Centre Stage has begun a promising 2026 with expanding audiences, physical space and outreach opportunities.
Laura Nicholas, who became executive artistic director in 2020, said the nonprofit is completing the first phase of renovation of a building it purchased on Laurens Road.
“The new facility has a rehearsal studio and classrooms as well as storage for our sets, props and costumes,” Nicholas said. “The space will hold workshops like light and sound tech, set and costume design and be used as a community resource.”
Last year, Centre Stage had over 40 sold-out shows and extended the run of multiple shows when demand was high.Nicholas said quality programming and consistent marketing over the last few years have increased awareness of the theater both locally and regionally.
“Last year we had over 40 sold-out shows and extended the run of multiple shows when demand was high. Season memberships are up over 30 percent from the previous year,” she said. “Word of mouth continues to be the number one way people learn about Centre Stage, when people coming through our doors have an incredible experience and tell their friends.”
Centre Stage is committed to offering quality programming and cultivating local artistry. Those who support the theater through donations or ticket purchases are also investing in local talent, Nicholas said.
“A good production starts with a good script, and we’re intentional about our choices. We’ve had several regional premieres of well-known shows like ‘Once,’ ‘Waitress,’ ‘Beautiful’ and ‘Dear Evan Hansen,’” she said. “Because we hire exceptional local talent, we’re providing something unique in the Upstate at a different price point.”
Centre Stage is now in its 20th year of partnering with the Metropolitan Arts Council to curate an art gallery in the theater’s lobby. Visitors can enjoy the art during box office hours or when attending a show.
“MAC does a good job of choosing the art display so that it connects to the story being told,” Nicholas said. “When you come to a show, you’re celebrating visual art as well as theatrical arts.”
Community Foundation of Greenville awarded Centre Stage an $8,500 Capacity Building Grant in 2025.
“The grant purchased our staff new laptops, which are used for everything from ticketing to online meetings. It makes a huge difference in making our day-to-day operations more effective,” Nicholas said. “Some donors like to give to programming, but if you’re willing to donate to infrastructure, your gift can have an exponential effect.”
Centre Stage’s current production, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” continues through April 4. “A Few Good Men” runs May 7-24.
Subscriptions go on sale in May for 2026-27 “A Season of Icons,” which includes productions of Neil Simon’s “Rumors,” “Million Dollar Christmas Quartet,” “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations,” “Mean Girls,” and Hitchcock-inspired murder mystery “The 39 Steps. ”
To learn more, visit centrestage.org.
Visit cfgreenville.org to learn more about the Community Foundation of Greenville.
