Wilmington 's Thalian Hall Community Theatre Honored by State of NC

Wilmington's historic Thalian Hall recently was designated by the state Assembly as the Official Community Theatre of the State Of North Carolina. What an honor for this gem of architecture in historic downtown Wilmington.

Listed on the National Register for Historic Places, Thalian Hall is the oldest existing theatre in the country. Built in 1858, it currently serves as both the city hall and our premier Theatre Arts Center.

Thalian Hall has been known through the years by name was the "Opera House" and "Academy of Music". At the time of the completion of Thalian Hall, Wilmington became a major stop for national touring artists. Artists who have graces the stage in include Buffalo Bill Cody, John Phillip Sousa, and Lillian Russell.

Close to being demolished in the 1930's and 40's, the local community fought hard for its preservation.

In 1973, after small fire in the auditorium, Thalian was restored to its original glory and reopened in 1975 with resurgence in popularity and attendance. In 1985 the citizens of Wilmington passed a $1.7 million bond and The Thalian Hall Renovation and Expansion Project got underway. Additional grants from private citizens and state funds were generated for the effort, Construction on the $5 Million project began in 1988, the expanded Thalian Hall/ City Hall complex reopened on March 2, 1990.

Currently Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts is seeking support for a program of renovations and improvements, as well as the construction of an additional theatre area.

The Next Stage Campaign has a goal to raise eight million dollars. The City of Wilmington has committed to $3,000,000 and the Board of Trustees has pledged over $300,000. Another $540,000 has been pledged by several companies including BB&T, Cooperative Bank, Corning Foundation, Cape Fear Bank, Jeff Gordon Chevrolet, and Gateway Bank.

Our local REALTOR^® community is proud to be Serving the Needs of Others by joining the fundraising effort by Our goal is to raise $25,000 or more by the end of the year.