DIVERSITY AND DEPTH
For seasoned art aficionados, theater buffs and dance devotees, the Triangle is the place to be. Without venturing too far from home, Triangle residents can see a hit Broadway play, soak in world-class art exhibits, or bob their heads to the beat of the American Dance Festival.
Many new Triangle residents are a bit surprised when they discover the diversity and depth of the region’s art and theater scene. But when you consider that our community is home to the state capital, three major universities and six colleges, it’s no wonder that we have a little something for everyone.
Performing Arts
The BTI Center for Performing Arts
Located in downtown Raleigh, the BTI Center for the Performing Arts is the “crown jewel” of the Triangle’s performing arts community.
Home to the Carolina Ballet, North Carolina Symphony, North Carolina Theatre and Broadway Series South, the BTI Center features four world-class performance venues: Memorial Auditorium, Meymandi Concert Hall, A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater and the K.D. Kennedy Theater.
Raleigh – 919-831-6011
www.raleighconvention.com/bti.html
The Carolina Theatre
This lovingly restored 1926 performance hall is a rich part of Durham’s history - the last remaining of 13 original theatres in Durham. Performances include internationally known jazz musicians, local dance ensembles, popular comedians, animal acts and more.
Durham – 919-560-3030
www.carolinatheatre.org
Playmakers / Paul Green Theatre
Entering its 29th season, PlayMakers Repertory Company is North Carolina’s premier professional, non-profit theatre company. Seasonal lineups regularly include classics by Shakespeare, Wilde, Williams and Miller as well as contemporary plays by new writers.
Chapel Hill – 919 962-PLAY
www.playmakersrep.org
NCSU Center Stage/Stewart Theatre
Stewart Theater features national touring productions of classic and contemporary plays, comedy and improvisation, musicals, experimental pieces, dinner packages, theater for children, and more. Located on the NCSU campus. Raleigh – 919-515-1100 www.fis.ncsu.edu/arts
Meredith Performs Theatre
Each season student actors present three to four main stage shows, usually a musical, a children's show, a classic piece and a contemporary play. Raleigh - 919-760-2840
www.meredith.edu
Transactors Improv Company
Based in Chapel Hill, this company performs in theaters, festivals, colleges and schools, mostly in the Southeast. It is the oldest active improvisational theater in the south. Raleigh – 919-824-0937
www.transactors.org
Man Bites Dog Theater
This professional, non-profit theater regularly showcases developing playwrights, directors, actors, and artists. Durham – 919-682-3343
www.manbitesdogtheater.org
American Dance Festival
This six-week festival, held every June and July, features performances by internationally renowned dancers and choreographers, workshops, seminars, classes and discussions. All performances are held on the Duke University campus. Durham – 919-684-6402 www.americandancefestival.org
Pine Cone
The Piedmont Council of Traditional Music is a private, non-profit, organization dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional forms of music, dance and other performing arts. Traditional music includes fiddle tunes, ballads, bluegrass, blues, gospel, swing, folk and old-time.
Various venues – 919-990-1900 www.pinecone.org
Raleigh Little Theatre
Begun in 1936, Raleigh Little Theatre is one of the oldest continuously operating community theatres in the country. Now in its 67th season, RLT showcases 11 productions each year, with more than 150 performances. No other theatre in North Carolina produces as many shows.
Raleigh – 919-821-3111
www.raleighlittletheatre.org
Theatre in the Park
With more than 40,000 people attending programming last year alone, Theatre In The Park is one of the largest community theatres in North Carolina. Located in Raleigh’s scenic Pullen Park. Raleigh – 919-831-6936 www.theatreinthepark.com
Art & Science Museums
North Carolina Museum of Art
The North Carolina Museum of Art’s permanent collection spans more than 5,000 years, from ancient Egypt to the present, making it one of the premier visual arts museums in the Southeast. The Museum also showcases national touring exhibitions from artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Ansel Adams, Rubens and Rembrandt. Other Museum events include classes, lectures, family activities, a summer outdoor film series and concerts.
Raleigh – 919-839-6262
www.ncartmuseum.org
Artspace
Artspace is a private, non-profit visual arts center located in downtown Raleigh’s historical City Market. Featuring approximately 40 artists who work in an open-studio environment, the center hosts 15-20 regional, national and international exhibitions annually. Raleigh – 919-821-2787 www.artspacenc.org
Museum of Life and Science
The Museum of Life and Science in Durham is one of the nation’s top children’s museums. Children of all ages will be fascinated by a 15-ft high indoor tornado, a three-story glass conservatory that houses hundreds of exotic butterflies, and a one-of-a-kind interactive exhibition of live insects. Durham – 919-220-5429 www.ncmls.org
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
The exhibits of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences look at the natural world through the distinct lens of North Carolina’s diverse geography, geology, plants and animals. Highlights include an exhibit of the world’s only known fossilized dinosaur heart. Raleigh – 877-462-8724 www.naturalsciences.org
North Carolina Museum of History
This museum features permanent exhibits including North Carolina and the Civil War and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. Examples of changing exhibits include Raleigh and the Women’s Suffrage Movement and Music of the Carolinas.
Raleigh - 919-807-7900 www.ncmuseumofhistory.org
Exploris
Exploris is the world’s first museum focusing on how our planet works, and the part that each of us can play in it. The museum features interactive, hands-on exhibits, performing arts and visual arts. Through the museum’s exhibit halls, middle school and IMAX theatre, Exploris endeavors to bring the world to downtown Raleigh.
Raleigh – 919-834-4040 www.exploris.org
