Be a part of history!

Together we’re going to reopen a rare gem - AOP’s c. 1913 Vaudeville Playhouse

For more than 100 years, the Historic Turnage Theatre has been a place where arts, culture and community come together through performances, cultural events, youth activities, workshops & classes and more to grow, discover something new, and build community.

Now, an important part of our historic theatre that most in the community have yet to experience is ready to come alive with art once again.

The c.1913 New Theatre Vaudeville Playhouse represents another chapter from decades ago at the Turnage and an opportunity to create a vibrant space for performances, programs, artists, and our community to benefit from.

Goal Phase I : $ 400,000

Join us in reopening the Vaudeville Playhouse with a gift to renovate elements of the

Vaudeville Playhouse to reopen it in 2028!

MAKING HISTORY. BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE. PRESERVING THE PAST.

Anticipated Results of Phase I (June 2026 - December 2027)

  • Restore the Grand Staircase Entrance from Main Street
    Remove storage closet and widen the original 14 ft wide staircase leading to the Playhouse.

  • Strengthen the Staircase Landing
    Replace the second-floor stair landing and wall

    Shore up the mezzanine underpinning to preserve this space that marks an era pre-Civil Rights.

  • Prepare the Playhouse for Performances
    Expanding electrical connections throughout the Playhouse.

  • Ensure Safety
    Add a second egress for exits on the far side of the Playhouse, extend fire alarm system

  • Light Up the Playhouse

Install emergency and period lighting and basic stage lighting.

  • Restore Historic Theatre Elements
    Repair flooring removed during joist installation, rebuild the stage proscenium arch and staircases.

  • Stage the Stage
    Repair the stage flooring and wings for future stage perforrmances

  • Heat & Cool the Playhouse
    Add non-invasive heating & air and air circulation equipment to support year-round use of the space.

Phase II (January - December 2028)

  • Accessibility - add an elevator from the Main Street level to the Playhouse for accessibility for all.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RESTORATION?

We would be glad to hear from you.

Debra Torrence
Executive Director
Arts of the Pamlico
debra@artsofthepamlico.org

3% Cover the Fee
A collage featuring historical photos of the Vaudeville Museum of the Southeast in the early 1900s, including the theater's entrance and a performance of dancers in costumes.
An old, dusty camera with a large lens is sitting on a wooden floor in an abandoned building, with a chair and some equipment in the background.
An interior of a building under renovation with wooden scaffolding, debris, and construction materials scattered around. There are large windows letting in natural light, and the walls show signs of age and wear.
Interior of a building under renovation with exposed brick and partially torn walls, wooden framework supporting the ceiling, and construction debris on the floor.
Interior of a building under renovation with exposed wood framing, peeling paint, and construction equipment and furniture scattered around.
Black and white photo of a city street with vintage cars, buildings with decorative facades, and a large banner advertising back-to-school week from September 12 to September 17.
Interior of a building under renovation with exposed brick walls, wooden floors, and construction supports.
The interior of a room under renovation with exposed wooden flooring, ceiling, and window frames. Construction materials and tools are scattered around, and a chair is present near the windows.
Interior of a building under renovation with exposed brick walls, large windows, and construction workers. The floor is unfinished wood, and some construction materials and tools are scattered around.
Black and white photo of an empty bus stop or shelter, with a bench and a structure for shelters.
Close-up of a metal mold with peeling paint, used for creating decorative architectural elements, resting on a dusty surface.
Black and white photo of a street scene with pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, including a classic car, in front of a theater and signage for a store called Turnage.
A worn, yellowish wall with remnants of graffiti, peeling paint, and bullet holes. Part of a person's leg in blue clothing is visible at the bottom of the image.
Scene of an interior space under renovation with exposed wooden framework, scaffolding, vintage ceiling tiles, and construction materials.
Old metal golf cart with a wooden seat and no golf clubs, surrounded by a chain barrier in a wooden interior.