Centre Stage, is expanding with a new facility named The James and Beverley Whitten Centre for the Performing Arts, located at 1309 Laurens Road. This 20,000 square foot space is designed for community outreach, rehearsals, and educational activities, transforming the local arts scene. Generous donations have supported this $3.2 million project, with the first phase nearing completion and hopes for operations to begin by the end of the year.
Exciting News for Greenville: Centre Stage Expands with New Performing Arts Facility!
In a thrilling development for the vibrant arts scene in Greenville, the much-loved theater company Centre Stage is expanding its horizons! The new facility, which will be known as The James and Beverley Whitten Centre for the Performing Arts, is set to become a go-to hub for show preparation and educational activities.
A New Home on Laurens Road
Located at 1309 Laurens Road, this new facility is not going to be a performance venue like the familiar space on River Street. Instead, the focus here will be on supporting the local arts community and providing a dedicated space for activities such as community outreach, rehearsals, and even set construction. It’s an exciting time for local actors, students, and anyone involved in the performing arts!
Generous Support for a Bright Future
This major expansion has garnered generous support from the Beverley Kennett and James Smith Whitten Charitable Trust. Beverley Kennett Whitten, a long-time supporter and board member of Centre Stage, has always believed in the power of the arts to unite and inspire. Her commitment, alongside others’ contributions, has facilitated this remarkable growth.
Spacious New Facility
The facility itself is quite impressive, boasting 20,000 square feet of space spread over three stories. The building was acquired by Centre Stage back in 2018, but like many projects, its development faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, that hasn’t dampened spirits!
Phase one of construction is nearing completion, which included essential work like roof replacement and demolition. This phase alone came with a price tag of about $1.5 million, funded by donations from various foundations, including The Hollingsworth Funds and F. W. Symmes Foundation. Overall, the expansion is projected to cost around $3.2 million, a testament to the community’s eagerness to bolster local arts.
Exciting Features Await
As for what to expect inside, the new center will have a rehearsal space that is comparable to the main performance area downtown, which means actors can practice their skills in a setting that’s going to feel a lot like the real deal. The top floor will provide two office spaces for administrative use, while the second floor plans to initially serve as costume and prop storage. There are even future plans to convert that space into artist studios and rooms for music teachers!
On the bottom floor, you’ll find ample storage, set construction spaces, and workshops galore. This new layout allows actors to practice blocking unrestricted, making it easier for them to gear up for performances. It’s a real game-changer!
What’s Next for Centre Stage
Entering the new building is in sight, with the hopes of operations starting there before the end of the year. As for the second phase of construction, it hinges on ongoing fundraising efforts, meaning the timeline for those future plans is still a bit up in the air.
Anyone eager to jump in and support this promising endeavor can make donations through Centre Stage’s website. Every contribution gets us one step closer to enriching the arts scene right here in Greenville!
As we look forward to this exciting new chapter for Centre Stage, the anticipation can be felt all around. This expansion represents not only growth for the theater company but also for the entire community. Keep your eyes peeled – the arts in Greenville are about to get even more spectacular!
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Journal: Centre Stage Expands
- Fox Carolina: Winter Wonderettes at Centre Stage
- Greenville Journal: Cabaret at Centre Stage
- Post and Courier: James Hester at Centre Stage
- GVLToday: Theatre Guide in Greenville, SC
- Wikipedia: Performing Arts
- Google Search: Greenville theater expansion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theater
- Google News: Greenville Centre Stage
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
