Guide to Garner 2018-19 edition | Page 22

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. 20 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