The Durham Performing Arts Center, or DPAC, as it is known for short, opened in 2008. Over its short life, this live entertainment venue in Durham, North Carolina has gained plenty of national recognition. It has also received its fair share of local awards, all while helping to transform the Research Triangle region into one of the country’s best performing arts destinations. Major musical acts, renowned comedians, and Broadway shows are just some of the things that the Durham Performing Arts Center brings to the stage. According to the center itself, however, "the stage is not just for performances." The Durham Performing Arts Center also plays host to meetings, conferences, receptions, and other special events. Available rental spaces for special events include the center’s main Performance Theatre, its 6,000-square-foot Mildred and Dillard Teer Stage, and its dramatic glass-walled lobby. Only lending to the allure of the Durham Performing Arts Center as a private events venue are its competent staff and its access to specially qualified vendors.

Durham Performing Arts Center Seating Chart

A Durham Performing Arts Center seating chart shows that the main Performance Theatre has three different seating levels. These levels include the Orchestra floor, the Grand Tier, and the Balcony. There are 1,400 seats on the Orchestra floor, 600 seats in the Grand Tier, and 700 seats in the Balcony. This brings the seat total to 2,700. None of the seats at the Durham Performing Arts Center is more than 135 feet from the center stage, so regardless of where you sit, you can expect the views to be of considerable quality. Just remember to reserve your seat as far in advance as possible, as they can go fast, especially for big ticket performances.

Durham Performing Arts Center Parking

The Durham Performing Arts Center can be found at 123 Vivian Street in the American Tobacco District of Durham. This puts it in the downtown area within rather close proximity of Duke University. Also found near the Durham Performing Arts Center are numerous parking spaces. In fact, there are a more than 3,000 parking spaces that are just a fraction of a mile from the theater. Many of these spaces are found at one of four area parking decks. These parking decks include the American Tobacco North Deck at 305 West Pettigrew, the Corcoran Street Parking Deck at 101 East Corcoran Street, the American Tobacco East Deck at 250 South Mangum Street, and the American Tobacco South Deck at 705 Willard Street. Both credit cards and cash are accepted at the American Tobacco North Deck and the American Tobacco East Deck. The other two parking decks accept cash only.

North Carolina Map

Durham Performing Arts Center Hotels

There are plenty of Durham hotels to choose from. Add in the hotels that are found in such other area cities as Raleigh and Chapel Hill, and the number of accommodations near the Durham Performing Arts Center only increases. For those who wish to stay as close as possible to the theater, however, the Durham Marriott City Center (pictured) is the hotel of choice. This amenity-filled retreat is located in the heart of downtown at 201 Foster Street, which puts it just blocks from DPAC. Other hotels of note in the more immediate area include the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club and the King’s Daughters Inn. The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, 3001 Cameron Blvd, can be found on the campus of Duke University and is the only AAA Four Diamond hotel in Durham. It offers convenient town car service for its guests, which can be used for such things as trips to the theater. The King’s Daughters Inn, 204 N. Buchanan Blvd, is a historic structure that has been reborn as a boutique bed and breakfast. It is centrally located in Durham and just minutes from the Durham Performing Arts Center.