Our Partners

History

  Visitor Information

  Support Pack Place!

Click above to view the  events ____________________

Support Pack Place and take advantage of this offer:

During inspection, it became evident that the 66 year-old Plaza Theatre, slated to be renovated, was not structurally sound.  Shortly after these findings, the city council voted to demolish the building.

When demolition teams began preparations to level the old theatre, the building lent them a hand.  Just weeks before the demolition was scheduled, the rear portion of the theatre collapsed.  The crew may have appreciated the extra help, but they didn't get the same cooperation from the rest of the building.  It took crews three different attempts before they were able to bring the old theatre crashing to the ground on April 19, 1988.

After the site was cleared, it was time to begin work on a brand new performing arts theatre.  This new theatre would be a showcase of local, regional and touring performers of all types.  

Peter George was called upon to design the new Diana Wortham Theatre, named for its most generous benefactor.  George now specialized in designing theatres after growing tired of being called in to "fix" acoustics in existing theatres.  The slight curvature of the ceiling, and the use of carpet only where needed, ensure the sound is not absorbed and bounces back to theatre patrons in the audience.

Numerous smaller items help to achieve the theatre's "intimate" feel.  Seats from Radio City Music Hall, intricate woodwork, state of the art lighting, and much more make the Diana Wortham one of the finest performance theatres in Western North Carolina.

(Back to Contents)