Washington Spotlight: Arts Of The Pamlico’s Historic Turnage Theatre

WASHINGTON SPOTLIGHT

The Arts of the Pamlico’s Historic Turnage Theatre is located within the Washington Historic District, which consists of late 18th-century-to early-20th-century commercial, public, and domestic buildings. After fre and other causes destroyed most of the 19th-century wood frame buildings in downtown, merchants began rebuilding the central business district using masonry load-bearing construction.

The theater is composed of two buildings - the vaudeville theater constructed between 1910-1913 and the movie theater directly behind the vaudeville theater, which was constructed between 1928-1930. The theater is a unique facility not only because it has two theaters but also because it is an exceptional record of the magnifcent interior environment and elaborate decorative plaster details that exemplifes the architectural language and construction method of the early 20th century. The building is an example of one of the more grand and opulent commercial buildings of that era.

Painting by John Groessor

The grandeur of the restored palace theater contrasts strikingly with the functional aesthetic of a modern-day movie theater. The theater building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing building to the Washington Historic District and today serves as the hub for arts and culture in Washington, N.C., and across Beaufort County.

Its vibrant arts and cultural programs ofer opportunities year-round for people to participate, lead and learn. Throughout the year, colorful art and fashion exhibits fll the Turnage Gallery and lush hallways of crystal chandeliers with plush red carpet.

The theater is home to more than a dozen cultural and arts groups, including visiting artists and school groups. Live music, theater, comedy, dance and opera are performed by AOP’s adult and youth community theater, East Carolina University Schools of Music and Theatre and Dance and Storybook Theatre, the local U.S. Dance chapter and visiting artists. High-defnition movies and flmed Broadway performances are featured on the big screen in the palace theater at 2 p.m. Tuesdays for a suggested donation of $5.

The juried 57th annual Fine Arts Show opens to the public Nov. 11 during the Beaufort County Community Orchestra’s free concert to kick of the holidays. It continues through the end of December. Beaufort holiday events continue with a Holiday Art Sale on Nov. 13 at Cofee Arts in the Old Swindell Store on Main Street in bath in early December." December. On Dec. 3, AOP will host daylight and evening tours in Historic Washington and on Dec. 4, a daytime tour in Cypress Landing, Chocowinity. Holiday activities for families include concerts, Children’s Holiday Shop, ”Polar Express” on the big screen and The Embers holiday concert Dec. 17.

Hungry? Stop by Val’s Gourmet in the Art Café’ onsite for a sweet treat. The creation of a commercial kitchen will expand AOP’s food oferings for visitors and events in 2022.

The theater is at 150 W. Main St. Call 946-2504 or visit www.artsofthepamlico.org or www.facebook.com/AOPTurnageTheatre.

10 Her Magazine — November 2021 www.reflector.com/her