North Carolina Theatre to Cease Operations in May After Four Decades
Raleigh's largest professional theatre company is shutting down after failing to secure additional funding.
By: Joshua Wright Apr. 03, 2025
North Carolina Theatre, a cornerstone of Raleigh's performing arts scene for the past 40 years, will cease operations in early May 2024. The announcement follows the company's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and the suspension of all productions earlier this year.
A representative for the organization confirmed that the theatre was unable to obtain the funding needed to continue operations, reports WRAL News. The company has been headquartered at the Martin Marietta Performing Arts Center in downtown Raleigh.
"The financial restructuring is a necessary step toward rebuilding and revitalizing The North Carolina Theatre for the future," the theatre said in a statement.
Founded in 1983, North Carolina Theatre has long been recognized as the city’s largest professional theatre company, staging Broadway-style musicals and serving as a training ground for emerging talent.
The closure is part of a broader trend, as performing arts organizations across the country have struggled with financial instability during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Best Musical - Top 3
1.
WAITRESS: THE MUSICAL (Theatre Raleigh)
15.2% of votes
2.
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Playmakers Reperatory Company)
12.9% of votes
3.
TUCK EVERLASTING (Studio 1)
10% of votes
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