Garner Performing Arts Center
Located in historic
downtown, Garner
Performing Arts
Center (742 W.
Garner Road) is
the cultural heart
of the community.
The intimate 471-
seat auditorium is housed inside
the old Garner High School, which
citizens and Town offi cials saved
from demolition in the 1990s.
In 2006, the building underwent extensive
renovation. The Town expanded the stage and
backstage area and, in 2011, rechristened the
auditorium and lobby area Garner Performing
Arts Center (GPAC). From top Broadway
performers to magicians and comedians—
and from American Idols to Miss America
contestants—the stage comes alive with an
impressive variety of shows and talent.
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The Broadway Voices series, which brings
top Broadway talent to GPAC for a fraction of
the price of a ticket in New York City, is one of
GPAC’s top draws. The series is the result of a
collaboration involving the Garner Chamber
of Commerce (garnerchamber.com), local
businesses, arts advocates and the Parks,
Recreation and Cultural Resources Department.
GPAC also boasts the It’s Showtime! series,
which brings national acts to Garner. The
series has included comedians, illusionists and
musicians representing a range of genres.
The series has also incorporated children’s
programs and a focus on African American
history and cultural arts in February.
GPAC is home to the acclaimed Towne
Players of Garner, a community theater
group that presents several productions per
year—including a show with a cast of young
people who have participated in a summer
theater camp offered by the Towne Players and
the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources
Department. The camp was featured in
Garner’s winning All-America City campaign in
garnernc.gov