BEAUFORT COUNTY
FUTURE of TURNAGE bright, expanding STORY BY JIM GREEN
T
he historic Turnage Theatre has
Torrence, executive director of the theater and
the vaudeville theater constructed between
been around, in some form or
its owner, the Arts of the Pamlico, since 2016.
1910-1913, and the movie theater directly
fashion, for more than a century.
“From live theatre to pottery to comedy, there’s
behind the vaudeville theater, which was
always something happening here,” she added.
constructed between 1928-1930.
And, if the Arts of the Pamlico and its many
partners have anything to say about it, it will be open for many more. This crown jewel of Eastern North Carolina
The Turnage Theatre, located within the
The vaudeville theater was constructed
Washington Historic District, is listed on the
in 1913 to provide theatrical entertainment
National Register of Historic Places.
all year round instead of traveling shows
is now the performance home of East
It is a unique facility, not only because it
that arrived on boats a few times a year. The
Carolina University’s school of music opera
has two theaters, but also it is an exceptional
building was later named after its present day
theatre program, has a year-round menu of
record of the magnificent interior environment
namesake, C.A. (Cat) Turnage.
performing arts on stage and a robust and
and elaborate decorative plaster details that
Because Washington was on the main line
growing offering of youth arts throughout the
exemplifies the architechural language and
of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad between
year, including after-school workshops, movie
construction method of the early 20th century.
New York, N.Y. and Miami, Fla., the Turnage
events, summer art camps for children ages
The grandeur of the Turnage contrasts strikingly
Theater (it was called the “New Theater”
5-15 and more.
with the functional aesthetic of a modern day
back then) was one of the stops for the
movie theater.
vaudeville acts traveling between those cities;
“The future of the historic Turnage Theatre is bright and expanding in the region,” said Debra
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The Turnage is composed of two buildings:
thus Washington developed into a major
