Playmakers Theatre facts for kids
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Historic Playmakers Theatre
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Historic Playmakers Theatre, a National Historic Landmark and former home to the Carolina Playmakers theater group
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 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | Cameron Ave., Chapel Hill, North Carolina |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1850 |
| Architect | Davis, A.J.; Town & Davis |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| Part of | Chapel Hill Historic District (ID71000604) |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000605 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 24, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | November 7, 1973 |
| Designated CP | December 16, 1971 |
The Playmakers Theatre is a very old and important building. It is located on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This building was first called Smith Hall when it was built in 1850.
It is special because of its amazing design. The building is a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a place recognized for its historical importance. It shows a style called Greek Revival, designed by Alexander Jackson Davis. Today, it is still used for performances. It is a second stage for the Playmakers Repertory Company. Their main stage is at the Paul Green Theatre.
A Special Building's Design
The Playmakers Theatre building is on the northern part of the UNC campus. It sits near the College of Arts and Sciences. The building looks like an ancient Greek temple. It is made of brick covered with a smooth, stucco finish.
At the front, there is a porch with a triangular roof. This roof is held up by tall, round columns. These columns have special tops called Corinthian capitals. They are decorated with designs of corn and tobacco leaves. These plants were very important crops in North Carolina long ago.
History of the Playmakers Theatre
Smith Hall, as it was known, was built in 1850. This was part of a big plan to improve the university campus. A famous architect named Andrew Jackson Davis helped with the campus design. He also worked on other old buildings like Old East and Old West.
The building was first used for social events and gatherings. Over the years, it had many different uses. It was a laboratory, a bath house, and even a law school. In 1923, it finally became a theater.
The building is the long-time home of the Carolina Playmakers. This group is now called the Playmakers Repertory Company. While they use a newer, bigger theater for most shows, the Playmakers Theatre is still a special place for performances.
See also
