Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Premier Event Venue in Newton, NC
Established in 1991, Newton Performing Arts Center has dedicated itself to preserving cultural heritage and enriching community life through the arts. Originally the Newton-Conover Auditorium, our historic Art Deco theater was rescued from demolition through collaborative efforts and transformed into a state-of-the-art performance venue. Our mission focuses on economic, cultural, and social development by providing arts education, performance opportunities, and accessible facilities. With 510 seats and modern amenities including live streaming capabilities, we host diverse events ranging from theatrical productions to corporate gatherings. Our nonprofit status reflects our commitment to community-driven programming, supported by ticket sales, sponsorships, and donations.The board of directors and professional staff ensure operational excellence while maintaining financial sustainability through public and private partnerships. Our facility includes the Abernethy Auditorium, McCreary Modern Gallery, and two studios for flexible event configurations. We prioritize accessibility, offering competitive rental rates for nonprofits and comprehensive technical support. Through strategic sponsorships and community engagement initiatives, we continue to deliver 'Small Town Theater, Big City Entertainment' to local and regional audiences.
Services
Event Rentals
Performances
Sponsorship Programs
Art Exhibits
Live Streaming
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer a historic Art Deco theater with modern technical capabilities
- Our nonprofit status ensures community-focused programming and pricing
- We provide flexible spaces for events up to 500 attendees
- Our staff maintains 30+ years of venue operation expertise
- We offer live streaming integration for hybrid events
Services
Event Rentals
Our 504-seat Abernethy Auditorium features state-of-the-art LED lighting, in-house sound, and live streaming capabilities. The space includes dressing rooms, computerized ticketing, and a full-size movie screen. Ideal for weddings, recitals, and corporate events, the rental includes access to our McCreary Modern Gallery and two studios. Our team provides technical support and flexible scheduling options.
Performing Arts
We present diverse performances from September to July, featuring local and regional talent. Our programming includes theater productions, musical performances, and cultural events. The venue's excellent acoustics and seating arrangement ensure optimal viewing from every seat. All performances utilize our advanced lighting and sound systems to deliver professional-quality productions.
Sponsorship Programs
Our tiered sponsorship packages offer businesses marketing exposure through theater advertising, website features, and event integration. Benefits include ticket allocations, logo placement on digital screens, and social media promotion. Sponsorships directly support arts programming while providing valuable brand visibility to engaged audiences. Packages range from $250 to $2,500 with corresponding benefits.
Art Exhibits
The McCreary Modern Gallery showcases rotating art exhibitions in a 150-capacity space with specialized display walls. Available for rent seven days a week, the gallery features wireless internet and climate control. Ideal for art openings, receptions, and community exhibitions, the space complements our main auditorium rentals for multi-space events.
Live Streaming
We offer professional live streaming services for events, enabling remote audience participation. The system integrates with our sound and lighting infrastructure for broadcast-quality productions. This service supports hybrid events combining in-person and virtual attendance, with technical staff available to ensure seamless execution for performances, meetings, and special occasions.
People
Marietta Burke
Executive Director
Marietta oversees all operations at Newton Performing Arts Center, bringing decades of arts administration experience. She manages programming, financial sustainability, and community partnerships while maintaining the venue's historic integrity and advancing its mission.
Angela Isenhour
Office Assistant
Angela manages day-to-day office operations, handling bookings, communications, and administrative support. With deep local knowledge, she assists patrons with event planning and coordinates between renters, sponsors, and staff.
April Wallace
Board Chairperson
April leads the board of directors, providing governance oversight and strategic direction. She represents the organization in community partnerships and ensures alignment with the center's mission while maintaining financial accountability.
Mark Pennell
Vice Chairperson
Mark supports board operations and strategic initiatives, focusing on facility development and community engagement. He works closely with staff to ensure the venue meets evolving technical and accessibility standards.
Brian Smith
Secretary
Brian maintains organizational records and ensures compliance with nonprofit regulations. He coordinates board meetings and documentation while supporting fundraising efforts and sponsor relations.
Questions
What types of events can be held at your venue?
Our spaces accommodate weddings, recitals, pageants, corporate events, art exhibitions, and community gatherings. The 504-seat auditorium works for large events while studios host smaller functions.
Are donation contributions tax-deductible?
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, all donations qualify for tax deductions according to IRS regulations. Contributions directly support arts programming and facility maintenance.
Do you offer technical support for rentals?
Yes, our staff provides lighting, sound, and live streaming support. We include basic technical packages with rentals and offer customized solutions for special requirements.
What makes your venue historically significant?
Originally Newton-Conover Auditorium, our Art Deco theater was saved from demolition in 1991. It's one of few remaining Art Deco theaters in North Carolina with restored architectural elements.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Nc Hitch
Jan 25, 2022
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Small quaint theater that has been wonderfully restored. It's a former high school auditorium so easy to see the stage and the performances close up
Ben Fowler
Jan 15, 2022
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Mutt's gone nuts performance was very enjoyable and funny. The facility was clean restrooms were clean, they have a elevator to reach the 2nd floor for easy access for Disabled persons
Monica Jade
Jan 15, 2022
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This is a great small local theater. It was too warm in the balcony and the bathroom needed paper towels but otherwise it was great. We were able to get concessions brought to our seats. There is not a lot of leg room, fyi. The dog show we watched was very cute.
Leslie Foster
Jan 13, 2022
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The show was fun, the place is nice but the seats are terrible!! Every person except for kids had there knees crammed in the seat in front of them. So uncomfortable!
Jackie Greene
Dec 28, 2021
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I love going to the special events here. It has a vintage flare. It is a special place. This time I watched The Nutcracker. It was great to see kids enjoying Christmas!
April Wallace
Nov 07, 2021
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The Murder Mystery dinner theater was so good! The talent of the actors being able to play several different parts was amazing- the food was really good! The wait staff was very attentive and the bar choices were great! I highly recommend and will definitely be looking forward to the February show
