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Durham Performing Arts Center facts for kids

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Durham Performing Arts Center
DPAC.jpg
Address 123 Vivian Street
Durham, North Carolina
United States
Coordinates 35°59′36″N 78°54′08″W / 35.99333°N 78.90222°W / 35.99333; -78.90222
Owner City of Durham
Operator Nederlander Organization and
Professional Facilities Management
Type performing arts center
Capacity 2,712
Construction
Opened November 30, 2008
Architect Szostak Design

The Durham Performing Arts Center (often called the DPAC) is a large and exciting place for shows in Durham, North Carolina. It opened on November 30, 2008. At the time, it was the biggest performing arts center in the Carolinas.

DPAC hosts more than 200 shows every year. These include big Broadway plays, concerts, comedy shows, and family-friendly events. It is also home to the American Dance Festival. The DPAC is managed by two companies, Nederlander and Professional Facilities Management (PFM). It has been named the top performing arts group in the Triangle area many times.

Building the DPAC was part of a bigger plan to make downtown Durham a lively place. This plan also included areas like the American Tobacco Historic District and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. DPAC has been listed among the top theaters worldwide for how many people visit. In 2011, it was the #1 U.S. Theater for venues under 4,000 seats. By August 16, 2016, over 3 million people had visited DPAC since it opened.

How DPAC Was Built and Paid For

The Durham Performing Arts Center was created by a team of developers and architects. The main architect was Szostak Design Inc. from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The theater can hold 2,712 people. The very first show on opening night was a concert by the famous musician B. B. King.

The city of Durham owns the theater. The city works with Nederlander Organization and Professional Facilities Management to run it. These companies promise to host at least 100 events each year. They also cover any money losses for the first five years.

The city borrowed money to build the center. They used a special way to borrow money that did not need a public vote. Other money for the project came from naming rights and a big donation from Duke University. Duke University gave $7.5 million. The theater also hosts the seven-week American Dance Festival summer series. This festival used to be at Duke University's Page Auditorium.

Even though the city had some challenges getting companies to pay for naming rights, the theater has been very successful. It has brought in much more money than expected. The number of visitors, events, and total earnings have all been higher than planned. The city's share of the theater's earnings has also been much higher than first thought. For example, in 2009-2010, the city's share was over five times more than expected.

DPAC Durham
Spectators Entering Durham Performing Arts Center

DPAC has also helped the local economy a lot. It has brought in more money for the city than the original estimates of $7 million to $11 million per year. In its first seven months, it added $10.9 million to the city's economy. By 2009–2010, this impact grew to over $24 million.

The Durham Performing Arts Center has also helped downtown Durham's restaurants. Many new restaurants have opened near the theater since it started. These restaurants get a lot of business from people going to shows. DPAC was even mentioned in a CNN Money article that named Durham as a top place to live. The theater has also helped create jobs in North Carolina's hospitality industry.

In 2017, the theater had a renovation. They updated the seats and carpet. That same year, DPAC was ranked 5th in the U.S. for theater ticket sales by Pollstar magazine. Worldwide, it was ranked 6th. By the middle of 2017, it had hosted 223 events and sold over 240,000 tickets. Some of its most popular Broadway shows that season included The King and I and Finding Neverland. In 2018, the venue hosted The Color Purple.

Amazing Performances at DPAC

The Durham Performing Arts Center mainly hosts big national touring shows. The very first show, which sold out, was by the legendary blues musician B.B. King. DPAC has also hosted local shows, like a Triangle production of A Christmas Carol. It also features the biggest acts from the American Dance Festival.

Many famous performers have graced the DPAC stage:

  • Joan Baez performed there in September 2018 as part of her final tour.
  • Bob Dylan also performed in November 2018.
  • Chris Rock performed three sold-out stand-up shows in April and June 2022.
  • Ellen DeGeneres performed a stand-up show at DPAC on August 7, 2024, as part of her farewell tour.

Other well-known comedians and performers who have appeared at DPAC include:

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